We live in a time of labels and hyperbole and I don’t like it. Too many groups are being defined by labels that are then used to stereotype and marginalize. This tendency has been brought to my attention with two particular groups since my trip to Switzerland. The groups in question are the Poles andContinue reading “An Unnecessary Divide”
Author Archives: K Heidi Fishman
Swimming to the Start
As I turned my head to catch a breath of air all I could see above water was the distant edge of the crater and sky. The infinity pool at Beresheet is situated on the cliff above the Ramon Crater, the largest makhtesh in the world. The day before we took a Jeep ride intoContinue reading “Swimming to the Start”
A Story of Notarization
Dave asked me what I knew about the letter of notarization that accompanied the falsified Paraguayan passport. “Nothing,” I replied, “but I’ll see what I can find out.” I looked again at the letter. The notary’s stamp was clear. I did some internet sleuthing and I found his son, Avner Herzfeld, living part-time in SwitzerlandContinue reading “A Story of Notarization”
Walking with the President
We bought lunch at a kiosk before boarding the bus from Zurich to Lucerne along with the passport survivors and their families. Michael Schudrich, Chief Rabbi of Poland, sat next to us and I took the opportunity to show him the documents I had brought with me. He closed his eyes and gave a visibleContinue reading “Walking with the President”
Breakfast with the Ambassador
As we approached the Zürich Hotel Engimatt, I recognized Jakob Kumoch, the Polish Ambassador to Switzerland, just getting out of his van with his staff. We were early so Dave and I slowed our pace hoping to greet him inside instead of on the sidewalk. Mr. Kumoch turned around, saw us, said my name, andContinue reading “Breakfast with the Ambassador”
Visiting My Grandparents
My mother told me the code for the entrance gate. I reached out my car window and punched it in, but it didn’t work. Luckily, just at that moment a car exited the gated community. I put my foot on the gas and scooted in before the barrier bar closed. My mother and I wereContinue reading “Visiting My Grandparents”
Passport Update
In a few weeks I am going to a state ceremony honoring Konstanty Rokicki in Lucerne. I will be attending through an invitation from Ambassador Jakub Kumoch, who is the Polish Ambassador to Switzerland. Who is Konstanty Rokicki? And how did I receive an invitation from an ambassador? This is a long story and deservesContinue reading “Passport Update”
Vote of Confidence
I have been traveling to Connecticut a lot. I don’t mind. All the hubbub around Tutti’s Promise gives me an excuse to visit my parents. When people ask me about driving down to Southern New England I say my parents like it when I visit – but the truth is I like the visits too.Continue reading “Vote of Confidence”
Nautilus Silver Winner
More exciting news for Tutti’s Promise! Nautilus Book Awards has announced that we won Silver in Middle Grades Fiction. Now completing its 20th year, Nautilus Book Awards recognizes books that transcend barriers of culture, gender, race, and class, and promote conscious living & green values, spiritual growth, wellness & vitality, and positive social change. ThankContinue reading “Nautilus Silver Winner”
Yom HaShoah 2018
Over a year ago a classmate from Loomis-Chaffee, Jim Rice, invited me to come speak at his congregation. This week that invitation came to fruition as I spent three days at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, MI. My visit started with a lovely lunch and a tour of the building. Temple Beth El isContinue reading “Yom HaShoah 2018”
K Heidi Fishman (Popje and Me) 