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”
Tag Archives: Kindness
On the Way to Terezín
Our guide, Jiri, picked us up at our hotel. After a few minutes of introductions and small talk we climbed into his minivan and headed to Terezín. The drive there from Prague was about 45 minutes, and I used the time to explain to Jiri that my mother and her family were prisoners in TheresienstadtContinue reading “On the Way to Terezín”
It’s Time for a Miracle
This morning when I woke up and heard the news I was disgusted. NPR reports that Donald Trump wants to ban all Muslims from entering the United States (even US born citizens). Really? We actually have a presidential candidate who says ban people of a certain religion from our country. Wasn’t this country founded byContinue reading “It’s Time for a Miracle”
48 Amazing Hours
Two days ago I heard from the granddaughter of the man who helped to save my family. Here is what she sent.: Hello, the man who arranged the (false) passports was my grandfather. As I met Margret and Heinz several times … I remember several related stories. Here and there the facts are a bitContinue reading “48 Amazing Hours”
Research Dreams
Recently I have been delving into new questions related to my book. I want to know more about the falsified passport that saved my grandfather from being sent to Auschwitz. This is what I know so far: It was obtained from the Paraguayan Consulate in Bern Switzerland. I say “obtained” because I do not knowContinue reading “Research Dreams”
Perseverence in Research: Update
I found the daughter of the man who obtained the passports. She was very happy to hear from me as she had lost touch with our family after about 1950. She had a 1000 questions about my grandparents and mother and uncle. Now it is time to send her my 1000 questions about her fatherContinue reading “Perseverence in Research: Update”
Perseverance in Research or the Importance of Good Spelling
One of the leads that I have not found an answer to in my research has been how my grandfather was able to get a falsified passport that helped to save his family. What my mother has told me is that someone who my grandfather did business with in Switzerland somehow obtained two dozen copiesContinue reading “Perseverance in Research or the Importance of Good Spelling”
Bigotry, Bullies and Brundibar
Yesterday I went to Boston to see the Central Square Theater production of Brundibar & But the Giraffe! The original opera was written in 1938 by a Czech composer, Hans Krasa with a libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister. Krasa, a Jew, was imprisoned at Theresienstadt and later murdered in Auschwitz. Hoffmeister survived the war, but diedContinue reading “Bigotry, Bullies and Brundibar”
Journey of the Ring
I caught this short story on NPR yesterday. Warms the heart! I think I know a bit of how Mr. Cox feels as I have had the same surprise and appreciation each time I encounter someone across the miles who puts a piece of my family’s WWII story together.
Rhythms of Writing
During the school year there is a certain rhythm to my life. The day starts with getting my youngest and sometimes my bonus-son up and out the door for school. There is the 45 minute round trip in dropping them off and then getting home to a quiet house. Being a morning person I canContinue reading “Rhythms of Writing”
K Heidi Fishman (Popje and Me) 