Monthly Archive

The New Canaan library was full to capacity last week despite that horrible rainstorm (yes, another rainy night on the east coast).  I thank all of you for coming to hear this little known story of what happened in Italy during the Holocaust.  Thank you for your warm reception – especially for Ursula Korn Selig.  It was a wonderful evening that had an extra surprise for me. 

Esta and Jay Feinsod invited us to dinner.  They read the book on the way to Italy and were so taken by the story that they went to Campagna and visited the Museum of Memory and Peace. My cousin, Antonio was their guide!  They wrote to me about their experience and I was delighted to meet them and hear why they visited Campagna.  They did not know this story of goodness amidst evil during the Holocaust and did not know the story of Jews in Italy. It was the highlight of their 12 day trip.

I was delighted that they agreed to speak and tell the audience of their journey.  This is what this book is about.  It brings people together in unexpected ways.  

Thank you Cynde and Kathleen for hosting the event.  You were wonderful.

Elizabeth,

Your book is amazing. As a child of a Holocaust survivor, and one who has always been interested in the unique and fascinating individual stories, I was stunned by the depth and breadth of the stories you uncovered. I have always been a student of history and of Judaic studies (and have degrees in both from the University of Michigan), and I was only marginally aware of this story. You brought it to life!

Its a great story on so many levels–on the understanding of Jewish-Catholic relations, on humanitarianism, on moving forward, and of course, on being appreciative and thankful.

I am fortunate to work on many inter-group and inter-faith programs, and I have already recommended your book to so many. Its obvious that this was truly just a labor of love, and your dedication to this incredible group of survivors, to the nation and people of Italy, and to the Catholic church is inspiring.

I hope we’ll have the chance to work together.

Wishing you only the best as you continue the journey,

Kari Alterman
Detroit, Michigan

I will  be speaking at the New Canann Library with Ursula Korn Selig.

Thursday, July 23, 7:30pm, 151 Main Street, New Canaan, CT

Please call for  reservations: 594-5000

I hope you can come!

This is a sentence that I truly believe in.  The people in the book are alive today because people were not indifferent – they helped them – while risking their lives.

Edith Birns is a survivor of Auschwitz – and she states that “My neighbors did not help us.  They only wanted to know which cow gave the most milk.”

Walter Wolff said, “At least 50 people helped me while I was in Italy – and if each one of them did not do what they did, I might not have survived.”

Hello!

I have a confession.  I am not very good at this blogging thing  – but I think you noticed.  Anyone who knows me, knows that all this technology is – well – let’s just say – not my strong point.

I have much to fill you in on, and I will – but the most important thing I can tell you is being contacted by additional people who survived the Holocaust in Italy has been amazing.  They all say the same thing.  If they were not in Italy, they would not be here today.

George Radam said, “Because of Italy, I am an old American.”  What a statement.

Much more to come!