The Children of Buchenwald : Child Survivors and Their Post-War Lives

Rating:
Summary: An excellent account of courage and redemption
Review: As a collection of stories that documents the experiences of a group of boys and young men during the Holocaust, this book could stand on its own. However, this book goes well beyond that.

At its heart, I believe that there are two stories in this book. The first is an inspiring story of how the human spirit can prevail. It tells how these boys and young men were able to overcome not only the horror, loss, and brutality that they had experienced during the Holocaust, but also being told that they were beyond redemption because they had seen and experienced too much. The fact that they were able to go on to build happy, productive lives for themselves is, to me, absolutely amazing. I know one of these survivors, Robbie Waisman, and I can vouch for his warm, generous spirit and the leadership he brings to the community. I must admit that whenever I hear his story I shake my head: I can't believe that this boy who experienced the horrors of the Holocaust is the same man who today I am very proud to call my friend. He has inspired me to believe that no matter what happens to me, I can overcome it.

The second illustrates the power that one person has in changing other people's lives. Adolph Hitler was successful in destroying the lives, both physically and spiritually, of millions. However, Judith Hemmendinger was instrumental in rebuilding the lives of these boys and young men; for me, she shows that if one is prepared to support unequivocally and remain confident of the potential of another human being, even if they are apparently beyond redemption, one can change not only the life of the other person, but also the community, for the better.

If you're looking for a book that will inspire you, I highly recommend this one.