Overview

Al Kitmacher and Pearl Harris were heroes. In WWII, Al led his Jewish family to temporary safety, and through miracles he survived the Warsaw Ghetto and Nazi death camps. Pearl, with her military service, helped fellow Jews who were suffering at the hands of the Nazis. The author's family, who were lost to the Holocaust, are given a voice by recreating their lives in Nazi Europe of the 1930s and 1940s. Few methods of examining the roots of antisemitism are more revealing than the study of folklore and stereotypes. This is critical to understanding why the Holocaust happened, and why we are witnessing a resurgence of antisemitism today. The author explores folktales using a cinematic construct of the Holocaust as one part horror story, and the other part hero and superhero story. Longstanding beliefs in monsters, angels, and the supernatural are discussed. By reexamining the Holocaust, and through our joint humanity and hope, we can try to prevent a similar nightmare from happening again.

Full Product Details

Author:   Ira Wesley Kitmacher
Publisher:   Amsterdam Publishers
Imprint:   Amsterdam Publishers
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.90cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.558kg
ISBN:  

9789493276222

ISBN 10:   9493276228
Pages:   272
Publication Date:   17 June 2022
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Introduction PART I A SIMPLE LIFE Bustling, Simple Life before the Torches and Pitchforks Jewish, Polish, and German Folklore, Monsters, and Miracles Early Christian and German Views of Jews. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Good or Evil) The Kitmachers The Harris Family PART II EVIL AT THE GATE Nazis Invade and the Holocaust Begins America, the Allies, the Holocaust, and Superheroes America before World War II Hope, Miracles, and Extraordinary Interventions America Enters the War Nightmare In the Navy In Hell Dreams and More Miracles PART III GOOD PREVAILS Back to Civilian Life Freedom Al and Pearl Together—Hope Realized Stepping Back in Time—a Return to Germany End of Life Why It Happened: Grim Reality, Black Holes Hope Survives About the Author Kind Request Bibliography and Filmography Notes Amsterdam Publishers Holocaust Library

Reviews

"""The author ably situates his father's experience within folklore of the region-especially Jewish, Polish, and German-that either demonized the Jews or helped them cope with the catastrophe they endured. [...] Moreover, he limns an interesting account of the ways popular comic book icons in the United States, including Superman, were created by Jewish artists in part to galvanize public opinion regarding the war. [...] Still, the story of Al's escape from the Nazis, as well as the new life he started in the United States, is remarkable and affectingly conveyed, often in Al's own words."" - Kirkus Reviews"

The author ably situates his father's experience within folklore of the region-especially Jewish, Polish, and German-that either demonized the Jews or helped them cope with the catastrophe they endured. [...] Moreover, he limns an interesting account of the ways popular comic book icons in the United States, including Superman, were created by Jewish artists in part to galvanize public opinion regarding the war. [...] Still, the story of Al's escape from the Nazis, as well as the new life he started in the United States, is remarkable and affectingly conveyed, often in Al's own words. - Kirkus Reviews

Author Information

Ira Wesley Kitmacher is a published author of books on European (“Monsters and Miracles: Horror, Heroes and the Holocaust”), American Pacific Northwest (“Haunted Graveyard of the Pacific” and “Spirits Along the Columbia River”) history and folklore, and conflict resolution (“Solomon’s Steps”). Ira served as a professor, teaching graduate-level courses at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and Portland State University in Oregon, as well as undergraduate courses at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington and Clatsop Community College in Astoria, Oregon. Ira is a retired senior U.S. government executive, attorney, consultant, public speaker, and a member of The History Writers Association. He has been featured on radio shows and podcasts, in newspapers and magazines, at national and regional conferences, and at museum and book events. Ira holds Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Science, and Bachelor of Arts degrees. He is a graduate of the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executive Fellows program, and other leadership, conflict resolution, and change management programs. Ira has a passion for history, folklore, and conflict resolution.

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