Overview

Tommy was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1938, just after Kristallnacht. At that time there were already a lot of restrictions for Jews, and they had to wear a Star of David. In August 1939, three days before the declaration of war, baby Tommy and his parents left Berlin by train, arriving at Waterloo Station, London, with only 10 shillings and a case full of nappies. The family then moved to Manchester in 1943. Despite his parents struggling in the early years, Tommy had a beautiful childhood. At 19, Tommy left Manchester and returned to Germany, having been offered a 3-year apprenticeship, learning all about the textile business in one of the largest mail order companies in Germany. This was just the start of his colourful and successful business career. Growing up as an only child, Tommy learnt that much of his family perished in the concentration camps. Tommy has since discovered he has relatives in America, Argentina, Israel and France. Had it not been for the Holocaust, he would have had a large family. Having his sons, grandchildren, and relatives around the world, reminds Tommy how lucky his life has been, despite the hardship his parents and ancestors went through. Tommy's book is part of the My Voice book collection, a stand-alone project of The Fed, the leading Jewish social care charity in Manchester, dedicated to preserving the life stories of Holocaust survivors and refugees from Nazi persecution who settled in the UK. The oral history, which is recorded and transcribed, captures their entire lives from before, during and after the war years. The books are written in the words of the survivor so that future generations can always hear their voice. The My Voice book collection is a valuable resource for Holocaust awareness and education.

Full Product Details

Author:   The Fed
Publisher:   Manchester University Press
Imprint:   Manchester University Press
Dimensions:   Width: 12.90cm , Height: 0.90cm , Length: 19.80cm
Weight:   0.172kg
ISBN:  

9781526192547

ISBN 10:   1526192543
Pages:   168
Publication Date:   29 April 2025
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

My paternal family tree Aunt Frieda’s family in Argentina 1 Born in Berlin after Kristallnacht 2 Arriving in England with nothing 3 Settling in Manchester 4 The Steinbergs 5 Childhood memories 6 Leaving school 7 My German apprenticeship 8 Pall Mall Shirts 9 The death of my father 10 Meeting my wife Heather 11 Family life in Northenden 12 New business ventures 13 Character World 14 Time to celebrate 15 Giving back 16 My grandchildren 17 Heather’s brother John 18 An emotional discovery of my heritage 19 The stars were aligned 20 Beshert 21 My feelings towards the German people today 22 What it means to be Jewish 23 The most important thing is family 24 Appendix 25 Additional family research Glossary My Voice volunteers About The Fed -- .

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Author Information

The Fed is Manchester's leading social care charity serving the Jewish community. In June of 2021, The Fed were awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for the My Voice Project, the highest possible accolade for a voluntary sector group.

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