Voices of Resilience

You are about to take a journey through a series of poignant stories about lives impacted by war, genocide and displacement. Born to Holocaust survivors, the 12 writers whose stories appear in these pages explore themes of resilience, identity, memory and healing, as they grapple with the lasting impact of their family histories. From tense tales of escapes to tales of hope, family, love, compassion and the miracle of life - these heart-felt personal narratives are a powerful testament to the strength and endurance of the human spirit.

With several stories contributed by each writer, the reader is given an in-depth view into the unique life of each contributor, set in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, the stories span the globe. Some writers grew up aware of their Jewish history; others only became aware of their Jewish identity as adults. Some spent their early years in Communist countries and fled during times of revolution; others grew up in the relative safety of North America. Despite these differences in circumstance, common threads run throughout the stories included here. Readers will discover examples of intergenerational transmission of trauma, resilience, post-traumatic growth and feel each writer's profound sensitivity to their parents' pain and loss.

Importantly for current times, the anthology is a compelling read and a valuable teaching tool, stimulating discussion through historical, political and psychological lenses. It holds appeal for those unfamiliar with the Holocaust, for those searching for a more personal perspective on this previously covered subject, as well as for those wishing to revisit the topic in light of recent world dynamics.

The renowned historian Chris Friedrichs contributes an essay that provides historical context. Given the personal nature of the narratives, he also contributes profiles of the countries where each writers' parents were born. Two maps provide graphic illustrations of how the families dispersed throughout the world in their desperate attempts to survive. In his foreword, the internationally recognized psychiatrist and hidden child survivor Robert Krell offers a rich psychological perspective. This combination of the historical and psychological perspectives provides a compelling description of the ways in which the Holocaust impacted Jewish families in various circumstances and countries.

Given current world events, and a mandate for secondary schools in British Columbia and elsewhere to include Holocaust education, this anthology will resonate with diverse student and adult audiences keen on exploring the universal effects of displacement, war, and genocide.