Holocaust: German History and Our Half-Jewish Family

This compelling family history spans from the 1890s to the 21st century, weaving personal stories into the broader fabric of German history to reveal a deeply moving account of survival, courage, and resilience. At the heart of this narrative is Paul Bernstein, a Jewish WWI veteran who was awarded for his bravery but ultimately perished in Auschwitz in 1944, and his wife, Johanna Moosdorf, a non-Jewish woman who fought tirelessly to protect their family. Their two half-Jewish children, Barbara and Thomas, born in the late 1930s, faced constant danger during WWII. Yet, thanks to Johanna's courageous efforts and Nazi policies that treated half-Jews differently, the children survived the war.With a powerful epilogue that reflects on Germany's response to its Nazi past and its relevance to contemporary far-right movements, including those in the U.S., this book offers a timely perspective on history's echoes in today's world. This unforgettable story captures a family's fight for survival amidst one of history's darkest chapters, making it an essential read for anyone interested in personal stories of resistance and the enduring lessons of the past.

Author: Thomas Paul Bernstein
Publisher: Cherry Orchard Books
Published: 12/24/2024
Pages: 142
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.44lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.30d
ISBN13: 9798887196190
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | Jewish
- History | Modern | 20th Century | Holocaust
- History | Europe | Germany

About the Author
Thomas Paul Bernstein is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Columbia University, where he served from 1975 to 2007. Prior to this, he held academic positions at Yale University (1969-1975) and Indiana University (1966-1969). His primary field is comparative politics, with a focus on communist systems, particularly in China and Russia. Bernstein has authored numerous books and articles on these topics, and his bibliography is available upon request.