Like us on Facebook
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
Saturday, January 27th is the 73rd anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The following story is one that I discovered a few years back and never ceases to fascinate me.
Genre: Realistic Fiction based on a True Story
Word Count: 100
RENOVATION
As he did every morning, Dov Ben Avraham recited the Sh’ma, “Hear O, Yisrael, Adonai is our Lord, Adonai is one.” The Hebrew words from Deuteronomy 6 were sweet to his tongue and uplifting to his heart. After saying his final amen, he added, “Thank you for making me a Jew.”
Later that night, at the synagogue he prepared to tell his story at a memorial dinner to honor those who perished at Auschwitz.
Gazing at a few survivors among the guests, Dov, Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger, said, “Please forgive me for the sins of my father, a Nazi tank commander.”
Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D.
To see an interview with Dr. Wollschlaeger CLICK HERE
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Of all the virtues, forgiveness is the hardest. Great story, Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Neil.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I can never think what to say about a true story like this. Thank you, though, for bringing it into my consciousness. My grandchildren’s school (non-demoninational) will mark 27 January with a special assembly, so sweet young voices can be heard practising Shalom, Shalom as preparations are made.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear JS,
I love it that your grandchildren’s school is marking the day. I fear, with all of the Holocaust deniers out there and the last survivors leaving us, we will soon forget.
This man’s story captured my interest a few years back. So many of the Nazi’s descendants carry the guilt of their parents and grandparents. This man took it to a new level and took the time to know the people his father persecuted. Not only know them, but become one of them. Thank you for reading and leaving such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 4 people
You’re very welcome Rochelle.
Sadly the Holocaust deniers are still out there. I don’t know whether David Irving, a Holocaust-denying historian, gained attention in America before or after his own unsuccessful libel action in the UK (in 1996) led to him being recognised as an anti-Semitic racist. It looked as though his career had been brought to an end, but he’s now boasting that he’s inspiring a new generation of Holocaust “sceptics”. He claims to be receiving hundreds of supportive emails each day and to be getting huge donations from supporters, alongside the royalties that are coming in again from his vile books. The libel trial is dealt with in the 2017 film Denial. Many of the comments on the film, from supposedly ordinary viewers, make depressing reading, e.g. “I wasn’t a Holocaust denier before I saw this film, but I became one”.
Sorry to sound so pessimistic.
LikeLike
It’s always interesting, and comforting, that people can think outside the confines of their own upbringing and conferred belief systems. An interesting and informative post, as usual, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Sandra,
This doctor’s story fascinates me. Glad you found it interesting as well. Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story.
Sad that some have to live with the burden of such guilt.
Wish everyone in the world is a nice human, then we’ll have a better world where there is no war/terrorism & thus no apology for the same….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Anita,
I share your wish. If only we could appreciate our similarities as human beings and embrace our differences. ❤ Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
That’s a tall order, yet forgiveness really is the key to a happy life. Nothing is so hard to let go of as a thoroughly justified resentment. Nicely done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Josh,
I personally know a Nazi’s granddaughter. A beautiful woman who makes a full time occupation of apologizing. We’ve hugged and cried together. Tragic that the sins of the fathers are visited on generations to come. I love the way Dr. W. has overcome. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your story prompted me to think hard for many minutes about the nature of guilt and forgiveness. Well written, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Penny,
We all carry some kind of guilt or forgiveness. It’s hard to let them go. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Such a brave and humble man.
Great story, Rochelle.
Love,
Moon
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Moon,
He is a man I’d love to meet. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Wow – that was such a powerful last line!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Susan,
Wow is good. 😉 I like wow. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Forgiveness, I fear, is one of the hardest traits to have, yet one of the most valuable.. It can destroy barriers that keep us from becoming a brotherhood of humans, loving and accepting one another. Well done and informative story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your affirming comments, m’luv.
LikeLike
What an inspiring man! And so well written as always Rochelle. Thank you for sharing this story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jen,
I think he’s incredible. re my writing: Thank you very much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder how many keep that sort of admission bottled up inside. A moving piece Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Keith,
Too many I think on both sides of the equation. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
No wonder it continues to fascinate – the last line is a real zinger. Read it with an audible gasp at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Iain,
An audible gasp is quite a compliment. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story, made better by being based on fact. I am glad there are some who recognize the sins of their fathers and work hard to do some good in the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Trent,
Dr. W’s story totally fascinates me. It took him 7 years to make the complete conversion…and nearly that long to get the rabbis to take him seriously. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
A German friend, one young enough to be the grandchild of a WW2 soldier, told me she still feels the guilt of her nation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Liz,
So many of these second and third generations bear the guilt. The Jews weren’t the only victims, were they?
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Wow. A very powerful message.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear James,
Wow is always good. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
It might be a terrible thought, but when I read things like this about the handful of ‘righteous’, yes, I feel choked up about their heroism/generosity but I also can’t help thinking, so what about the rest of them? To be afraid to step out of line at the time is excusable, to continue to deny the horror now, when nobody is going to shoot you for it, is something totally different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jane,
Unfortunately there were so many who bought in to the incredible lies that some people were more human that others. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Looks like their grandchildren are carrying on the tradition in some parts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, This story is intensely layered..and what a profound admonition. I was moved to stillness, sitting in the weight of it. Wow!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Dana,
Thank you for such a magnificent comment/compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Love seeing you back here.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Rochelle. Working my way back slowly. I’ve missed this community and creative outlet.
LikeLiked by 2 people
He’s a little too smiley about it for my taste.
LikeLike
I’m sorry that’s all you saw, Alice.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
Once again, you have brought forth a little known hero (to most of us) in a wonderful way.
The thing I find hardest in these situations is that the children even have to apologize for the actions of their parents or grand-parents. It is not their burden to carry – unless of course, they followed in their footsteps! I know, I know, human nature will blame the offspring – not fair.
I admire his courage.
Lotsa love,
Dale
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Dale,
I totally agree. The next generation shouldn’t have to bear the guilt of the actions of their parents and grandparents. Yet so many of them do. Glad you liked my story. I want to meet this man. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
So do I!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That must have been a very tough confession to make to such an audience. Another compelling story, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Eric,
I distilled it into a flash fiction, but this man has dedicated his life to his faith and his chosen people. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Compassion and forgiveness go hand in hand. Thank you for sharing this story with us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your affirming comments, Magarisa.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Admitting of the guilt of ones’ forefathers is the first step towards redemption. A brave man to have done so. The last line was a real zinger. Superbly crafted and very touching, as usual, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neel,
This is a man who’s gone above and beyond, isn’t he? Thank you so much for your kind and affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Admittance of one’s wrongdoing is the first step to reconciliation. Forgivness aids the process of healing. Nicely done, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kwadwo. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Being born into such sins… I wonder about the guilt, but I think we should all ponder why we even exist. Forgiveness is so important to build something new.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Björn,
Therapists will tell you that the most important thing is forgiveness. We do it not for the other person but for ourselves. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful stuff. And one more reason for hope in the midst of this almost-Godless generation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sandra,
You’ve written a mouthful. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rosie “The Word Riveter” W(T)F,
You really nailed this one. What a riveting read!
Thanks for quoting me. Here’s another of my more profound statements for future use, “My nouns and verbs don’t aways agree. Fistfights have been known to break out in mid-sentence.”
Adios,
Daniel “Groucho” Wordslinger
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Daniel “Groucho” Wordslinger,
You have put an image into my head that may never go away. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rosie “The Word Riveter” W(T)F
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. As with your other historical fictions I had to go googling http://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article1928322.html
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Subroto
I’m pretty sure I read this article some time ago. There are many interviews with him on Youtube as well. Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
he can’t change the past. still, i find it admirable for him to do that.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Plaridel,
I have lot of admiration for this man. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a powerful story, and such strength of character in that German.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Anurag,
Thank you for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for him, to admit it. He sounds like quite a man, and shouldn’t require forgiveness for something his father did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ali,
He is someone I’d like to meet. I agree, he doesn’t need forgiveness for the sins of his father. Nonetheless, I love the irony of a Nazi’s son converting to Judaism. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is fascinating, Rochelle and thank you for the link to the interview. It’s so moving to hear the doctor describe his gradual realisation that his father was not the hero he had believed him to be as a child; so eerie to imagine a man still so enamoured with the National Socialists that he wore his Iron Cross at Christmas. For the doctor to have gone from this first state to converting to Judaism is the kind of story that you would think unbelievable if you read it in a novel.
A wonderfully written tale based on extraordinary facts.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Lynn,
Dr. W’s descriptions of this father made my skin crawl. Gotta love the irony. 😉 Than you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, so true. He spoke so powerfully about how his feelings changed towards his dad. It would be interesting and disturbing to know how his dad felt about Dr W’s conversion
LikeLiked by 1 person
Potent tale, m’lady
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, kind sir.
LikeLike
That’s a remarkable story, Rochelle Good writing based on a real life. Thanks for the link. —- Suzanne
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Suzanne,
Glad you followed the link. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle,
What an incredible story! You unearth so many historical gems. I had never heard of this man, so thank you for introducing him. I always love to hear about good that comes out of bad.
All best wishes,
Sarah
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Sarah
I came across a video a few years ago. Since then I’ve read more and found more videos. I suppose the next step is buy and read his book. Fascinating person. Glad you enjoyed. Than you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your story & the video by Bernd Wollschlaeger are very moving and inspirational. Thank you for introducing me to him and his mission.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Francine,
So glad you enjoyed my offering this week. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, the assigned picture just looks so durn familiar to me, like I’ve been there before… A generation seeks repentance for the sins of their parents… such a sad testament, eh. Great story as always.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Jelli,
It is a sad testament. So many German descendants bear a weight they shouldn’t have to. They are also Hitler’s victims, aren’t they?
Thank you,
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Indeed, they are. Just as “white” men are the victims of American History. It is a vicious cycle. I pray for the day when that cycle is broken and we can all live in peace. 🙂 I’ve seen that day, at least a glimpse of it, so I know whereof I speak.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoa… what an interesting story. The depth in this small piece so huge and encourages deep thought on behalf of the reader.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Laurie,
Nothing pleases this author more than to know my piece encouraged deep thought. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, another piece of history I have missed and now must research. Thanks, as always, for enlightening me. Lish
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Lish,
This is a piece of history that I don’t think many are aware of. I just found this a couple of years ago. Seems the right week to share it. 😉 thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly does. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a courageous man and a beautiful story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Susan,
A unique individual indeed. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
That must have taken a lot of courage. Great historical story, as usual. Rochelle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Joyful,
I think it took a lot of courage. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A poignant and powerful story, Rochelle! Thank you for the reminder of the remembrance of the liberation of Auschwitz. The world needs to be continually reminded of these atrocities of the past in an effort to not allow them occurring in the future.
Deuteronomy 33:29, “Happy are you, Isra’el! Who is like you, a people saved by Adonai…”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Brenda,
Such a lovely comment and scripture verse. Thank you for those. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
To forgive and forget is the most difficult of all acts. Not to say, the guilt and the shame that tags along with it also builds on the pain that we already suffer from.
A great piece Rochelle. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Norma,
I must say, that while the guilt is borne into the next generations so is the unforgiveness. None of us have our halos on too tightly, do we? Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stirring!
mine:
https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2018/01/26/a-whimsical-tale/
Scott
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy to have stirred. Thank you, Scott.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stirred the pot?! we shall see…
LikeLike
A powerful story Rochelle and it sounds as though he is a good man.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Irene,
He’s someone I’d like to meet some day. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a very very powerful take on the prompt Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Akshata. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did not expect that last sentence!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Colline,
Certainly not what we’d expect from a Jew, is it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not at all.
LikeLike
This is quite a tale, Rochelle. I, too, appreciate these brief personal glimpses.
Of course the motive for converting to any faith shouldn’t be guilt. I don’t think anyone can atone for sins of the ancestors; we need to rather deal with our own. 😐
Hopefully this man had embraced not just the religion, but the God of Abraham & Moses.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Christine,
I think, perhaps, his initial motives for connecting with the remnant of the Jewish community in his town were curiosity and guilt. But the events leading to his conversion don’t say guilt to me. I have the same hope. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love how you brought this full circle.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stories like this and many others you write are why I love historical fiction. Without it, there is much I would never know. Thank you, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Jan,
I’m sure you can relate when I say that I’ve learned more about history, writing historical fiction than I ever learned in school. 😉 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite a burden for the family having a Nazi father/grandfather.
I wonder how Holocaust survivors/descendants feel in the son’s company. He isn’t the guilty one. But the sins of our fathers etc. Complex stuff, Rochelle. Stop it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Patrick,
I’ll not stop it. 😉 From what I can tell, Dr. Wollschlaeger has been accepted by the Jewish community. In fact his kids didn’t know his background until his son was in his teens and asked who his grandfather was. In any event the good doctor spent 7 years in the conversion process.
I do feel like the descendants of the Nazis are as much victims as the survivors. Sad.
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did not see that ending coming, but then again I guess neither would at least some of his ancestors. Well told, Rochelle. As always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Anne,
His father certainly didn’t get it. 😉 At any rate, he’s a dedicated individual and I wanted to pay him homage. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Nice, informative story Rochelle. It touches more when come to know this is based on facts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Indira,
I was pleased to be able to share this one. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my pleasure dear to read your stories. Thanks for continuing FF.
LikeLike