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 © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
CLICK THE FROG TO JOIN THE FUN!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
HOMMAGE À ALFRED NAKACHE
The guard tossed his dagger into a tank. “Bring this back to me in your teeth, like the Jew dog that you are.”
Alfred jumped into the fetid water. Diving under, Auschwitz disappeared and he remembered the crowd cheering when he set the world record for the 200 meter breastroke.
At night he’d lie in his flea-infested bunk and dream of Annie and Paule. Determination to reunite with his wife and daughter gave him the strength to survive the death march to Buchenwald.
In 1948 Alfred Nakache returned to his passion and went on to become a French national champion.
Alfred Nakache will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2019 during the Honoree Induction ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, May 18, 2019. For more information about him CLICK HERE
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
There is something satisfying when the “under dog” gains the upper hand…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Tanille,
He was unsinkable. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad that he survived and became a hero!
Positive story, Rochelle 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anita. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I was misdirected by the dagger. I thought this was going to be a revenge story. In a way, it was
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil,
Success is the best revenge, isn’t it? 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
And to think some people actually say that none of these things really happened. It wants me to think about it. But not thinking about it will not make it go away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lyneane
Of course it was all a hoax. Millions of people tattooed numbers on their arms…:(
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Takes a lot of guts and determination to get through extremely tough times.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It does indeed, Danny. I can’t even imagine.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A great story based on history, Rochelle. What determination Alfred showed to overcome his misfortunes in the past to become a sports hero again and a teacher. His story is a true inspiration to others. Good writing as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Suzanne,
There are so many things about this man that wouldn’t fit into 100 words. I’m so glad he’s being recognized. 😀 Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing that he not only survived his experience but continued to do great things after.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Colline,
He was amazing, wasn’t he? 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A great tale of survival. An amazing man.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Trent,
No doubt his stamina from years of training pulled him through…coupled with a heavy helping of determination. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seeing how muscular he was and then knowing he was down to 98 lbs., I’m sure the muscle mass and stamina from training didn’t hurt, but I also know the determination was huge as well.
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
What an inspiring story you have shared. He not only survived, he thrived. Well done, my friend!
Hope Israel is treating you well!
Lotsa love,
Dale
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Dale,
Hard to believe the trip is coming to an end as I write. It has been an unforgettable experience in more ways than one.
As for Alfred…amazing indeed. Some thought he had too much of a muscular build to be a swimmer. No doubt that’s what gave him the stamina (coupled with his determination) to survive the horrors. 😀 Todah Rabbah.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
It flew by and I was not even traveling!!
Goes to show. And kudos to Alfred for making it through it all.
LikeLike
Great story as usual. Amazing to have the stamina after the starvation and constant death that was Auschwitz. The chlorine probably felt clean after the years of stench, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Josh,
I think you’re right. I can’t imagine the strength and stamina he had. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Fantastic feel good story, dear Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Neel. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I had to follow the link to find out what happened to his wife and daughter. I wish I hadn’t. Amazing that he remained inspired enough to continue with his activities. Another horror of a dreadful time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sandra,
He did have a lot to overcome. There was so much more story than I could fit in 100 words. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
That’s an amazing story, Rochelle. It would take a real spirit of survival to push through odds like that. I learn so much from your stories. I feel like you’ve set hundreds of small 100-word candles around the less illuminated areas for history for us to see. 🙂
David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear David,
This is by far one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received. Thank you so much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow! What a story!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Susan! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This is so inspiring and such a great story of resilience… to be able to overcome such hardship and then continue is truly a great work.
I was immediately reminded of the story of Yusra Mardini who is a Syrian swimmer that also saved the refugees on their way between Turkey and Greece and then continued to compete in the Olympics in Rio.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Bjorn,
I’m glad my story reminded you of another swimming hero. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you for this important story, for this important reminder, for the realities of hate we face today and for the history we must not repeat, no matter against who. Some heroes need not be pushed to become thus at the cost of enduring ugliness.
It is inspiring and infuriating, both.
Good job.
Here’s mine: https://naamayehuda.com/2019/05/15/dive-right-in/
Na’ama
LikeLiked by 1 person
Na’ama Y’karah,
Your words warm me as I leave your Land If only everyone would stand against hatred. Todah rabbah.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Safe travels, and may there always be a land where everyone feels welcome. For we are all of us children of this earth, and it is all of it the land of all of us.
Shalom and Ne-si’a Tova
Na’ama
LikeLike
There are many stories like that, of someone who beat something like that completely because of how he’s disposed on the inside
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting, Larry.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lady C! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Another powerful story of hope triumphing over evil. Inspiring stuff, and much needed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for your affirming comment, Iain.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m learning things while reading your stories again… And it’s inspiring and triumphant to boot!
Loved this one!
-Rachel 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rachel,
I couldn’t hope for a better comment/compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What an amazing story, Rochelle. Good for him. I love stories of determination. He not only survived but he made his country proud.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Adele,
He was a tour du force. I’m happy that he’s being recognized. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Bobbi Jo Barker W(T)F,
I’m glad Alfred had the will and determination to survive. Nice historical piece.
Perhaps when Connie and come to visit you can show us how you swim laps in the kiddie pool in the back yard. I promise to to toss in a Baby Ruth.
(Don’t forget your floaties!)
Arvel, the Human Submarine
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Arvel,
A Baby Ruth could be a drawing card. 😉 If I come swim in your kiddie pool you’ll have to get your rubber duckies out of it to make room.
Thank you and shalom. (from back in the soggy Midwest…sigh)
Bobbi Jo Barker W(T)F
LikeLike
Very inspirational.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jo. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
So good he survived, and the Nazis did not. It’s great that he got the recognition he deserved. Survivors are victories. Great stuff, Rochelle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Eric,
I couldn’t resist this one…a survivor and a swimmer. The way to my Jewish mermaid heart. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Rochelle,
problems loading my contribution again, this time wanting to verify my email and it saying a link has been sent to my In Box, but nothing is there.
Hopefully it will arrive later, but for now:
LikeLike
There isn’t much else to say. The heart just bleeds that this horrible hatred is rising again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Linda. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
he was lucky to have survived. sadly, many weren’t so fortunate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting, Plaridel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story of true heroism, m’lady.
Your usual impeccable piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment, CE.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I hope his wife and daughter survived also, so many families torn apart, for no reason. After reading your story, Rochelle, I took another look at that water, and it looked so different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ted,
Alas, if you click the link you’ll see that his wife and daughter did not survive. He did remarry, have children and rose from the ashes…or chlorine, if you will. Sorry about the late reply. Just back in the States. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I’m glad he pulled himself up after his terrible experiences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ali,
He was a inspiration. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always an insight filled narrative, Rochelle, from which much wisdom can be gleaned. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Violet,
Thank you for such a lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Another interesting glimpse back into history. A positive tale indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Keith. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a sobering tale of reality. What a hero that should be honored!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Bear,
It makes me happy that the man was finally honored. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great story! I had a good time writing this week.
Shalom, Ronda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ronda,
Thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed your story this week, too. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
An inspiring story. So sad about his wife and daughter. Maybe he went on to persevere for them. “The best revenge is a life well lived.” Though that seems like not enough. Horrible deeds during a horrible time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Brenda,
When I first read his story I couldn’t not write about him. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heartwarming story of courage, survival and determination. Kudos to you, Rochelle 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your thoughtful comment/compliment, Maria. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Rochelle, I just read your story for this week. The photos bring it to life. My heart aches with sorrow about the imprisonment and separation from family. My heart is happy that he and his family got through the waking nightmare and he went on to thrive. The thought of Alfred Nakache’s induction into the hall of fame brings tears to my eyes. I can see his and his family’s faces in my mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jade,
Sadly, Alfred’s wife and daughter didn’t make it. 😦 He did remarry and rise from the ashes. I’m glad he’s been inducted into the Swimmers Hall of Fame. He so belongs there. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, how such tragedy and such victory can walk hand in hand is inexplicable to me. I’m glad he was able to rise from the ashes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a guy, and what a story, especially as you’re ssupposed too be on holiday! X
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Liz,
Perhaps I’m a little obsessive when it comes to Friday Fictioneers. 😉 I do post and schedule my stories ahead. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Very interesting. I’d never heard of him and, like so many, war put aside all sporting fame.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, KZ. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Terrible, terrible experience. Victory of human spirit and determination. Evoked such emotion!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Abhijit. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I love this! So inspirational.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jewel. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS I’ve tried twice to comment on your story and it doesn’t show up. You might find them in your spam folder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the heads up!
LikeLike
Can’t seem to get the blue frog to work for me today, so here’s my link.
LikeLike
You’re linked now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Rochelle.
LikeLike
An emotionally powerful story, about Alfred’s courage and determination about an inspiring man. Thank you Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Francine,
Sorry for the late reply. Just getting back to the States and readjusting to the time zone, etc. Thank you so much for affirming comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Alfred’s dreams kept him going. He didn’t just survive the horrible ordeal at Auschwitz, but thrived after he left. A powerful story, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Magarisa,
He did overcome and we are glad. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful, inspirational story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Sascha. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
An amazing story of survival against the odds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Margaret. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing and inspiring story of Alfred Nakache. It brought tears to my eyes but thank you for sharing it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Subroto,
Your tears are the highest compliment. Alfred’s story made me cry, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Bravo!
Beautiful story, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Incredible story.
LikeLike
Dear Laurie,
He was an incredible human. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike