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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
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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…
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Dear Tanille,
He was unsinkable. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So glad that he survived and became a hero!
Positive story, Rochelle 🙂
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Thank you, Anita. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was misdirected by the dagger. I thought this was going to be a revenge story. In a way, it was
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Dear Neil,
Success is the best revenge, isn’t it? 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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.
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Dear Lyneane
Of course it was all a hoax. Millions of people tattooed numbers on their arms…:(
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Takes a lot of guts and determination to get through extremely tough times.
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It does indeed, Danny. I can’t even imagine.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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
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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
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Amazing that he not only survived his experience but continued to do great things after.
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Dear Colline,
He was amazing, wasn’t he? 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A great tale of survival. An amazing man.
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Dear Trent,
No doubt his stamina from years of training pulled him through…coupled with a heavy helping of determination. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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.
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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
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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
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It flew by and I was not even traveling!!
Goes to show. And kudos to Alfred for making it through it all.
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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.
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Dear Josh,
I think you’re right. I can’t imagine the strength and stamina he had. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fantastic feel good story, dear Rochelle.
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Thank you so much, Neel. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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.
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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
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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
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Dear David,
This is by far one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received. Thank you so much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure. 🙂
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Wow! What a story!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you, Susan! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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.
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Dear Bjorn,
I’m glad my story reminded you of another swimming hero. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Your words warm me as I leave your Land If only everyone would stand against hatred. Todah rabbah.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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
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There are many stories like that, of someone who beat something like that completely because of how he’s disposed on the inside
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Larry.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story!
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Thank you, Lady C! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another powerful story of hope triumphing over evil. Inspiring stuff, and much needed.
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Many thanks for your affirming comment, Iain.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m learning things while reading your stories again… And it’s inspiring and triumphant to boot!
Loved this one!
-Rachel 🙂
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Dear Rachel,
I couldn’t hope for a better comment/compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an amazing story, Rochelle. Good for him. I love stories of determination. He not only survived but he made his country proud.
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Dear Adele,
He was a tour du force. I’m happy that he’s being recognized. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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
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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
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Very inspirational.
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Thank you, Jo. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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!
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Dear Eric,
I couldn’t resist this one…a survivor and a swimmer. The way to my Jewish mermaid heart. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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:
https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/friday-fictioneers-17th-may/
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There isn’t much else to say. The heart just bleeds that this horrible hatred is rising again.
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So true, Linda. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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he was lucky to have survived. sadly, many weren’t so fortunate.
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Plaridel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story of true heroism, m’lady.
Your usual impeccable piece.
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Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment, CE.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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.
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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
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I’m glad he pulled himself up after his terrible experiences.
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Dear Ali,
He was a inspiration. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As always an insight filled narrative, Rochelle, from which much wisdom can be gleaned. Thank you.
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Dear Violet,
Thank you for such a lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another interesting glimpse back into history. A positive tale indeed.
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Many thanks, Keith. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a sobering tale of reality. What a hero that should be honored!
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Dear Bear,
It makes me happy that the man was finally honored. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another great story! I had a good time writing this week.
Shalom, Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
Thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed your story this week, too. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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.
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Dear Brenda,
When I first read his story I couldn’t not write about him. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Heartwarming story of courage, survival and determination. Kudos to you, Rochelle 🙂
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment/compliment, Maria. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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.
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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
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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.
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What a guy, and what a story, especially as you’re ssupposed too be on holiday! X
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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
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Very interesting. I’d never heard of him and, like so many, war put aside all sporting fame.
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Thank you, KZ. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Terrible, terrible experience. Victory of human spirit and determination. Evoked such emotion!
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Thank you, Abhijit. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this! So inspirational.
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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.
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Thanks for the heads up!
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Can’t seem to get the blue frog to work for me today, so here’s my link.
https://fivedotoh.com/2019/05/17/friday-fictioneers-same-difference/
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You’re linked now.
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Thanks Rochelle.
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An emotionally powerful story, about Alfred’s courage and determination about an inspiring man. Thank you Rochelle.
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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
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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.
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Dear Magarisa,
He did overcome and we are glad. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful, inspirational story!
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Many thanks, Sascha. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An amazing story of survival against the odds.
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Thank you, Margaret. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an amazing and inspiring story of Alfred Nakache. It brought tears to my eyes but thank you for sharing it.
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Dear Subroto,
Your tears are the highest compliment. Alfred’s story made me cry, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Bravo!
Beautiful story, Rochelle.
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Many thanks, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Incredible story.
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Dear Laurie,
He was an incredible human. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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