ONE THOUSAND CHILDREN®, INC.
Email: CONTACT@ONETHOUSANDCHILDREN.ORG Web: WWW.ONETHOUSANDCHILDREN.ORG
RESOURCES FOR TEACHING, RESEARCHING AND LEARNING ABOUT THE ONLY UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN RESCUED FROM THE HOLOCAUST BY AMERICA
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For teachers, students, researchers, and others who may have an interest in the unknown history of the only unaccompanied children rescued from the Holocaust by the United States (of which there were only about one thousand children who were placed with foster families and relatives across America between 1934 and 1945) --
** the One Thousand Children ® - - also known as the OTC children **
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Overview and Introduction:
For background information about the OTC rescues and the stories of individual OTC children go to the website of One Thousand Children® Inc.: http://www.onethousandchildren.org, Email: contact@onethousandchildren.org . Click on “Learn More” at the left of the page, and then click on “How They Were Rescued” at the top of the page.
The first ever book of first person accounts of OTC children and rescuers and second generation OTC, Don't Wave Goodbye, (ISBN: 0-275-98229-7) published by Praeger/Greenwood, edited by Iris Posner and Phil Jason, For more information call toll free 1-800-225-5800 or visit http://www.greenwood.com and Search on book title. To search the text and read book excerpts go http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0275982297/ref=sib_dp_pt/102-3669931-8604164#reader-link or http://www.amazon.com and search on book title.
The most complete and important book containing the history of the OTC rescues and why America did not save more children is Professor Judith Baumel's book, Unfulfilled Promise, Denali Press, Juneau, Alaska, 1990 Tel: 907-586-6014 and Email: info@denalipress.com
"Cecilia Razovsky and the American Jewish Women's Rescue Operations in the Second World War, "
by Professor Bat-Ami Zucker, is the first book published about the person and her work at the center of the 12-year "network of cooperation" that rescued over 1200 unaccompanied children from Europe between 1934 and 1945. This unique book tells this story and that of her fifty years of devotion to assisting refugees and refugee children. The book may be ordered through the publisher (by phone or on-line) or through a local book store: Valentine Mitchell Publishers, North American Orders: 920 NE 58th Avenue, Suite 300 Portland OR 97213- 3786, USA
Tel: 800- 944- 6190 Fax: 503- 280- 8832 E-mail: marketing@isbs.com
Website: www.vmbooks.com
Books and Websites:
The history of the rescue of the One Thousand Children® and three stories of OTC children in the book, 120 HIAS Stories, edited by Kathleen Andersen, Morris Ardoin and Mararita Zilberman - published by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), 2002, -- "The Story of the One Thousand Children®," by Iris Posner and Philip Jason, "Valedictorian," by Ilse Prager Frank, and "Eluding Death, Finding Freedom," by Ralph Moratz, "Doing Shows," by Bill Graham and Robert Greenfield. These and other chapters may be viewed on line at http://www.hias.org/Who_We_Are/120stories_list.html . HIAS may be contacted at: info@hias.org and 212-967-4100.
Children will especially be interested in these sites, the second of which was created by the teenage grandson of an OTC child who also wrote his grandfather's biography which includes many illustrations: http://barmitzvah.goldwein.net and http://1in1000.goldwein.net and http://goldwein.net/1in1000/oneinonethousand.pdf - Contact: Marc Goldwein, 610-574-8004.
Children and others will also be interested to know that the "father of American rock and roll", Bill Graham, was one of the OTC children and there is a lot about him on the internet including at: http://www.billgrahamfoundation.org/bio.html. A good book about him, including his rescue and childhood is Bill Graham Presents by Bill Graham and Robert Greenfield, Delta, Dell Books, 1992.
Sam Kahn, father of OTC child, Thea Kahn Lindauer, sent his daughter in the US hundreds of letters to encourage her and remain connected. This book of his letters and Thea's recounting of her experiences in the US present personal views of Europe, the US and the Holocaust in the 30's from a father and daughter who survived. To order, There Must be an Ocean Between Us, call 1-800-AUTHORS or visit http://www.iuniverse.com
The daughter of an OTC child, Fern Schumer Chapman, has written about her Mom and herself in a book entitled Motherland, Penguin, 2000, and a website: http://www.fernschumerchapman.com which also has a study guide. Tel: 800-526-0275 email: reading@penguinputnam.com
OTC child Ben Hirsch recounts his experiences as a young man in the U.S. in his book, Hearing A Different Drummer, Mercer University Press, 2000. He is an architect who designed the Holocaust Memorial in Atlanta, Georgia. Email: mupressorders@mercer.edu Tel: 800-637-2378, ext. 2880 http://www.mupress.org/webpages/books/hirsch.html
Read the short biography of an OTC child who got the Nobel Prize for discovering new atomic particles, Jack Steinberger, at: http://www.nobel.se/physics/laureates/1988/steinberger-autobio.html
Find out about OTC child Harry Eckstein, a co-founder of the Center for the Study of Democracy and one of the most prominent and respected social scientists of the second half of the twentieth century at http://hypatia.ss.uci.edu/democ/eck_lect.htm.
The books of poems of OTC child Arthur Weil, including "Life, Love and Gems That Shine," are listed on websites of online booksellers like http://www.amazon.com
In Lieu of Flowers, by Louis Maier, Ide House, 1995, describes Dr. Maier's life in Europe and departure for the U.S. Read an excerpt at http://home.comcast.net/~drmaier/excerpt.html In his second memoir, From the Golden Gate to the Black Forest: The Odyssey of a New American in Search of His Parents' Fate", Louis Maier describes the period of his arrival in San Francisco in 1940 to the return to his home village in the Black Forest in 1946. The book includes his placement with his sister in an American foster home and his adjustment to a new life in the United States, his service in the US military and search for his parents in Europe. Mr. Maier can be reached by email and phone at: drmaier@comcast.com. Phone: 301-593-7456. He will send you a personalized, signed copy. Cost: $24.95 plus $4. postage and handling. More info http://drmaier.home.comcast.net/GoldGate.html
Shattered Crystals by Mia Kanner, C.I.S. Publishers, 1997, describes the experiences of the mother of an OTC child and her families' escape to the U.S. A website can be accessed at: http://freespace.virgin.net/er.kugler/sc_links.htm
Chapters 8, 10, of The Mezuzah in the Madonna's Foot by Trudi Alexy, Harper Collins, 1994, describes the miraculous escape of two OTC children and their families from Europe to the U.S. http://www.harpercollins.com and search on author
The story of OTC child Walter Reed's return to Europe as an adult can be read (in German) at http://www.gunnet.de/stephani/step_p35.htm
The story of the escape of the Lazega family, including three OTC children (in French) from Nazi persecution at http://perso.wanadoo.fr/d-d.natanson/morbihan.htm.
OTC child Ralph Moratz's website and story can be accessed at http://www.myspace.com/ralphm1999
or http://www.ralphmoratz.com
"A Legacy of Style" by Janice Petterchak, Legacy Press, 2000, tells the story of OTC child Manfred Steinfeld's beginnings in Germany to his extraordinary success as a businessman in America.
The books of poems and other books of OTC child Hans Juergensen, including "Testimony," and "Journey Toward the Roots," are listed on websites of online booksellers.
"Picking up the Pieces from Portugal to Palestine: Quaker Refugee Relief in World War II," This autobiography of OTC rescuer Howard Wriggins includes the story of how the Quakers helped rescue OTC children from Spain and Portugal. University Press of America, 4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706. Tel: 800-462-6420 email: custserv@rowman.com http://www.univpress.com
From Lumina Press, "Corsino," by Cole Kivlin, an autobiography by one of the 40 non-Jewish Spanish children who were part of the OTC rescues. Llumina Press: 8055 W. McNab Road Tamarac, FL 33321 tel: 866-229-9244 or http://www.llumina.com/store/corsino.htm
"We Came Alone," is a collection of the memoirs of several dozen of the 40 non-Jewish Spanish children who were part of the OTC rescues. Contact: Cole Kivlin at colefk@juno.com
"Inge, A Girl's Journey Through Nazi Europe," is the story of survival of a child in Europe during the Holocaust whose sister was one of the OTC children. It is written by second generation OTC, David Gumpert, Inge's nephew. Email: david@davidgumpert.com tel:781-444-5543, ext. 886 http://www.ingejoseph.com/
"Over the Highest Mountains," by Alice Resch Synnestvedt, is the memoir of one of the brave people who helped save children of the Holocaust, including at least a dozen of the One Thousand Children in France. Intentional Productions, PO Box 94814, Pasadena, CA 91109. Phone/fax: 626-791-8715. Website: http://intentionalproductions.com
"War Orphan in San Francisco," by Phyllis Mattson, is the memoir of an OTC child rescued from the Holocaust and brought to the San Francisco, CA. Stevens Creek Press: http://www.stevenscreek press@ pacbell.net Email: phylmatt@pacbell.net.
"Renewal of Life - Healing From the Holocaust," by Henri Parens, is the memoir of the experiences of an OTC child brought to the U.S. in 1942 from southern France and placed with a foster family in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Parens became a child psychiatrist and peace activist. His book is published by Schreiber Publishers, Rockville, Maryland, 2004 and can be ordered http://www.schreibernet.com. Email: hparens@verizon.net
"Be Happy, Be Free, Dance! - A Holocaust Survivor's Message To His Grandchildren." In his memoir, Richard Weilheimer deals with his Holocaust experience and with adjusting to life in America. He includes information about the political realities of the times and 50 documents, letters from his parents, and photos. For ordering information write Richard Weilheimer, P.O. Box 7473, Del Ray Beach, Florida 33482-7473 or email at RSWPort@aol.com
“Home is Where You Find It,” is the prequel to Hirsch’s first book and it poignantly chronicles Hirsch’s journey from the horrors of Nazism to a new life in America. To order online go to www.iuniverse.com and click on Bookstore and then search on book title or call 1-800-authors.
A number of excellent catalogues for museum exhibitions that include the history of the One Thousand Children are listed below in the "Exhibitions" section.
Film, Video, and Audio:
To hear interviews with OTC co-founder, Iris Posner, on the history of the One Thousand Children and OTCer, Ambassador (Ret.) Richard Schifter, go to website http://www.bnaibrith.org and then click on "Studio J Archives" at the right of the screen. Then click on show number 38 and "Submit" and then click on "Children of the Holocaust..."
To obtain a copy of a presentation by OTC co-founder, Iris Posner entitled, “Looking for the Only Unaccompanied Children Rescued from the Holocaust by America: Who They Are and How We Found Them,” delivered at the 2006 gathering of International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, visit http://www.conferencemediagroup.com and search on product ID (PID) GS-06-01-132.
To see and hear an interview of OTC co-founder, Iris Posner on Virginia cable television program, “Tracing Your Family Roots,” go to internet site: http://tracingroots.nova.org, scroll down to “Recent Shows” and click on “View Now” next to the interview.
The first ever documentary film about the rescue of the One Thousand Children® entitled, "Exchanging Atrocity for America," is now available on DVD. More information about this 2004 National History Day competition finalist, may be obtained from the producers by contacting Beth Arner at BeArner@fruitvale.k12.ca.us or rarner@bak.rr.com.
DCL Productions has released the documentary "Victim & Victor," produced and directed by David C. Lewis. The 58-minute program is the story of entrepreneur and philanthropist, Manfred Steinfeld, one of the One Thousand Children®. For more information about the video contact: David C. Lewis. Producer/Director, DCL Productions at email: lewis_nm@netvision.net.il
"The Ritchie Boys," is a 2004 award winning documentary about Jewish German-American refugees and German-speaking Americans who trained at Fort Ritchie to obtain intelligence information in Germany and german-occupied areas, as members of the U.S. military during WWII. Among them were two of the One Thousand Children, Professor Guy Stern and U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) Richard Schifter, who were interviewed for this film. Although not trained at Fort Ritchie, many of the OTC boys received similar training and went back to Europe to carry out intelligence work for the U.S. armed forces. For more information and to obtain the documentary, contact the producer, Christian Bauer at Tangram Film in Germany by emailing: cb@tangramfilm.de or co-producer Anna Zollner at anna.zoellner@tangramfilm.de
The story of the rescue and life of OTC child Claude Ganz, U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia, is told in a documentary entitled, "Ein Stehfmannchen", 1992. This film, in English, contains rare film footage of Claude's family before he left Europe. For more information contact the director, Vivian Kleiman at vkleiman@aol.com.
Exhibitions:
Title: Lives Lost, Lives Found: Baltimore's German Jewish Refugees, 1933-1945
Dates: March 14, 2004 through February 2005
Exhibition venue/originator: Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd Street, Baltimore, MD (www.jewishmuseummd.org) and (http://www.jhsm.org)
Exhibition Content: Explores the experiences of German Jewish refugees who settled in Baltimore during the Hitler period. The exhibition includes the story of the Baltimore chapter of the German Jewish Children's Aid (GJCA), under whose auspices 40 unaccompanied OTC children were placed with families in their city. The exhibition is accompanied by a full-length catalog which includes a chapter on the work of the Baltimore GJCA and the children they helped place in local foster homes. The exhibition is also complemented by educational programs for adults and students.
NOTE: An excellent exhibition catalogue is available, "Lives Lost, Lives Found," which includes reproductions of exhibition materials, scholarly papers and multiple photographs. To purchase contact The Jewish Museum of Maryland, Baltimore, MD at 410-732-6400 or email director/curator Anita Kassoff at akassof@jewishmuseummd.org
Contact: Anita Kassoff , Director, Jewish Museum of Maryland - email: akassof@jewishmuseummd.org tel: 410-732-6400 address: 15 Lloyd St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Title: Rescue of Jewish Children in Nazi Germany – Recha Freier and Kaete Rosenheim
Dates: September 28, 2004 through January 2005
Exhibition venue/originator: "New Synagogue Berlin – Centrum Judaicum" Foundation, Berlin, Germany
Exhibition: OTC children who left Germany and their parents for other countries up until 1941, had their request processed by the office in Berlin run by Kaete Rosenheim who actively worked with organizations across Europe and around the world to find havens for Jewish children. Rosenheim's work resulted in the rescue of over 600 OTC children sent to the U.S. Her story and that of Recha Freier, who saved thousands of children by arranging for them to be sent to Palestine, will be told in this exhibition. The stories of five OTC children are presented with supporting artifacts.
NOTE: An excellent exhibition catalogue (in German), "Aus Kindern Wurden Briefe," is available which includes reproductions of exhibition materials, scholarly papers and multiple photographs. To purchase contact the publisher zerling-hessling@t-online.de, the New Synagogue Berlin – Centrum Judaicum director, Dr. Hermann Simon at Simon@cjudaicum.de, or, curator Dr. Gudrun Maierhof at Maierhof2@aol.com.
A virtual tour of the exhibition is available on CD-ROM, entitled "Aus Kindern Wurden Briefe." To purchase contact curator Gudrun Maierhof at Maierhof2@aol.com. or the New Synagogue Berlin – Centrum Judaicum director, Dr. Hermann Simon at Simon@cjudaicum.de
Contact: Gudrun Maierhof - email: Maierhof2@aol.com fax/ phone: 011-49-30-30308935 address: Roennestr. 26 14057 Berlin
Title: Uneasy Years: Michigan Jewry During Depression & War (a traveling exhibition available for rental)
Dates/Venue: Originally held at Michigan State University Museum, this is now a traveling exhibition available for rental. May also be viewed at website: http://museum.msu.edu/museum/tes/index.htm
Exhibition: Explores the dilemmas of Michigan Jews during Depression and WWII, at once increasingly at home in Michigan and the US, yet anxious amidst depression and rising anti-Semitism in the US, and the rise of Nazism, terror, and the war abroad. This exhibition, including three panels with photos and text which describe the experiences of three of the One Thousand Children®, are available for rental to appropriate venues.
Contact: Julie A. Avery, Ph.D. Assistant Curator, Michigan State University Museum (email: averyj@msu.edu tel: (517) 432-3358 fax: (517) 432-2846 address: West Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824
Plays and Music:
In the play, "2.5 Minute Ride" by Lisa Kron, and actress and daughter of OTC child Walter Kron, a second generation OTCer tells the story of her father's escape from the Holocaust and his and her coming to terms with this experience. The "2.5 Minute Ride," is Lisa's one-woman show, written and performed by her around the world. The script is contained in a book entitled, "2.5 Minute Ride and 101 Humiliating Stories," published in October 2002 by Theatre Communications Group, New York. See an excerpt from the stage performance at http://www.lisakron.com. Click “watch”
Patty Tyler and Jon Buder have composed two musical pieces related to the OTC children which are available on CD. For more information contact Patty Tyler at patty@aac-usa.com and 800-292-4519.
Archival Materials:
Major archival collections pertaining to the OTC history are located at:
The National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia;
The Center for Jewish History, YIVO, the Leo Baeck Institute, HIAS, and,
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in New York City;
Posters:
Contact OTC, Inc. See above.
Gatherings and Speakers:
Groups are holding local gatherings of OTC children, and children and friends of OTC children around the country. For more information contact OTC, Inc. See above.
One Thousand Children®, Inc maintains a Speakers Bureau. For more information contact OTC, Inc. See above.
Research
One Thousand Children®, Inc. independently and collaboratively with individual scholars and organizations, carries out research pertaining to the history and resettlement of the OTC children. Persons interested in data and information contained in the OTC Archives or in proposing and/or carrying out research in this area, may contact OTC, Inc. at the email above for more information.
OTC, Inc. is worked with Harvard University researchers Gerald Holton and Gerhard Sonnert on a major study supported by the Mellon Foundation of the experience, fate and contributions of child immigrants to the U.S. fleeing Nazi persecution. Over 2000 people participated through surveys and interviews, including over 200 OTC children.
A description of this groundbreaking research is available at: http://www.physics.harvard.edu/holton/projectsecondwave2.html and
http://www.physics.harvard.edu/holton/AustrianChildren.pdf
Email: sonnert@physics.harvard.edu holton@physics.harvard.edu
A book based on this study, entitled, “What Happened to the Children Who Fled Nazi Persecution”, was published by Palgrave Macmillan in December 2006. For more information visit this book visit http://www.palgrave-usa.com/catalog/product.aspx?isbn=1403976252
For more information on the location of Archival Collections and associated Finding Aids pertaining to OTC children and their rescue and resettlement, as well as a bibliography of article published by and about OTC children, contact OTC, Inc. at the email noted on page one.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
One Thousand Children®, Inc. is not responsible for the content of nor does it necessarily endorse the contents and views expressed on the websites, or in the exhibitions, books or materials cited above, except it's own website and publications.
© One Thousand Children® Inc. 2006
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