Grasping at Straws: Letters from the Holocaust

The JCC, in partnership with the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center present Steve Wasserman, son of Ronnie Wasserman Harlan, z’l, in the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center’s speakers series.

Steve grew up in Dayton, Ohio and now lives in San Francisco. His book, “Grasping At Straws: Letters From the Holocaust” tells the story of his family; those who escaped Nazi Germany and those who were left behind. This is a finely written and researched story of a successful Jewish family, as they try to deal with the creeping repression in Germany of the Nazi regime in the years leading to WWII. There is the anxious and thrilling story of the escape of some, and the loss of others in the Holocaust. The letters and details give it a vivid personal tone. It’s a story of resilience in the face of evil. We need these stories told and retold, so that we can never forget. Unfortunately, it’s a story still relevant in the face of totalitarian impulses in the world today.

In this intimate and meaningful experience, speakers present stories of life before, during, and after the Holocaust. The Holocaust Speaker Series is held each Wednesday at 11 a.m. on Zoom and Facebook Live. The series is sponsored by Margaret & Michael Valentine in partnership with the Harriet & Kenneth Kupferberg Holocaust Center, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton.

CLICK HERE to register for this virtual event.