The Faces of Redemption.
The recent inauguration of the United States of America’s first African American President was made even more poignant because of the history of despair, survival and sustained grace of African Americans – many of whom might be considered the ladders that enabled this momentous, historical, national ‘redemption’. While ladders are essential, it’s often the individual rungs of the ladder that are forgotten; yet, without them a ladder can never rise. So, on this national Holocaust Remembrance Day, I would like to introduce you to a story of courage, greatness and love related to me by the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Stanley Glogover, by his daughter and my friend, Bonnie Glogover. Like the rise of President Obama, Stanley’s is a story of challenge and joy, of triumph and pain. Regardless of our ancestry or creed, Bonnie not only honors a hero, she honors the heroic spirit so many of us need now as we face difficult times. The story reminds us that with grace and courage, we too will not only survive, we will triumph.
Dear Raymond,
Re: The 64th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz
My name is Bonnie Glogover. I am the daughter of a Holocaust Survivor. I am responsible for successfully placing a Holocaust Remembrance Day on this nation’s calendar as of May 2000. However, I have a much bigger story that needs to be told – it is of my father, living Holocaust Survivor Stanley Glogover.
In honor of the forthcoming 64th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz occurring on January 27th of this year, I want his incredible saga to reach the minds and hearts of all who must never forget. I am hoping that the amazing survival story of my father, an eloquent and vital 82-year old can be the subject of a broadcast interview.
In brief, after a year in exile in the ghettos of Makow-Mazowiecki and Mlawa, Northern Poland, Stanley and his family were shipped to Auschwitz in early 1942 where his mother and three younger siblings were immediately sent to the gas chamber. He and his father, Lazer Glogover, were assigned to brute labor and after a few weeks his father went missing and Stanley assumed he had also been executed.
By many miracles Stanley managed to survive until the Germans evacuated him along with other prisoners, then sent them on a death march in 1945. He and 3 other boys made a daring escape from the line and were rehabilitated by the Allies Displaced Persons program. Having lost 28 of his relatives, Stanley decided to journey to various DP camps to see if he could find any friend or neighbor left alive.
His search took him across Europe. At the last DP center he visited in Southern Italy, he miraculously discovered his father-alive! It took a while for them to recover from such an emotionally charged reunion. They grieved together for the mother and wife and the children who had perished but the miracle of finding each other gave father and son strength and hope for the future.
In 1947 Stanley and his father immigrated to the USA to begin whole new life, finally free from the nightmare of WWII.
For photos of my father “before and after” his camp detention as well as photos of him on a rare return to Auschwitz in March 2007 please visit: http://survivinghitler.com/photo.htm
During this trip Stanley gave testimony to a major British filmmaker currently producing a documentary on the last generation of Holocaust survivors. It was his first trip back since he regained his freedom, which was a brave and cathartic journey.
As you can well understand, my father represents a dwindling generation of survivors who are living testimonies to the Holocaust. He would very much like the world to know his story and to bear witness.
There’s a ferociously important and heartwarming story that begs to be heard. I’m hoping you’ll agree.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Glogover
Email: GlogoverHosiery@aol.com
Postscript: Bonnie, I not only agree – I celebrate the justifiable pride of a loving daughter. Your love is proof that love, indeed, triumphs - and is the only thing that endures or maintains value over time. Stanley, despite his unimaginable ordeals, is deeply loved and a truly lucky man. His is a story that should and will never be silenced. I listen to his story with great respect. I salute you both.
Raymond Nadeau
www.livingbrandslivingmedia.com
