MEET THE AUTHOR

A German Life was presented by author Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D. on January 20, 2008.

When Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger’s children began asking about his parents and his past, he made the decision to tell them the truth about his family and his upbringing. He wanted them to understand what so dramatically changed his life, to give them a sense of knowing their family history in a way that was different from his own experience. Sharing with them in this way caused him to explore his relationship with his father, and how that relationship was overshadowed by the Holocaust and everything associated with it.

A German Life describes how history can impact and devastate a family. Bernd’s father was a highly decorated World War II German tank commander who fought in Poland, France, and Russia. After sustaining several injuries, he was presented with the Iron Cross, which was personally awarded to him by Adolf Hitler.

In his quest to find answers to questions about his parents and his nation’s past, Bernd set out to find the truth and, in doing so, found a new life. His attraction to Judaism created a turmoil within him that centered somewhere between personal guilt for what had taken place and a true sense of belonging to a people and their beliefs. Feeling wedged between family and faith, Bernd decided to separate from his family and to leave his home and his country.

As a Jew, committed to his belief and faith, he has no regrets about his life, but has wished for an opportunity to finally explain his decision. A German Life is that opportunity.

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