Sonia Weitz tells her story through poetry and testimony during the Holocaust.
She gives life to the millions of
children, men and women who were murdered in Europe because they were
Jews. Her personal memories and poetry give a history to mothers,
fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters. When Sonia speaks,
collective memory dissolves and the birth of a memory for each family
member is imagined.
There is an irony in Sonia's memories and
in the stories of other survivors of the Holocaust which puzzles me
deeply. How out of such darkness shines their light, out of such hate
comes their love, out of such degradation shows their dignity, out of
such despair is their hope?
Sonia is a teacher. She believes that the
students and adults she reaches can take a leap into her past and
emerge with the courage to care more about their neighbors. She brings
new meaning to the saying, "a teacher affects eternity."
Sonia accepts every invitation to reach a
Facing History teacher and speak in a Facing History classroom because
she is hopeful and beautiful. This book is another way for her to reach
new children whom she trusts will make a better world for all. We thank
Sonia for her commitment, dedication and grace.