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הצילום שהציל אותנו
זוכה פרס יד ושם לספר ילדים ונוער בתחום השואה, תשפ"ב
"רוצו למרתף!" צעקה סבתא, משכה אותי בחוזקה והובילה אותי אל מחוץ לדירה. דודה גיזה רצה אחרינו ואבא הרים את בֶּבָּה בזרועותיו ורץ בעקבותינו. אימא עזבה אחרונה את הדירה, וסגרה אחריה את הדלת. ירדנו בבהלה במדרגות אל מרתף הבניין. בדרך למטה ראינו את כל השכנים יורדים גם הם. כשכולם נכנסו למרתף הצפוף, סגר אחד השכנים את הדלת הכבדה אחרינו.״
כך החלה המלחמה עבור גברא בן החמש, ילד במשפחה של צלמים, ושינתה את החיים שהכיר. יחד עם אביו, אימו ואחותו הקטנה, ברח גברא לאזורים נידחים, כדי להתרחק כמה שיותר מהגרמנים. במהלך התלאות שעברו עליהם בזמן מלחמת העולם השנייה - הם נאלצו להעמיד פני נוצרים ופני מוסלמים, שינו את שמותיהם, נכלאו בבית סוהר ונדדו ממקום למקום. חוץ ממזל גדול, שני דברים עיקריים הצילו את בני המשפחה: המצלמה של אבא משה וחוק הבֶּסָה - חוק כבוד אלבני שקובע שיש להגן ולשמור על כל אדם הזקוק לעזרה, אפילו במחיר חייך.
בעולם בו הרוע השתלט - טוב לב , אומץ וחברות היו אורות באפילה.
בשנת 1990 הוזמנו רפיק וסלי ואשתו ל׳יד ושם׳ בירושלים ובטקס חגיגי קיבלו את אות ׳חסידי אומות העולם׳, גם עבור וסל ופאטימה, הוריו של רפיק.
רפיק והוריו היו האלבנים הראשונים שקיבלו את האות החשוב הזה. בעקבותיהם קיבלו אלבנים נוספים את אות ׳חסידי אומות העולם׳, ביניהם גם אחיו של רפיק.
"רוצו למרתף!" צעקה סבתא, משכה אותי בחוזקה והובילה אותי אל מחוץ לדירה. דודה גיזה רצה אחרינו ואבא הרים את בֶּבָּה בזרועותיו ורץ בעקבותינו. אימא עזבה אחרונה את הדירה, וסגרה אחריה את הדלת. ירדנו בבהלה במדרגות אל מרתף הבניין. בדרך למטה ראינו את כל השכנים יורדים גם הם. כשכולם נכנסו למרתף הצפוף, סגר אחד השכנים את הדלת הכבדה אחרינו.״
כך החלה המלחמה עבור גברא בן החמש, ילד במשפחה של צלמים, ושינתה את החיים שהכיר. יחד עם אביו, אימו ואחותו הקטנה, ברח גברא לאזורים נידחים, כדי להתרחק כמה שיותר מהגרמנים. במהלך התלאות שעברו עליהם בזמן מלחמת העולם השנייה - הם נאלצו להעמיד פני נוצרים ופני מוסלמים, שינו את שמותיהם, נכלאו בבית סוהר ונדדו ממקום למקום. חוץ ממזל גדול, שני דברים עיקריים הצילו את בני המשפחה: המצלמה של אבא משה וחוק הבֶּסָה - חוק כבוד אלבני שקובע שיש להגן ולשמור על כל אדם הזקוק לעזרה, אפילו במחיר חייך.
בעולם בו הרוע השתלט - טוב לב , אומץ וחברות היו אורות באפילה.
בשנת 1990 הוזמנו רפיק וסלי ואשתו ל׳יד ושם׳ בירושלים ובטקס חגיגי קיבלו את אות ׳חסידי אומות העולם׳, גם עבור וסל ופאטימה, הוריו של רפיק.
רפיק והוריו היו האלבנים הראשונים שקיבלו את האות החשוב הזה. בעקבותיהם קיבלו אלבנים נוספים את אות ׳חסידי אומות העולם׳, ביניהם גם אחיו של רפיק.
95 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
120 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 2, 2023
incredible story about Albania people 🤍🥰
This the book I choose today is called “The Photographer’s Son” written by Maya C. Klinger. It was not faith or religion that helped people but their own family traditions of helping other humans. They fled all through Yugoslavia, passing themselves off as Christians and finally found refuge in Albania, as Muslims and saved by a family who risked all and asked for nothing. The author’s goal is for the new generations to learn the past and for events like the Second World War to not be repeated in the future. This is the first book I learned about Albania people who have saved many Jews during the Holocaust. Before the war there were 200-300 Jews live there and after the war, almost 2,000 Jews have lived there. People have gone there from their former Yugoslavia, Greece and other countries. This book shows the hospitality of the Albanians who protected the Jews who were with them. In this book, it is simply quick read, easy and well written that includes photo in between for the young and adult readers. I throughly enjoy the book because this is the true story of a Mandil family, who were saved by Albanian Muslims. Mandil family, was saved by the Veseli family in Albania. It is told from the view of Gavra Mandil who was five at the time the War started. It was only with the help of very kind and altruistic people that the family survived. It is very interesting, important and blunt straight to the truth as a result.
This the book I choose today is called “The Photographer’s Son” written by Maya C. Klinger. It was not faith or religion that helped people but their own family traditions of helping other humans. They fled all through Yugoslavia, passing themselves off as Christians and finally found refuge in Albania, as Muslims and saved by a family who risked all and asked for nothing. The author’s goal is for the new generations to learn the past and for events like the Second World War to not be repeated in the future. This is the first book I learned about Albania people who have saved many Jews during the Holocaust. Before the war there were 200-300 Jews live there and after the war, almost 2,000 Jews have lived there. People have gone there from their former Yugoslavia, Greece and other countries. This book shows the hospitality of the Albanians who protected the Jews who were with them. In this book, it is simply quick read, easy and well written that includes photo in between for the young and adult readers. I throughly enjoy the book because this is the true story of a Mandil family, who were saved by Albanian Muslims. Mandil family, was saved by the Veseli family in Albania. It is told from the view of Gavra Mandil who was five at the time the War started. It was only with the help of very kind and altruistic people that the family survived. It is very interesting, important and blunt straight to the truth as a result.
August 8, 2024
This would be a great book to use in introducing the Holocaust to younger readers. The writer’s tone is very kid-friendly, almost conversational. And the photographs included throughout really add to the story!
July 29, 2024
My high school was named after Refik Veseli, who saved a Jewish family. In our school, we often talked about their story. However, until I read this book, I never realized how difficult their story actually was and the strong bond between the two families. I am grateful to my lovely teacher who gifted me this book as a graduation present. Every time when I look at my bookshelf, I will remember my now old school and the story behind its name.
January 29, 2023
Perseverance, to stay alive !
The story of a family, caught up in the holocaust . There crime, they were Jews. They fled all through Yugoslavia , passing themselves off as Christians and finally found refuge in Albania, as Muslims and saved by a family who risked all and asked for nothing. A good read with a happy ending .
The story of a family, caught up in the holocaust . There crime, they were Jews. They fled all through Yugoslavia , passing themselves off as Christians and finally found refuge in Albania, as Muslims and saved by a family who risked all and asked for nothing. A good read with a happy ending .
March 30, 2023
Here's another wonderful, enlightening story of a family being saved from death @the hands of the merciless Nazi Germany. Oh I know, the Nazi's were everywhere in the European world . Just taking over any country that didn't, or couldn't - perhaps even wouldn't, fight to defend itself , because of the Party's size. The Nazi's were like a gigantic octopus with arms everywhere and sympathizers hiding in the woodwork like rats!
Thankfully, on the family's first go at escape by using the train, that Moshe (daddy) had been able to get paperwork that would allow passage on said train. But when the train had stopped at a station, there were soldiers removing Jews. Moshe being called off with family following, had (unplanned) a photo of the children gazing delightfully at a Christmas tree! Isn't that proof we're not Jews he asks? This allows the family to regain their seats! And off to freedom! But of course, this chapter of freedom can't last long. One of the saviors suggest they go to Albania where they'd be so much safer!
So, to Albania they go. Travel was torturous, and long! As travel could only be done in the dark..
The Albanian people were so caring, so open hearted. They shared with the small contingent of Jewish families in this particular village. I found that I too learned something I did not know and that was an Albanian Muslim community saved countless lives.
I've studied and researched, read countless books,stories (and listened to several survivors) on this subject. So yes, I truly liked this story. I believe you will too. And you can feel that 5yr old heart thumping, and his mind constantly being on high alert. Can any of us say that? Check it out, see if you agree in the 5 star rating! --P/
Thankfully, on the family's first go at escape by using the train, that Moshe (daddy) had been able to get paperwork that would allow passage on said train. But when the train had stopped at a station, there were soldiers removing Jews. Moshe being called off with family following, had (unplanned) a photo of the children gazing delightfully at a Christmas tree! Isn't that proof we're not Jews he asks? This allows the family to regain their seats! And off to freedom! But of course, this chapter of freedom can't last long. One of the saviors suggest they go to Albania where they'd be so much safer!
So, to Albania they go. Travel was torturous, and long! As travel could only be done in the dark..
The Albanian people were so caring, so open hearted. They shared with the small contingent of Jewish families in this particular village. I found that I too learned something I did not know and that was an Albanian Muslim community saved countless lives.
I've studied and researched, read countless books,stories (and listened to several survivors) on this subject. So yes, I truly liked this story. I believe you will too. And you can feel that 5yr old heart thumping, and his mind constantly being on high alert. Can any of us say that? Check it out, see if you agree in the 5 star rating! --P/
December 23, 2024
My youngest grandson is half-Jewish and has become very interested in World War II. He's not quite old enough for the gruesome details of the Holocaust but I think this book will be perfect for him to read with his parents. (It would also be a great book to read aloud to a class. I guess I'll never stop thinking like a classroom teacher.) It's an excellent lesson for all families in helping refugees in need, regardless of religion or nationality. At this moment in time, showing kindness & compassion to strangers because it's the right thing to do is sadly lacking. In addition to purchasing this book for my grandson, I'll also get a copy for his school library. I'm so glad I saw this one today.
November 3, 2024
This is a short book that is very well written.
It tells a story of a child’s experience of the holocaust. The horrors of WW2 and the holocaust must never be forgotten. The epilogue reminds adults that generations are affected by the holocaust and the importance of keeping its memory alive as well as that of the bravery and selflessness of people who faced the loss of everything.
It tells a story of a child’s experience of the holocaust. The horrors of WW2 and the holocaust must never be forgotten. The epilogue reminds adults that generations are affected by the holocaust and the importance of keeping its memory alive as well as that of the bravery and selflessness of people who faced the loss of everything.
March 4, 2023
This is a young adult book about a Yugoslavian Jewish family and their life during WWII. For young readers, it provides a tale of life from the perspective of a grade-school aged boy. They travel from Yugoslavia, to Italy, and finally Albania fleeing the Nazis. The generosity of friends and strangers kept them safe until they could return home after the war. I would say that the moral of the tale is that the kindness they found was never based on religion, only the humanity of good people.
February 11, 2023
The Photographer’s Son is by Maya C. Klinger. This is a historical novel based on the true story of the Mandil family during the Holocaust. It is told from the view of Gavra Mandil who was five at the time the War started. It was only with the help of very kind and altruistic people that the family survived.
Gavra and his sister, Beba, were raised by their parents, Moshe and Gabriella Mandil I Novi-Sad, Yugoslavia. Both of his parents were photographers. Their photography shop in Novi-Sad was very busy and always had photographs of Gavra and Beba in the windows to advertise children’s portraits. One of those pictures saved their lives when the Germans were checking their ID’s. It was a picture of the children gazing at a decorated Christmas tree. It helped the German officer decide that they were indeed Christians.
When the Germans entered Yugoslavia, the family was visiting their grandmother and aunt in Belgrade. They were not allowed to return home, so their father had to find other odd jobs to do since he didn’t have his cameras. When the Germans called for all Jews to gather in the town square, Moshe decided his family would flee instead. Grandmother and Aunt Giza decided to remain in Belgrade and went into hiding. The family managed to get a train out of Belgrade which went to Italy. From Italy, they drove, with other refugees, to Albania where Jews could find refuge.
The book is easy to read and definitely suitable for younger readers. It does not contain any objectionable language or scenes. It does portray the kindness and willingness to help others even at the risk of losing their own lives. This is the first book I have read that mentions the Albanians and their views towards the Jewish Question. I will definitely be learning more about Albania and World War II and the Holocaust.
Gavra and his sister, Beba, were raised by their parents, Moshe and Gabriella Mandil I Novi-Sad, Yugoslavia. Both of his parents were photographers. Their photography shop in Novi-Sad was very busy and always had photographs of Gavra and Beba in the windows to advertise children’s portraits. One of those pictures saved their lives when the Germans were checking their ID’s. It was a picture of the children gazing at a decorated Christmas tree. It helped the German officer decide that they were indeed Christians.
When the Germans entered Yugoslavia, the family was visiting their grandmother and aunt in Belgrade. They were not allowed to return home, so their father had to find other odd jobs to do since he didn’t have his cameras. When the Germans called for all Jews to gather in the town square, Moshe decided his family would flee instead. Grandmother and Aunt Giza decided to remain in Belgrade and went into hiding. The family managed to get a train out of Belgrade which went to Italy. From Italy, they drove, with other refugees, to Albania where Jews could find refuge.
The book is easy to read and definitely suitable for younger readers. It does not contain any objectionable language or scenes. It does portray the kindness and willingness to help others even at the risk of losing their own lives. This is the first book I have read that mentions the Albanians and their views towards the Jewish Question. I will definitely be learning more about Albania and World War II and the Holocaust.
November 26, 2022
Even in the darkest hour, love and kindness can light the way’ - Through a child’s eyes
Maryland author Maya C. Klinger is an educator and librarian who makes her literary debut with THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S SON, a book written for children, originally in Hebrew and now translated from the Hebrew by Jerry Hyman. The story, based on events in the lie of Gavra Mandil, is written for young readers, and opens as follows - “Hello Readers, The story you are about to read is a true story that happened to me and my family a long time ago, when I was a little boy. My first name is Gavra and my last name is Mandil. The meaning of y name, Gavra, is - “the man,” and I was named after my grandfather, who was also called Gavra.’ It is that degree of written communication, intended for young eyes, that accompanies this story, including photographs as is apropos for Gavra’s family of photographers - and a brief history of cameras is included!
Maya captures the mood well as the story begins: ‘This war, World War II, started long before my family felt it. There were no TVs in people’s homes or devices connected to the Internet. The Internet was not yet invented…’ And in that degree of candor, so much of the Holocaust is revealed in a manner that is informative and empathetic - war and abuse as seen through a child’s eyes, related in a manner that young readers can explore and become informed and discover the myriad aspects of survival and the importance of friendships and love in surviving. This is an excellent means of relating history to young readers. Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Maryland author Maya C. Klinger is an educator and librarian who makes her literary debut with THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S SON, a book written for children, originally in Hebrew and now translated from the Hebrew by Jerry Hyman. The story, based on events in the lie of Gavra Mandil, is written for young readers, and opens as follows - “Hello Readers, The story you are about to read is a true story that happened to me and my family a long time ago, when I was a little boy. My first name is Gavra and my last name is Mandil. The meaning of y name, Gavra, is - “the man,” and I was named after my grandfather, who was also called Gavra.’ It is that degree of written communication, intended for young eyes, that accompanies this story, including photographs as is apropos for Gavra’s family of photographers - and a brief history of cameras is included!
Maya captures the mood well as the story begins: ‘This war, World War II, started long before my family felt it. There were no TVs in people’s homes or devices connected to the Internet. The Internet was not yet invented…’ And in that degree of candor, so much of the Holocaust is revealed in a manner that is informative and empathetic - war and abuse as seen through a child’s eyes, related in a manner that young readers can explore and become informed and discover the myriad aspects of survival and the importance of friendships and love in surviving. This is an excellent means of relating history to young readers. Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
May 2, 2025
Familie Mandil
Der fünfjährige Gavra Mandil lebt mit seinen Eltern und seiner kleinen Schwester Irena im ehemaligen Jugoslawien. Gavras Vater arbeitet als Fotograf und so kommt es, dass die Mandil Kinder öfter von ihm fotografiert werden. Mit Beginn des zweiten Weltkrieges zerrütten die Nazis Gavras heile Welt und besetzen seine Heimat. Die jüdischen Menschen müssen sich fortan zu erkennen geben, so auch Familie Mandil. Ihnen droht die Deportation in ein Konzentrationslager, doch das möchten sie verhindern und schmieden einen Fluchtplan. Auf der Flucht gibt es viele Gefahren und ausgerechnet ein Foto von Irena und Gavra wird das Leben der Familie Mandil entscheidend verändern.
Wie ein Foto unser Leben rettete von Maya C. Klinger erzählt auf eindrückliche Weise die Geschichte des jungen Gavra Mandils. Durch die Ich-Erzählweise wird die Geschichte Gavras übermittelt und sorgt dadurch schnell dafür, dass man sich in den Jungen hineinversetzen und die Welt aus seiner Perspektive erleben kann. Während des Lesens vergisst man beinahe, dass es nicht Gavra war, der diese Geschichte niedergeschrieben hat. Die Gefühle des Jungen wirken so authentisch, dass man wirklich glauben könnte, dass alles genau so passiert ist und gefühlt wurde.
Das Buch ist kindgerecht erzählt und eignet sich sehr gut, um Kindern aus der Vergangenheit zu berichten (und ihnen andere Lebenswelten zu zeigen). Mir als Erwachsene hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen, allerdings gab es bei den Kindern doch etwas zu wenig (künstliche) ‚Spannung‘. Ein Wunsch, den ich durchaus nachvollziehen kann, da die Geschichte eher einer Erzählung ohne Spannungsbogen gleichkommt. Inhaltlich ist das natürlich schwierig umzusetzen, denn es handelt sich um eine wahre Geschichte und umfasst wichtige Thematik, die nicht durch unterhaltende Elemente ausgeschmückt werden sollte, doch der Schreibstil hätte an manchen Stellen lebhafter/emotionaler sein und dadurch eine künstliche Spannung erzeugen können.
Dennoch fand ich Wie ein Foto unser Leben rettete sehr eindrücklich und finde vor allem, dass zumindest einige Kapitel ein sehr großes Potenzial zur Wissensvermittlung (emotional wie informativ) für Kinder haben können. Außerdem hat mir das Nachwort besonders gut gefallen, dass über Gavras weiteres Leben (und das seiner Familie) berichtete und die Schönheit des Lebens zeigt.
Der fünfjährige Gavra Mandil lebt mit seinen Eltern und seiner kleinen Schwester Irena im ehemaligen Jugoslawien. Gavras Vater arbeitet als Fotograf und so kommt es, dass die Mandil Kinder öfter von ihm fotografiert werden. Mit Beginn des zweiten Weltkrieges zerrütten die Nazis Gavras heile Welt und besetzen seine Heimat. Die jüdischen Menschen müssen sich fortan zu erkennen geben, so auch Familie Mandil. Ihnen droht die Deportation in ein Konzentrationslager, doch das möchten sie verhindern und schmieden einen Fluchtplan. Auf der Flucht gibt es viele Gefahren und ausgerechnet ein Foto von Irena und Gavra wird das Leben der Familie Mandil entscheidend verändern.
Wie ein Foto unser Leben rettete von Maya C. Klinger erzählt auf eindrückliche Weise die Geschichte des jungen Gavra Mandils. Durch die Ich-Erzählweise wird die Geschichte Gavras übermittelt und sorgt dadurch schnell dafür, dass man sich in den Jungen hineinversetzen und die Welt aus seiner Perspektive erleben kann. Während des Lesens vergisst man beinahe, dass es nicht Gavra war, der diese Geschichte niedergeschrieben hat. Die Gefühle des Jungen wirken so authentisch, dass man wirklich glauben könnte, dass alles genau so passiert ist und gefühlt wurde.
Das Buch ist kindgerecht erzählt und eignet sich sehr gut, um Kindern aus der Vergangenheit zu berichten (und ihnen andere Lebenswelten zu zeigen). Mir als Erwachsene hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen, allerdings gab es bei den Kindern doch etwas zu wenig (künstliche) ‚Spannung‘. Ein Wunsch, den ich durchaus nachvollziehen kann, da die Geschichte eher einer Erzählung ohne Spannungsbogen gleichkommt. Inhaltlich ist das natürlich schwierig umzusetzen, denn es handelt sich um eine wahre Geschichte und umfasst wichtige Thematik, die nicht durch unterhaltende Elemente ausgeschmückt werden sollte, doch der Schreibstil hätte an manchen Stellen lebhafter/emotionaler sein und dadurch eine künstliche Spannung erzeugen können.
Dennoch fand ich Wie ein Foto unser Leben rettete sehr eindrücklich und finde vor allem, dass zumindest einige Kapitel ein sehr großes Potenzial zur Wissensvermittlung (emotional wie informativ) für Kinder haben können. Außerdem hat mir das Nachwort besonders gut gefallen, dass über Gavras weiteres Leben (und das seiner Familie) berichtete und die Schönheit des Lebens zeigt.
May 2, 2025
Zeitzeugnis kindgerecht erzählt
Ein einziges Foto kann das Leben einer ganzen Familie retten. Wie genau, das wird in „Wie ein Foto unser Leben rettete – Die wahre Geschichte der Familie Mandil“ von Maya C. Klinger erzählt.
Der fünfjährige Gavra und seine kleine Schwester Irena erleben, wie ihre Welt aus den Fugen gerät, als die Nazis ihre Heimat Jugoslawien besetzen. Die jüdische Familie wird zur Zielscheibe der Verfolgung – und muss vor der drohenden Deportation fliehen. Dies gelingt ihnen nur mit Hilfe eines besonderen Fotos. Erst nach Jahre andauernder Flucht gelangen sie schließlich nach Albanien. 🎞️
Die Geschichte wird aus Gavras Sicht erzählt – kindgerecht, aber eindringlich. Auch durch die klare Sprache und die ergänzenden Fotos/Grafiken eignet sich das Buch hervorragend als Vorlesebuch für Kinder ab ca. 7 Jahren oder zum Selbstlesen für geübtere Leseanfänger.
Trotz der kindgerechten Erzählweise beschönigt das Buch nichts:
Es geht um Bombardierungen, Hunger, Diskriminierung und Verfolgung durch den Judenstern, Flucht, Angst, Identität – aber auch um Zusammenhalt, Mut und Menschlichkeit.
Was es mit dem titelgebenden Foto genau auf sich hat und wie es zur Rettung beiträgt? Das müsst ihr selbst lesen!
Besonders berührt hat mich auch die Erklärung des albanischen Ehrenkodex „Besa“:
"Jeden Menschen, der um Hilfe bittet, müssen die Albaner wie ein Mitglied der Familie behandeln", "auch um den Preis des eigenen Lebens". 🤝
Hilfreich wäre am Ende des Buches noch ein Glossar gewesen, in dem zentrale Begriffe erklärt werden, wie zb. Konzentrationslager, Deportation oder Schoah.
________________________________
Wusstest du, dass jüdische Familien während der NS-Zeit auch in muslimischen Ländern wie Albanien Schutz gefunden haben?
Gibt es auch in deinem Leben ein Foto, das eine besondere Geschichte erzählt?
Ein einziges Foto kann das Leben einer ganzen Familie retten. Wie genau, das wird in „Wie ein Foto unser Leben rettete – Die wahre Geschichte der Familie Mandil“ von Maya C. Klinger erzählt.
Der fünfjährige Gavra und seine kleine Schwester Irena erleben, wie ihre Welt aus den Fugen gerät, als die Nazis ihre Heimat Jugoslawien besetzen. Die jüdische Familie wird zur Zielscheibe der Verfolgung – und muss vor der drohenden Deportation fliehen. Dies gelingt ihnen nur mit Hilfe eines besonderen Fotos. Erst nach Jahre andauernder Flucht gelangen sie schließlich nach Albanien. 🎞️
Die Geschichte wird aus Gavras Sicht erzählt – kindgerecht, aber eindringlich. Auch durch die klare Sprache und die ergänzenden Fotos/Grafiken eignet sich das Buch hervorragend als Vorlesebuch für Kinder ab ca. 7 Jahren oder zum Selbstlesen für geübtere Leseanfänger.
Trotz der kindgerechten Erzählweise beschönigt das Buch nichts:
Es geht um Bombardierungen, Hunger, Diskriminierung und Verfolgung durch den Judenstern, Flucht, Angst, Identität – aber auch um Zusammenhalt, Mut und Menschlichkeit.
Was es mit dem titelgebenden Foto genau auf sich hat und wie es zur Rettung beiträgt? Das müsst ihr selbst lesen!
Besonders berührt hat mich auch die Erklärung des albanischen Ehrenkodex „Besa“:
"Jeden Menschen, der um Hilfe bittet, müssen die Albaner wie ein Mitglied der Familie behandeln", "auch um den Preis des eigenen Lebens". 🤝
Hilfreich wäre am Ende des Buches noch ein Glossar gewesen, in dem zentrale Begriffe erklärt werden, wie zb. Konzentrationslager, Deportation oder Schoah.
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Wusstest du, dass jüdische Familien während der NS-Zeit auch in muslimischen Ländern wie Albanien Schutz gefunden haben?
Gibt es auch in deinem Leben ein Foto, das eine besondere Geschichte erzählt?
January 26, 2025
This was the most sweetly written World War II book I have read. The story is told through the eyes of a 5 year old whose family is Jewish and live in Yugoslavia. The father is an amazing photographer and owns a photography shop. He has a young Christian man as a helper; and when the Germans invade, the helper hides the family of 4 in his parents' barn. The family continues to have to move from place to place as the Germans begin to seek out more Jewish people; but each time, they are taken in by a family who have a different religion. They once again learn to be that religion and change their names in order to save the family. What really made this story special was the father, Moshe, took photos along their path of the families which were spread throughout the story and truly brought this true story to life. Gavra, the 5 year old, tells the most poignant story through the writing of Maya C. Klinger.
February 18, 2023
Heartwarmingg
The horrors of WWII and the holocaust must not be forgotten, but the story of the Photographer's Son helps us to understand that humane, generous, a brave people also existed In those dark days. It is refreshing to hear such a story. In 2023 times are again dark, but not hopeless. Let us defect on the past, and remember that even in the darkest hour humanitarian efforts existed.
The horrors of WWII and the holocaust must not be forgotten, but the story of the Photographer's Son helps us to understand that humane, generous, a brave people also existed In those dark days. It is refreshing to hear such a story. In 2023 times are again dark, but not hopeless. Let us defect on the past, and remember that even in the darkest hour humanitarian efforts existed.
May 7, 2023
Great story!
This is another story about Jews who had to go into hiding during the war! How families hide Jews from Germans! It also tells how one family saved this Jew family for about a year! They stayed hidden in a room over the barn! It is terrible how the Jews were persecute
This is another story about Jews who had to go into hiding during the war! How families hide Jews from Germans! It also tells how one family saved this Jew family for about a year! They stayed hidden in a room over the barn! It is terrible how the Jews were persecute
February 5, 2023
An escape story through the eyes of a child
I didn't realise this was such a short book but well worth reading. The story of a jewish photographer and his family that run away from Germans and are helped and saved by kind brave people who put their own lives at risk.
I didn't realise this was such a short book but well worth reading. The story of a jewish photographer and his family that run away from Germans and are helped and saved by kind brave people who put their own lives at risk.
May 17, 2023
Photographer's Son
Excellent book about Holocaust survivors. I enjoyed reading. If I were teaching still, this would be a required reading for middle school. Enjoyed finding how the Albanian citizens helped the Jews hide.
Excellent book about Holocaust survivors. I enjoyed reading. If I were teaching still, this would be a required reading for middle school. Enjoyed finding how the Albanian citizens helped the Jews hide.
March 11, 2023
WW2 Survivors
What a beautiful well written true story and a tribute to all the families who assisted the Jews in WW2
What a beautiful well written true story and a tribute to all the families who assisted the Jews in WW2
May 1, 2023
Was a good true story.its more for a Jr high level but a neat story
July 28, 2023
Excellent
A rare happy ending for the terrible Nazi invasion. I read this book in one sitting. I feel for everyone in this true book
A rare happy ending for the terrible Nazi invasion. I read this book in one sitting. I feel for everyone in this true book
August 18, 2023
Sad but happy ending
Great book for all to read shows that there are good people in the world. When you have faith there is hope. The war was a very bad time in our world.
Great book for all to read shows that there are good people in the world. When you have faith there is hope. The war was a very bad time in our world.
August 25, 2023
Lovely true story.
November 9, 2025
Gelungene Aufarbeitung der Tatsache, dass Albanien vielen jüdischen Verfolgten aufgrund von Besa Heimat bot während des Nazi-Regimes!
August 24, 2025
Ein stilles Meisterwerk
„Wie ein Foto unser Leben rettete - Die wahre Geschichte der Familie Mandil“ ist ein historisches Kinderbuch von Maya C. Klinger mit Illustrationen von Isabel Kreitz. Es ist für Leser ab sieben Jahren geeignet. Das 120-seitige Buch erzählt die wahre Geschichte der Flucht der jüdischen Familie Mandil aus dem ehemaligen Jugoslawien während des Zweiten Weltkrieges.
Die fünfjährige Gavra Mandil lebte mit ihrer Familie in Jugoslawien. Ihr Vater war Fotograf und besaß ein Geschäft. Er hatte eine jüngere Schwester, Irena. Nach Ausbruch des Zweiten Weltkriegs besetzten die Nazis Jugoslawien. Obwohl Gavra jung und unverständlich war, hatte er große Angst. Da sie jüdisch waren, fühlte sich die Familie Mandil von den Nazis bedroht und beschloss, nach Albanien zu fliehen.
Die Geschichte erzählt aus Gavra Mandils Perspektive, mit kindlicher Klarheit und natürlicher Sprache. Die Geschichte ist flüssig und lebendig und daher für Kinder geeignet. Auch die Illustrationen sind wunderschön, mit zarten Schwarz-Weiß-Tönen, die an Nostalgie grenzen und dennoch sehr ausdrucksstark sind. Dieser kinderfreundliche Bericht über eine wenig bekannte Geschichte ist ein kraftvolles, herzliches und unglaublich einfühlsames Werk.
„Wie ein Foto unser Leben rettete - Die wahre Geschichte der Familie Mandil“ ist ein historisches Kinderbuch von Maya C. Klinger mit Illustrationen von Isabel Kreitz. Es ist für Leser ab sieben Jahren geeignet. Das 120-seitige Buch erzählt die wahre Geschichte der Flucht der jüdischen Familie Mandil aus dem ehemaligen Jugoslawien während des Zweiten Weltkrieges.
Die fünfjährige Gavra Mandil lebte mit ihrer Familie in Jugoslawien. Ihr Vater war Fotograf und besaß ein Geschäft. Er hatte eine jüngere Schwester, Irena. Nach Ausbruch des Zweiten Weltkriegs besetzten die Nazis Jugoslawien. Obwohl Gavra jung und unverständlich war, hatte er große Angst. Da sie jüdisch waren, fühlte sich die Familie Mandil von den Nazis bedroht und beschloss, nach Albanien zu fliehen.
Die Geschichte erzählt aus Gavra Mandils Perspektive, mit kindlicher Klarheit und natürlicher Sprache. Die Geschichte ist flüssig und lebendig und daher für Kinder geeignet. Auch die Illustrationen sind wunderschön, mit zarten Schwarz-Weiß-Tönen, die an Nostalgie grenzen und dennoch sehr ausdrucksstark sind. Dieser kinderfreundliche Bericht über eine wenig bekannte Geschichte ist ein kraftvolles, herzliches und unglaublich einfühlsames Werk.
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