From the Holocaust to Maine: Testimonies of the Survivors

by Jack Montgomery, Walter Ziffer PhD (Contributor), Aaron Rosen PhD

300 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2025

Reviews

[Glady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found From the Holocaust to Maine at my local Ogunquit Memorial Library. I almost didn't borrow it since I already had a stack but the title just called to me. Eighteen brief primary source accounts represent the true gamut of evil, kindness, and determination. All of these survivors eventually ended up in Maine and then shared their devastating stories with the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine. Most of these brave men and women are now deceased, but this book reminds readers of their courage and strength of character.

In the foreword, Jack Montgomery issues a call to action, one that didn't occur in the early years of Nazism.

There is evil in the world, and it is often directed at Jews, among others. You don't laugh at "those" jokes. You don't play along. You say something or do something, however small, to let your disapproval be known. Ignoring it or playing along is cowardly and ultimately hurtful...Antisemitism, racial hatred, and authoritarianism are closely related viruses...and the wave of illness is growing.

The survivors who shared their stories were ordinary kids, some of whom were very religious while others were not. Their incredible survival was one part luck and two parts grit. They came to America filled with hope, determined to become educated and work hard. It was an honor to read their stories.

[Casidy Tims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I learned so MUCH! Living in Maine, some of these stories really hit close to home. Excellent research from the author.