Witness For My Father: A World War II Story Of Loss, Hope, and Discovery

by Barbara Bergren

Martin Weigen was eleven when the Nazis invaded his hometown of Starachowice, Poland. He survived the death march from Auschwitz, imprisonment at Buchenwald, and the deaths of his family before his liberation at Dachau and the decision that changed the course of his life.

He never spoke of it.

Fifty years later, a surprise telephone call opens the door to Martin's past, sparking a series of events that reignited memories of courage, fear, impossible chances, harrowing escapes, and the unexpected friendship between a young Holocaust survivor and an African-American lieutenant.

Witness For My Father, as told by the author, Martin's daughter, is a story of devastating loss, but also one of hope, heroism, and the triumph of human kindness.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

293 pages, ebook

First published January 14, 2020

About the author

Barbara Bergren is an author, lecturer and Holocaust educator. She earned her MBA from the University of Hartford and worked in the finance industry for twenty-five years before writing Witness for My Father. Barbara visits schools, religious organizations, and community groups speaking about her father’s experience during and after World War II.

This is the story of her father, Martin Weigen, and how his friendship and reunion with Lieutenant John Withers impacted her life. She lives with her husband in both Florida and Connecticut.


Barbara is also a volunteer lecturer for students at The HERO Center in West Hartford, Connecticut. They are dedicated to helping educators and students come to a better understanding of the Holocaust. The HERO Center is located in the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies, and offers free tours of the Hartford Remembers the Holocaust exhibit, located on the University of Hartford campus.

Through museum trips, talks with local Holocaust survivors, online resources, book lists created by local educators and more, their goal is to provide quality educational programming for students.

Reviews

[Elsa Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stunning, beautiful, and moving debut by Barbara Bergren manages to be timeless in it's message while navigating a place in history. The telling is rich and vivid, making this a hard to put down book! I highly recommend reading this incredible story.

[Yael Schauder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness for my Father is a must-read story of survival and the love of family. Barbara Bergren's extraordinary tribute to her father provides a vivid and disturbing picture of the plight of Jews in Europe during the Holocaust and recounts a remarkable and inspiring account of hope from unexpected heroes at the conclusion of the war. Bergren's writing is so moving that it pulled at my heart and brought me to tears. This is an important book to read, and one I could not put down until the last page. I will remember the main character, Martin, and his ability to overcome his youthful trauma for years to come.

[Ruth W · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 2G (2nd Generation Holocaust Survivor) I know many survivor tales of inhumanity and resilience, and each story is amazing. Barbara Bergren's story is no exception. The worst of humanity followed by the best of humanity took me on a unique journey of horror and joy. Education is an important key to fighting hatred, and this book is not only a great read but also a compelling tool for anyone looking for an effective tool to battle bullying, racism and discrimination of any kind.

[Juli Kinrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important read and a jawdropper of a story, with a twist: The heart-rending racism and inequality in the American military. Ultimately it's a tale with a happy--or at least positive--ending. But along the way, it's enough to shock and sicken even those who are familiar with the Nazi horrors of WWII.

[Lance Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was thrilled (and honored) to receive an advance copy of this book to read. A beautifully written family memoir with a story that deserves to be shared. Highly recommended.

[Jennifer Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. Incredibly inspiring. A must read book.

[J.K. Brandau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable book about remarkable people. A captivating story of survival and triumph over extreme adversity and personal loss. One of the best accounts of holocaust survival I've ever read.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a gamut of emotions in this book, like a roller coaster. Happy endings are always the best. It has made me feel more committed to protecting and preserving my Jewish hetitage.