Up From The Rubble

by Peter J. Dyck, Elfrieda Dyck

The passing, on January 4, 2011, of Peter Dyck, following the death of his wife, Elfrieda, in 2004, marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Mennonite life and history. Readers can re-live those incredible days following World War II when the Dycks helped Mennonite refugees escape from war-torn Europe and to find new homes in South America and Canada. In addition to the epic story, the book contains many photos. Read a tribute to Peter Dyck. //www.mpn.net/news/january10/peterdyck....

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1991

Reviews

[Carita Keim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book of the Mennonite refugees during World War II. It's not a terribly well-written story. Instead, the first-hand account of war-time stories, of people on the front lines of the refugee crisis in Europe grips ones attention.

In a way, World War II may have inadvertently defined the Mennonites as an ethnic group, unlike before. To claim refugee status, the various Mennonite groups, most from Russia, had to prove to the American government that they were not Russian, or they would be sent back to Russia. They had to prove they were not German, because no one had interest in helping Germans. They had to prove they were Dutch Mennonites, an ethnic group, and deserving of aid.

It was one of the few times the American-Swiss Mennonites, too, joined the Dutch Mennonites who had been scattered to Canada, Paraguay, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, and Poland. The stories carried back to America of their suffering relatives in Europe created a bond that is unlikely to have happened in any other way.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most inspiring books I have read in recent years. Peter and Elfrieda Dyck tell the story of their work with Mennonite refugees in a most engaging manner. Once I got into the story of the what these people faced in Europe, Russia, Paraguay and trips across the Atlantic in the 40's, I could hardly put the book down. The stories of courage, determination and faith these refugees exhibited in the face of terrible hardships are absolutely spellbinding. The authors have both passed on, but they had lasting impacts on so many people. I highly recommend this book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a close friend and her family wh0 experienced living in an MCC refugee camp for three years after fleeing from their home in Poland when the Nazis arrived, made this an exceptionally interesting book for me. I had heard many of their personal stories and of their eventual passage to the United States.
The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a very special organization that fulfills the Biblical message of service to others as Peter and Elfrieda Dyck have related in this book.

[Dnicebear · Rating 4 out of 5]

European fugitives of World War II come alive in these memories of a couple who served on the spot, starting in 1941. The first "spot" was in England, and I especially enjoy Peter's experience making decisions with The Friends (by consensus) p 28, and the description of taking afternoon walks with the children in his charge.

"Much of England's countryside is like a large park, and walking through it is sheer delight. Such walks also afforded another opportunity for learning: to appreciate nature, to enjoy the flight and song of birds, to respect the property of farmers." (p. 38)

Peter and Elfrieda then spend time with refugees in Holland and Berlin. I had no idea Russian officials tried so hard to get fleeing Mennonites back. What a miracle when the first train makes it through Russian zone of Berlin to the ship waiting to take the first wave of Europeans to South America. As soon as they are out, the entire train of refugees sing, "Nun danket alle Gott." (p 201) What a gift it is to be able to sing through suffering.

Peter and Elfrieda both spend time on the ships to South America and then getting to see the god forsaken places the new immigrants live. A driver agrees to take them 300 miles to one of the places:

"That afternoon we came to a river. There was no bridge. Off in the distance he spotted a railroad bridge. That was where we drew the line. It was a long way down to the water, and when he proceded to drive that jalopy onto the railroad tracks, we climbed out and walked across. To our amazement he actually managed the feat, straddling one of the rails and bouncing the wheels from one ties to the next." (p 243)

This book was written over 20 years ago, so it took it a while to find me, but I'm so glad it did. I am thankful for the way it has enlarged my picture of what was happening in the world the decade before I was born.

[Marfita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Armed only with the precept that "God Can," Canadian Mennonite Peter Dyck goes to England to aid the Mennonite relief effort for the English and then dedicates himself to the rescue and relocation of Mennonite refugees, most of whom are fleeing Stalin's oppression. He meets Elfrieda, also a Mennonite; they become engaged during a air raid, marry, and organize refugee camps, transportation of refugees to Paraguay (of all places) - all in the face of overwhelming odds. Their task is made easier on one hand because Mennonites seem to be the most docile group on earth. It's made more difficult by the Soviets, who want the refugees repatriated so they don't go around bad-mouthing the USSR. And you can't just travel all across Europe and then the Atlantic without papers. The Dycks, though, never give up.
The book is written as though you were attending one of the Dyck's presentations. First one speaks and then the other identifies him or herself and tells what they were experiencing. Photographs are included, showing some of the elderly women sent as pioneers into the Paraguayan wilderness which was apparently an improvement on the horrors of the USSR.
This is certainly an admirable portrait of the Mennonites and their dedication to service. The stories themselves are suspenseful and occasionally funny. On the whole, it makes you feel as if you've accomplished nothing in your life.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter and Elfrieda Dyck are Mennonites who gave their lives to help Mennonites from Germany, Poland, and Russia find new life in a new place during WW II. It was fascinating to read details of the lives of people, of ocean journeys and new colonies, especially those stories involving people who traveled and settled in Paraguay. To make it even more interesting was to be reading the adventures on our flight to the Mennonite World Conference in Asuncion, Paraguay. This book was captivating.

[Rachel L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great memoir of the work of the Mennonite Central Committee in Europe (especially Berlin) during and after WWII. I found it inspiring and fascinating. The children's book Henry's Red Sea is closely based on some of the events in this book.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story telling a part of Mennonite history that I knew nothing about.