Full Circle: Escape from Baghdad and the Return

by Saul Silas Fathi

Full Circle, Escape from Baghdad and the Return chronicles a prosperous Iraqi Jewish family's escape from persecution, through the journey of one family member, a young boy, who witnesses public hangings and the 1941 Krystalnacht (Farhood) in Baghdad.After a dangerous escape from Iraq as part of a Sephardic Schindler's List, this ten-year-old begins a lifelong search for meaning and his place in the world. This journey takes him to the fledgling nation of Israel, then to Brazil, and eventually to the United States. This chronicle strives to explore questions of meaning such as: Does hardship taint the lure of adventure for any young man? What sustains hope? Does a persecuted Jew ever feel at home anywhere? This young man's journey and subsequent identity crisis interfaces with historical happenings in the world and brings an understanding of the culture and contributions of Sephardic Jews. There has been much written about the Jewish population in Germany and Europe and what they suffered, but little about Sephardic Jews who have also been persecuted in other countries, especially in Iraq, a country of which Americans have some familiarity, but know very little about.

636 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2005

About the author

My name is Saul Silas Fathi. I was born to a prominent Jewish family in Baghdad, Iraq. At age 10, my younger brother and I were smuggled out of Baghdad through Iran and eventually reached the newly-found State of Israel. I began writing my diary at age 11.

I enrolled in the Israel Air force Academy of Aeronautics, a 4-year program, where I earned my High-School diploma and became certified in Electrical Engineering. In 1958 I worked my way to Brazil where I nearly starved. Through perseverance and luck, I stated my own electrical business and earned a patent for climate-controlled windows, used in the building of the new capital, Brasilia.

In 1960 I came to the United States on a student visa, studying sculpture at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and American history and public speech at the New School of Social Studies in New York. After 8 months, I volunteered to serve 3 years in the U.S. Army having been promised college education and U.S. citizenship. After basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia, I was sent to helicopter school at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and enrolled at the University Of Virginia. Within a few months I was shipped to South Korea where I served as Chief Electrical Technician with the 1st Cavalry Division, 15th Aviation Company, the famed helicopter division in the Vietnam War.

Back in the U.S. I battled the Immigration department for my citizenship, while studying at the University of Virginia and finally earning my Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. This launched and impressive career as a high-level executive with several Fortune-500 companies. Later, I founded and managed three high-tech companies.

I retired in 2003 and began writing my memoirs “Full Circle: Escape from Baghdad and the return,” and have published 4 other books. Today I live in Long Island, New York with my wife Rachelle. I has 3 American born daughters and 3 grand-children. I am a certified linguist, fluent in English, Hebrew, Arabic and Portuguese.

Reviews

[Vicki Seamons · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tried to read this book. I read 200 pages and had to give up. I hope it was self published. I am not a snob but, it read like a 6th grader wrote it and it was not edited. I am sure the story is amazing and would love to hear the author tell it.

[Kiara Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Full Circle: Escape from Baghdad and the Return by Mr. Saul Silas Fathi, and I was truly moved by this powerful story. It’s a captivating journey of resilience, courage, and survival, detailing the author's family’s escape from persecution in Baghdad during World War II. The historical depth combined with personal storytelling really pulled me in. Fathi does an incredible job of painting a vivid picture of his experiences, and I felt connected to his family's struggles and triumphs. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, culture, and a deeply human story of perseverance.

[Jennifer Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Full Circle by Mr. Saul Silas Fathi is an incredible and heartfelt memoir. It takes you through his family’s escape from persecution in Baghdad during World War II and their journey to safety. The story is deeply moving, showing not just the struggles but also the strength and resilience they had to find along the way. Fathi’s writing brings both the personal and historical aspects of his experience to life, making it feel like you’re right there with him. If you're into stories of survival, history, or just powerful personal journeys, this book is definitely worth reading.

[Ignatius Raphael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Circle: Escape from Baghdad and the Return by Mr. Saul Silas Faithi is an incredible memoir that pulls you into a gripping personal journey. It’s a powerful story of survival, resilience, and hope as the author shares his family’s escape from persecution in Baghdad. The way Fathi brings history to life through his personal experiences kept me captivated throughout. I highly recommend this heartfelt and inspiring read!