Discovering My Father’s Holocaust History: One Man’s Journey of Learning

Allen Hershkowitz, raised in Brooklyn by Holocaust survivor parents who rarely spoke about their experiences during the war, is now focused on raising awareness about the growing antisemitism across the country.

At 69 years old, the author of the memoir “Finding My Father’s Auschwitz File” is planning a reading in Nashville in response to a recent Nazi parade there. In his book, Hershkowitz shares his journey of discovering his father’s hidden Holocaust past and the unimaginable suffering his parents endured in concentration camps. He aims to create a world free of hate where antisemitism is eliminated.

Fueled by the pain of his parents’ silent grief, Hershkowitz is determined to alleviate Jewish suffering in the face of rising antisemitism. He emphasizes the importance of educating people about the realities of the Holocaust, especially in light of recent surveys showing ignorance about this dark chapter in history.

Hershkowitz highlights the dangerous implications of unchecked hatred and the need to confront and combat antisemitism before it escalates. He denounces the trivialization of hateful symbols like the swastika, likening it to endorsing violence against marginalized groups.

Despite the challenges ahead, Hershkowitz remains hopeful for a better future, emphasizing the importance of optimism in the face of adversity.