Traumatized by her experiences in the Holocaust, she struggles to connect with others, and above all, to trust again. Allan Levine for vetting the manuscript and providing his expertise regarding Jews in Manitoba, as well as the Resistance efforts during World War II.A young Jewish girl recounts her experiences during a horrifying time in recent history.Īs Rose begins her diary, she is in her third home since coming to Winnipeg.

I also was very lucky to have email correspondence via Stan with Jeanette Block, and to interview Frank Weinfeld about his experiences as a war orphan coming to Winnipeg.' ' The publisher wishes to thank Barbara Hehner for her careful attention to the details, and Dr. In particular, Stan Carbone helped me delve into the archives and sent me away with reams of original material about the orphans – their arrival in Winnipeg and how they got on after they arrived. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, especially the Jewish Historical Society of Western Canada, The Marion and Ed Vickar Jewish Museum of Western Canada and The Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre. In fact, it was their website and the help of Frieda Miller, Executive Director of the Centre, that got me started on this story. I'd also like to acknowledge the book by Belle Millo, called Voices of Winnipeg Holocaust Survivors, which I used extensively, and the online site Open Hearts Closed Doors from the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. There are two more books that I relied upon: Open Your Hearts: The Story of the Jewish War Orphans of Canada by Fraidie Martz and The Redeemed Children: The Story of the Rescue of War Orphans by the Jewish Community of Canada by Ben Lappin. Thank s also to Diane Kerner for her additional input. Dan Stone, who answered many of my questions about the historical note.

Thank you to my editor, Sandy Bogart Johnston, who helped me navigate a particularly difficult story. My husband Per Brask, as always, was my biggest support. He was invaluable as a resource both in person and through his books, advising me on the entire manuscript. Allan Levine, author Fugitives of the Forest and Coming of Age, A History of the Jewish People of Manitoba.

Pieces of the Past by Carol Matas