10 Comments
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Susan Roman's avatar

You're lucky you have access to your family history, thank you Mr. Fried. Love!

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Teresa's avatar

Just lovely, Debra. It is heartening to look back and hear these stories. But you are right, these times are different. And deeply troubling.

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William Kauker's avatar

Thank you for this story. It's hits me close. My father immigrated from Hungary at age 14 after being removed from his home and family by the Germans. American troops took him in a stowed him on their ship returning to the states. He was placed on Ellis Island. He made a beautiful life and family, help put America on the moon, and became the proudest American. How have we forgotten the promise, responcibility and the glory of citizenship?

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Debra Fried's avatar

You father sounds like an incredible man. And I echo your questions and feel more than a little unsettled about where we are as a country. Thank you for reading my story.

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Kate Hampford Donahue's avatar

Another beautiful, heartbreaking story. Thank you for continuing to write - be it a Ruff or a Ruffle!

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Kate, for being so supportive!

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Jim Nolan's avatar

Great piece, Debra. I just read a book called The Politzer Saga about a Hungarian Jewish family that left for Buffalo after WWII. Hungary was not often a great place to be, in fact, the opposite, for Jewish people, no matter how successful they became. Apparently there are some beautifully restored synagogues in Budapest.

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Jim. I've been to Budapest once and only for a night - it was stunning. I'd love to go back and actually spend time.

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Tess's avatar

.. beautiful 🩵😢

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Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, my Tess. xx

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