Nashville Celebrates Stories of Resilience at the Southern Festival of Books
This past weekend, art and literature came alive in the heart of Nashville during the annual Southern Festival of Books. The event, cherished by book lovers, was packed with people seeking new stories or engaging in discussions about impactful readings. Among the many authors presenting their work was Allen Hershkowitz, who shared a poignant look into his family’s history in his book, My Father’s Auschwitz Files.
A Personal Story from the Past
During his discussion, Hershkowitz opened up about his harrowing journey to the notorious Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz, where his father once endured unimaginable hardships. “These 400,000 dehumanized tattooed prisoners, my father among them, were actually lucky they were to become slave labor,” he stated, exposing the harsh reality of that dark chapter of history.
What makes Hershkowitz’s story particularly remarkable is the unique connection he has to the camp. In a rare instance, archivists at Auschwitz unearthed records of his father’s time there. “I filled in the form with the camp number that was tattooed on my father’s arm—124-124, a number etched into my soul for as long as I can remember,” he reflected, encapsulating the deep pain of generational trauma.
A Cautionary Tale and Call to Action
Initially, Hershkowitz had only intended to share these records with his family. However, the recent rise of hate and anti-Semitism, particularly highlighted by the neo-Nazi groups that marched through downtown Nashville earlier this year, compelled him to widen the audience. “Twenty-two members of my family were murdered by Nazis,” he revealed, emphasizing his motivation. “My little memoir is an effort to educate people about the horrors that Nazis imposed.”
Shared Sentiments from Fellow Authors
These sentiments were echoed by fellow author Karen Blankfeld, who also spoke at the festival. Her work focuses on a different aspect of life at Auschwitz—a story of love that blossomed amidst despair. “I think that especially today, we see many of the folks that survived World War II are no longer with us,” she pointed out, highlighting the urgency to remember their experiences.
The Broader Context of Hate
Both Hershkowitz and Blankfeld’s messages resonate deeply in our current climate, where data shows that Tennessee was ranked fifth for racist flyer incidents last year. In a world where hate seems to be creeping back into public discourse, it becomes increasingly vital to listen to and learn from the past.
Why These Stories Matter
Nashville’s Southern Festival of Books serves not just as an avenue for sharing stories but also as a reminder of the power of literature to educate and inspire. With each memoir, historical account, or fiction piece, authors like Hershkowitz and Blankfeld strive to ensure that stories of resistance, resilience, and even love are not lost to the annals of time.
For those who attended, the festival was a meaningful experience, filled with reflections on our shared humanity and the lessons of history. The event reaffirms the importance of reading, storytelling, and having difficult conversations—because these are the very tools we need to confront hate and ignorance in our communities.
A Call to Action for Readers
As we delve into this forthcoming season of remembrance, let us take the time to engage with these stories. They remind us that while the past is often painful, it is also rich with lessons we must carry forward. So, consider picking up a book, perhaps one shared at the festival, and keep the conversation going—because it is through dialogue that understanding grows.
