This article was published in English, in the December 2009 edition of Greek-American NEO Magazine, and online www.neomagazine.com.
A different Christmas story… | |
  | Without belittling the seriousness of the world economic crisis, nor the contentious debate that rages in our country over the no-brainer issue of providing medical coverage to 47 million uninsured Americans (of course we should), both plainly pale in comparison to the then present mortal danger of living as hunted Jews in Axis-occupied Greece on December 3, 1943. By Asher J. Matathias  Tonight, as the first candle of the Hanukkah Menorah (candelabra) is lit, fourteen days before Christmas --- frequently but erroneously thought as comparable: the former is minor in the Hebrew lunar calendar, celebrating the triumph of spirit over ancient oppression; the latter the genesis of the Messiah who defines Christianity --- I reflect intensely how the precious gift of life my parents Jacob and Nina were to give me that very day could have been very brief, ended arbitrarily, perhaps most brutally.The sequence of dramatic events in the Balkans begun with Italy's Mussolini demanding safe passage into Greece from Albania, and the outnumbered, outgunned Greeks writing a brilliant chapter of military history with their thrilling "OXI" the now known "NO" that would derail the Fascist Benito's plan, rekindle Greek nationalism, and divert Hitler's forces from the Caucasus, fatally compromising his dreams for a Reich to last a thousand years! Life under the Italians was preferable, for they shared a Mediterranean joie de vivre, seeking to enjoy wine, women, and song even in wartime, frequently drawing unwelcome comments, earning even contempt from their erstwhile Nordic ally. With Il Deuce's prospects declining, his eventual fate in the hands of partisans and the awaiting hanging tree, the Germans took control and proceeded to systematically end the two-millennia Jewish presence in Greece by prosecuting the Final Solution that would eventually claim 87% of the country's Romaniote (Greek-speaking) and Sephardic (Ladino-speaking) Jews (including my mother's parents and two younger brothers)! Desperate circumstances occasionally evoked uncommon compassion from Christian fellow citizens. One such family was the childless couple Phroso and Yorgos Stamos, who, fully knowing the dire consequences were they to be found harboring Jews, did not hesitate to take them from It was there, in Ayios Lavrendios, that a midwife, traversing the heavily-snowed paths from a nearby village came to help deliver a baby boy. (Years later, I would learn that the ritual circumcision performed on a male eight days after birth was postponed for … eight months!) German troops had first rounded the majority of Jews making up the famed Jerusalem of the Balkans, Thessaloniki, fulfilling the request of their spiritual leader, Rabbi Tzvi Koretz, who had counseled that the crisis facing his flock would be resolved were his people to "get along, by going along," with official orders to report for resettlement. The panic that spread among the remaining Jews upon learning the fate of their brethren, was palpable. There were no transports to Thus, with kindness and the befriending of would-be participants in the coming Greek civil war that would grip the nation for additional years after liberation, young Jewish families found respite from flight in the rough mountains that dot the landscape. However, as German patrols began to comb the countryside for hideouts, some crying babies betrayed their parents; in rarer instances, infants' noises were muffled by pillows that unintentionally snuffed their lives. In the event, I have been told, I was heroic by knowing to keep silent. Still, there came a day when my father was absent, collaborating with the underground movement, and Mom was left with her baby as a German patrol discovered our seeming major. Anything could have taken place; deportation, separation of the two (with the child raised German), or instant execution, for their Jewish identity was obvious. Instead, and while staring at the babe, the leader having a flashback of the image of his own boy he left in Hamburg, smiled and demanded all "rouse," "out" never to bother the family again! The irony is inescapable: a virtual Nativity scene, replete with pathos, as his compatriots were getting ready to usher the holiday with prayer, the psalms of praise and salvation, other units were engaged in the inhuman task of genocide! His magnanimity might also be indicative of the troubled psychological state faced by the German adherents of Martin Luther, and the genesis of Lutheranism in opposition to the 1517 doctrinaire and corrupt Roman Catholicism. Surely, the soldier's refusal to participate in rounding up innocent Jews was replicated elsewhere; it is a matter of regret, however, that such examples were not widespread! Wishfully, I have thought of that officer, and how his life might have turned out. Other ideas have made me grapple with notions of collective blame, guilt, even hatred. We now know that Hitler had willing executioners, in Yes, the events described are miraculous, days from witnessing my first Hanukkah and Christmas. There would ensue other miracles: surviving the aforementioned civil war, our family intact and growing; and, in the 1950's, the devastating earthquakes necessitating a six-month living arrangement in a tent; culminating in our emigration, and arrival in the blessed shores of America, on January 30, 1956! Fully conscious of such existential experiences, I have embraced Eddie Cantor's immortal link of the two pithy words love / live; switch a single letter, and they are just the same. Is it accident, I wonder, that the two words are almost interchangeable? The author is an adjunct professor of American Government at |
*Great story, Asher. May the descendants of the courageous German Officer who spared you and your mother's life that day be happy and healthy and as just and righteous as their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was to you. Chag Chanuka Sameach, Michael W., Miami , FL
*Nice and inspiring story, but why do you have to keep flogging the health care socialism? …
I, too, would like to cover everyone, but not with a 2074 page monstrosity! G.S.,Lawrence , NY
I, too, would like to cover everyone, but not with a 2074 page monstrosity! G.S.,
*You have a loyal audience. Keep teaching it. Professor Steven Bowman, Judaic Studies Department, 508 French Hall West, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati , OH 45221-0169
*Absolutely beautiful! Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas; the Menorah and Nativity scene will be on display in the Kilcommons House. Peter K., Baldwin , NY
*Asher, You have a wonderful writing skill. Thanks for the history lesson into Greek Jewish matters and your "little" role in it. … D.D.C., Jericho , NY
*Well written. Happy Chanuka, Dr. F.B., Flushing , NY
*Your question on whether we would have the courage to risk our own lives to protect the life of another reminds me of the theory of the banality of evil. I believe that most of us, just like many people in Europe who did nothing during the Holocaust, could never see ourselves denying a person help who needed it. But it is obvious from the results of the Holocaust that the theory is correct and sometimes people will risk the lives of others to protect themselves and their families. Until we are put in the situation, I don't think any of us can answer that. C.R., Jamaica
*Dear Asher, I loved reading your piece. As you can imagine I can so relate to this posting. You may recall the experience which I write about in my memoir --- how a German soldier rounding up the Jews in our building in Lwow, Poland Upper Montclair , NJ
*Incredible Asher ... you were bershert to live and thrive and bloom ... and that you certainly have done ... B"H!!! Take care and I'm so glad that that German officer was led by the hand of G-d to leave you and your mother in peace ... due to his holiday or a Chanukah miracle ... it was a NES GADOL!!! Janice L., Toronto , ON , Canada
* Dear Asher, Very interesting; it was, indeed, a Nes Gadol worthy of Hallel to HaShem. I take it you've written a book and are even contemplating a cinematic presentation. I venture to believe that your family would love that! May you and your family never tire of your amazing life in America
B.S., Woodmere, NY P.S. Did Anna's family have a similar experience or were they more fortunate?
*Excellent! N.F.A., Falls Village , CT
*Very interesting and quite informative!!! I shall send it universally!!! S.R., Valley Stream , NY
*Asher --- What a marvelous story. Thanks for including me on your e-mail list. Did you receive the book about the Greek Jews during the Shoah, that I sent to you for review? Please let me know. Regards, and Happy Hanukkah to you, Anna and family. Marcia Posner, New Hyde Park , NY
*Asher, I must say: a very moving recount of a unique experience, full of pathos but also of humanity. Kudos! Orestes V., Athens , Greece
*Hello, Asher. Hope you are well. What a compelling story. Well told. You have seen a lot, my friend. After the Nazi regime had stolen her father's umbrella manufacturing business, my mother-in-law and her parents were protected by individual Nazi officers in Berlin Cuba United States U.S.
Harold M., East Norwich , NY
*Dear Asher, it was very touching. Love, Louiza K-S., Volos , Greece
