Grasping at Straws: Letters from the Holocaust

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When Germany’s National Socialists came to power, many Jews faced desperate circumstances and sought to emigrate. As obtaining visas became increasingly difficult, they grasped at any opportunity to escape. Steven Wasserman introduces the Ichenhäusers, a deeply assimilated Jewish-German family from Cologne with a long history in the region. They enjoyed a rich urban lifestyle and cultural vibrancy, with three sons serving in the German army during World War I. However, the arrival of the Nazis brought devastation, as they targeted all Jews regardless of their history or military service. Wasserman recounts the Ichenhäusers' struggle for survival through letters exchanged among family members and friends before and during the war, highlighting the tragic choices that shaped their destinies. These poignant first-person narratives are complemented by a photographic record of over 100 images, enhancing the emotional impact of their story. By compiling their experiences in this accessible volume, Wasserman honors his family while providing valuable insights for historians and compassionate readers alike.