Hiding in Holland, by Shulamit Reinharz

In the evocative memoir Hiding in Holland, Shulamit Reinharz invites readers on a poignant exploration of her father's journey through resistance and hiding before and during the Holocaust. Unearthed from the depths of the basement, a cache of papers becomes the key to unlocking a story of survival, defiance, and the enduring power of culture.

The title of the book is a symbolic representation of her father's arduous journey, encapsulating his resistance in Germany, the act of hiding in the Netherlands, and the eventual liberation. Central to the narrative is the profound role of culture, particularly music, in sustaining the human spirit during the darkest times.

The memoir commences with Reinharz's discovery of a box, a treasure trove of forgotten papers that chronicle her father's experiences during the Holocaust.

The paper, just like Dad, himself, had survived by hiding – under beds, in books and the backs of drawers, from the attic to the basement.

As she meticulously sifts through the pages, the narrative unfolds into a testament to the unwavering spirit of her father, whose story had long been shrouded in silence.

The book is divided into three distinctive phases, with the first focusing on her father's resistance in Germany. Reinharz vividly recounts his interaction with the burgeoning Zionist movement. In the face of prosecution, her father, Max Rothschild, sought solace in the ideals of Zionism. This movement aimed to establish a homeland for the Jewish people. As her father said:

Zionism offered me an alternate reality. Instead of being hated, as I was by the larger German society, I was now part of a group of young people who adored one another.

Through his perspective, readers gain insight into the emotional and physical toll of resistance, a prelude to the life-altering decision that led him to seek refuge in Holland:

Now I was on the train! And as I caught a blurred glimpse of the little town, I assumed I never would see Gunzenhausen again or even set foot in Germany once more.

The heart of the memoir lies in the second section, which delves into her father's secret life in the Netherlands. Hiding in Holland becomes not just a geographical location but a metaphor for the resilience and defiance embedded in the act of concealment.

Reinharz paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by her father and countless others as they navigated the treacherous landscape of Nazi-occupied Holland, where every creaking floorboard or hushed whisper could spell doom.

In the underground in Almelo, I almost never felt the house. I never was sick and never had to see a doctor. And I did not starve. Nevertheless, after two years, I could no longer tolerate hiding.

Embedded within the narrative is a significant exploration of the role of culture in sustaining the human spirit during times of peril. Max Rothschild amid adversity, turned to solace and inspiration in the richness of cultural expression. Reinharz delves into the significance of music as a form of resistance, a means of preserving identity, and a source of solace in the darkest hours.

As her father's story unfolds, the memoir emphasises the transformative power of cultural pursuits in preserving humanity's essence. From the secretive gatherings to sharing music, culture becomes a lifeline that connects individuals, sustains hope, and transcends the physical and emotional confines of hiding,

These evenings with music in the Kolthoff home belong to the moment in my life that left a lasting imprint.

The final section of the memoir revolves around liberation, as her father emerges from the shadows of hiding to a world forever altered by the scars of war.

Hiding in Holland becomes a tale of triumph over adversity, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As the shackles of oppression are cast off, the memoir reflects on the enduring legacy of those who resisted, underscoring the importance of remembrance and bearing witness to history.

The memoir concludes with a reflection on the profound impact of her father's experiences. Through the lens of Hiding in Holland, Reinharz calls on readers to recognise the collective responsibility of preserving stories, embracing cultural heritage, and cultivating resilience in the face of challenges.

Hiding in Holland is a powerful memoir that transcends the boundaries of time, recounting a story of resistance, resilience, and the transformative power of culture. Shulamit Reinharz invites readers to witness a journey through prewar Germany, the act of hiding in the Netherlands, and eventual liberation.

The title connects physical concealment with the broader themes of resistance, Zionism, and cultural defiance. Her father's emphasis on the importance of culture, particularly music, adds depth to the narrative, showcasing how the human spirit can endure even in the darkest corners of history. The memoir is a call to remember, reflect, and carry forward the legacies of those who found solace and strength in the act of hiding and cultural resistance during the Holocaust.

Available worldwide: https://mybook.to/batzq