Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Bergen Belsen, Bergen Belsen Memorial, education, history, history education, Holocaust, Holocaust Survivors, Liberators, narrative history, oral history, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, World War II on May 27, 2008| 1 Comment »
I cleaned out my parents house a couple years ago after they passed on and found this memorial card among my father’s possessions. It’s for the grandmother that I never knew- she died a few years before I was born.
Tonight I was staring at it and turned it over to read the text. As you can see she passed away exactly 50 years ago today. I think my grandmother is trying to say something to me.
I include it here so I continue to think about it and because the subject seems appropriate.
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 30th Infantry Division, 743rd Tank Battalion, Bergen Belsen, Bergen Belsen Memorial, concentration camps, education, Farsleben, Hillersleben, history, history education, Holocaust, Holocaust survivor-liberator reunion, Holocaust Survivors, Liberators, narrative history, oral history, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, World War II, World War II Living History Project on May 22, 2008|
Yesterday, May 21, was the 63rd anniversary of the burning to the ground of Bergen Belsen by the British Army.
“Three American soldiers, one of them named Max. who liberated the train.” This message was from the son of Dina Rubinstein of Israel. It came to me on the 63rd anniversary 
of the liberation. The guys may be members of the 743rd Tank Battalion. Anyone out there know who they are?
Dear Matt
Thanks
Today is the13th.
My mother still considers its to be her birthday, pity she is not in condition to come and meet you all.
My late father passed the same route that Mr. Ernest Kan did and met my mother then in Magdeburg. Since that day on they were together till the day he passed away.
I will show these clips on Saturday when my mother and all the rest of my family gathers at my place for the Passover eve dinner.
Even though I do not know you personally, and sure you do not know me, you mean a lot to me, you touched me deep inside.
I have no more words to explain my feelings, just want to thank you all for that wonderful gesture you made to my parents.
Greetings
Joseph Matzkel
Givatayim, Israel
These are the three guys who saved her life.
Teaching History Matters 