Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, Irene Levin Berman tells the story of her fatherâs heroic attempts to save the Jews of Norway, as well as hundreds of stateless refugees who escaped to Norway in the 1930s, from deportation to Nazi concentration camps during World War II. In 1962 Marcus Levin was awarded a Medal of Honor by King Olav of Norway for his efforts.
Trade ReviewAs much as we have continued to learn about the details of the Holocaust in past decades, there remain dimensions of the tragedy that are only now emerging into larger awareness. Irene Berman, in this her latest work, offers a moving and compelling personal account of the impact of the Nazi machine on the Jews of her native Norway. The courageous and untiring devotion of her father Marcus Levin to the salvation and well-being of the victims is a shining beacon in an era of fearful darkness. The Price of Survival is not only a loving daughter’s tribute to her humanitarian father, but also a work of deep honor to the victims and hope to those who face unfathomable evil. -- Rabbi Jim Rosen, Beth El Temple, West Hartford, CT
Irene Levin Berman and her family have distinguished themselves in service and dedication to Norway for more than 100 years. Author, businesswoman, Ibsen translator for American theater, and activist, Irene has been on a mission to educate future generations. Many Norwegian Americans like myself are deeply grateful for her trilogy of three books that provide us with knowledge of our heritage. Our conversations over many years have enriched my understanding of my own Norwegian family. Her writing is powerful and compelling for all ages. This third book, The Price of Survival, continues the story of Norway and the Holocaust that has been virtually unknown in the United States. -- Karin Arentzen Stahl, author of The Option
Irene Levin Berman’s newest book The Price of Survival: Marcus Levin, Norwegian Holocaust Humanitarian continues her remarkable history of Jews in Norway, this time adding many little known details about life there for those who survived the Holocaust. Told through her family’s experiences escaping and returning after World War II, we learn of Norway’s unwillingness to help resettle refugees in Norway after the war. The book shows the importance of one individual, Ms. Berman’s father Marcus Levin, who helped returning Jews finding new lives with the help of the Joint Distribution Committee, International. After the war Mr. Levin was awarded the Gold Order of Merit by King Haakon of Norway. Anyone interested in the history of World War II and its aftermath will be grateful to Ms. Berman for sharing this compelling and intimate story. -- Peggy Shapiro, retired associate director, Career Services, University of Connecticut School of Law
In The Price of Survival: Marcus Levin, Norwegian Holocaust Humanitarian, Norwegian/Jewish author Irene Berman has accomplished two incredible feats: First, her tribute to the legacy of her father, Marcus Levin, which lives on for survivors and for her and her family today; and second her fascinating and chilling indictment of the war horrors perpetuated in Germany and Norway. No matter the issue, Marcus Levin’s caring and compassionate presence was there. He aided in getting as many Norwegian Jews as possible to Sweden before the majority were sent to the camps to be massacred. All through the war and after his force and energy helped survivors through statelessness, housing shortages, and finding work. His focus on the children, including his own, was incredible. The most important event in his life was his association with the JDC—the Joint Distribution Committee. Together they helped expand his humanitarian work. He was admired everywhere, even receiving the Norwegian Gold Medal of Honor from the king of Norway to recognize and thank him for his work. Read about his take on unfairness, the difference between guilt vs responsibility, and the incompetence of the Norwegian Social Department. The entire Berman family must be so proud of his legacy and how he made a difference in the world. -- Roberta Prescott, president, The Prescott Group
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations vii Personal Introduction Preface Acknowledgments Why This Story . . . ? 3 1900: Beginning of a New Century 5 The Levin Family 00 Father’s Life in Oslo 00 Pre-War Years 00 April 9, 1940: War 00 1941: The War Continues 00 October–November 1942: Germans Pursue the Jews 00 October 24-November 1942: Escape to Sweden 00 November 25–26, 1942: Escape and Arrest of Jewish Women and Children 00 The Donau—The Death Ship 00 The Extermination of Jews in Auschwitz 00 Efforts to Save Lives 00 1942–1946: Working in Sweden 00 Refugees and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) 00 The War Is Over—Back to Norway 00 1947: Father’s Philosophy—Personal Unresolved Issues 00 1945: Returning from the Holocaust 00 Return from Auschwitz: Post-war Contact with the Norwegian Government in London 00 1946: Displaced Persons 00 1948: The European Children’s Camp in Norway 00 1938: A Jewish Children’s Home in Oslo—Boys and Girls from Vienna 00 1953–1955: Minus Refugees 00 Circa 1960: Reconstruction in Norway after the War 00 Compensation for Norwegians 00 The King of Norway and the Watch 00 1965: Father’s Last Years 00 Our Family Becomes Part of the JDC 00 1943–1946: Childhood Memories of Sweden 00 Learning about the Meaning of the Holocaust 00 Growing up Both Norwegian and Jewish 00 Looking Back with Ruth 00 January 2012: The Prime Minister of Norway Apologizes to the Norwegian Jews 00 My Philosophy Connected to Prime Minister Stoltenberg 00 About the Author 00
