Long ago, when I was a graduate student applying for an independent project, my adviser warned me, with a sharply pointed finger, “Writing is a solitary process.” In terms of Exit Berlin, she was only partially correct. Researching and writing the book did include innumerable solitary hours, but the book also introduced me to an array of warm and wonderful people. This was an unexpected joy of Exit Berlin. I am pleased to be able to thank all of those who contributed.
Often people don’t realize the historic value of items, tossing them into the trash, where they are forever lost. Fortunately, this was not the case when Attorney Roger Blane discovered Luzie Hatch’s correspondence. He was determined to save the collection and bring it to the public. It was Roger who called me to discuss donating the correspondence to the American Jewish Committee Archives. In expressing my thanks to him, I speak not only for myself but for the entire AJC family. I would also like to thank Attorney Steve Solomon, Luzie’s estate executor, for his interest and cooperation in this project. Exit Berlin would not have been possible without their support.
Ralph Hatch, Luzie Hatch’s half-brother, supplied documents, photos, and very valuable memories. He opened his home to me on many occasions, each visit being not only productive but enjoyable thanks to his wonderful sense of humor and hospitality. Pat Roth, Arnold Hatch’s granddaughter, and Gloria Hatch, his daughter-in-law, are also to be thanked for their cooperation. As probably is always the case, this project turned out to be lengthier than anticipated. Still, Pat’s interest in the project never wavered.
Inge Friedlander, Hilde Übelacker, Fred Kirschner, and Eva Emmerich all granted me interviews, recalling their World War II experiences. These interviews were not always easy, for they called forth extraordinarily painful memories, in some instances, experiences that until our meeting had been completely locked away. I greatly appreciate their efforts. The stories they told and the information they supplied added a new dimension to this book. I also communicated with a number of people via email or phone. All were cooperative and instrumental in putting me on the right research path. Rose Feldman, webmaster of the Israel Genealogical Society; Michael Merose and Dan Mendels, two of Luzie Hatch’s descendants; the late Henry Rodwell, a former L. S. Mayer employee; and Michael Chaut are all due huge thanks. Ilse Ohlms kindly volunteered to work with the letters written in old German script, rewriting them in modern script and thereby saving Natascha Bodemann, the translator, both time and angst.
Visits to the Landesarchiv in Berlin and the Stadtmuseum/-archiv in Baden-Baden were extremely productive. I am truly indebted to Dagmar Rumpf, of the Baden Archiv, who put me in contact with Hilde Übelacker, a Camp Gurs survivor, and Angelika Schindler, a historian of Baden’s Jewish community. Not only did Angelika fill in important details about Jewish life in Baden, but she led me to another Gurs survivor, Fred Kirschner. Here in the United States, the Spindle Historical Society provided images of Arnold Hatch’s factory. I researched the American roots of Luzie’s family at Congregation Beth Emeth, in Albany, New York. What a pleasure it was to see how the synagogue has preserved its history. In addition, I would like to note how warmly I was received by the Beth Emeth’s archivists, Adelaide Muhlfelder and Patricia Snyder. Lisa Adele Miller, a dear college friend of mine, generously pitched in on some of the Albany-related research. Misha Mitsel and Sherry Hyman of the American Joint Distribution Committee Archives, in typical fashion, went out of their way to be helpful.
At times, despite exhaustive research, I was still left with unanswered questions about elements of this period in history. I thank Richard Evans of Cambridge University and Marion Kaplan of New York University for taking the time to answer my queries.
Many people from the American Jewish Committee, past and present, deserve thanks for their help: Roselyn Bell, Ephraim Gabbai, Shifra Sharbat, Mirja Muller, Larry Grossman, and Lena Altman. My dedicated assistants, Cuc Huong Do and Desiree Guillermo, are deserving of special praise. With their characteristic positive demeanor and efficiency, they performed a seemingly endless list of tasks related to this book. Linda Krieg, AJC’s director of graphic arts, was a constant source of encouragement, even in the face of some obstacles and inevitable delays. Marilyn Braverman, now retired from AJC, offered information on Luzie’s work history. Gerri Rozanski, former director of AJC’s regional offices, was the one person who had a close personal relationship with Luzie. With her information and stories, a more complete understanding of Luzie emerged. A special thanks to AJC Executive Director David Harris for his encouragement and interest in this project.
Lydia Freudenstein read early versions of the manuscript, offering many solid suggestions. Liora Brosh, a friend of many years and an outstanding English professor, convinced me that the letters could be framed in a narrative. I was skeptical but am glad that she persisted. My sister, Deborah Bonelli, brother, Jonathan, and mother, Esther, listened to endless conversations about this book. And it was my sister who changed the title from Berlin Exit to Exit Berlin.
Even as a young child, I always loved history books. This fondness for history was no doubt increased in Glastonbury High School, where I had the benefit of two outstanding history teachers, Katherine Stingle and Deborah Willard (then Skauen). At Skidmore College, I studied with the late professor Tad Kuroda. For good reason, he was a campus legend. As I researched and wrote this book, I often thought of the lessons he had taught me. I suppose this is the greatest tribute one can offer a former professor. Those of us who were his students were deeply saddened to learn of his passing in 2010.
Natascha Bodemann has been with me since the start of this work years ago. She began as a translator who brought more than her linguistic skills to this project. Natascha offered keen insights on the letters and as someone who had lived in Germany helped me plan my trips to Berlin. Even when the sailing was far from smooth, Natascha remained enthusiastic and optimistic.
There is little to say about my literary agent, Carol Mann, other than that she is exceptional. I am grateful to her for the effort she put into this project.
The last person on my long “thank you” list is Bonny V. Fetter-man, a superb editor with valuable knowledge of the publishing industry. Bringing this manuscript to publication was not an easy task; I am indebted to Bonny for her wisdom, faith in this endeavor, and friendship. It is no exaggeration to say that there never would have been an Exit Berlin without Bonny V. Fetterman.