I was able to feel his pain as he wept. The pain of so many. To see first hand the evil and destruction. The atrocities done to my people. So much death. So much agony. All very real.
However, that is not what I will remember. I will remember walking side by side with my grandfather on the tracks and into the barracks, as hundreds of people surrounded him hanging on to every word. What I experienced, and what I will remember – was the victory, the pride, the celebration of life.
I didn’t see a survivor, I saw a warrior.
I saw the strongest of men.
I saw a man who stared evil and death in the eyes, and did not waver.
I saw a man who rose up from hell on earth, and created an empire.
I saw a man who doesn’t use his past as an excuse, but as a tool to inspire so many others.
I saw a man who could take all the glory for himself, but instead gives it all to GD.
I saw a man who has accomplished so much, and has so much to be proud of, but takes the most pride in his family – 6 children, 39 grandchildren, and (for now) 13 great grandchildren.
I saw a man that all of humanity could and should look up to.
I saw my grandfather.
Thank you Zaidy for showing us the path and for paving the way. Thank you for sacrificing so much for our family, and for our people. Thank you for inspiring me to do better and to do more. I know I will never be even half the man you are, but I will never stop trying.
Thank you for sharing with me a day that I will cherish forever.”
