Miracles, Milestones, & Memories

This memoir begins with the history of nine generations of the Voss family. For nearly 200 years, like most Jews in Germany, they lived in peace. Then, in 1933, the Nazi government came to power and denied Jews the right to live in Germany. Two brothers, Emil ("Ed") and Fred Voss, escaped Germany with their parents and one grandmother, but not before suffering as victims of the persecution against Jews. In this book, Fred Voss includes his brother's memories and his own, tracing the story of how they found their freedom again in the United States of America.A portion of the royalties are donated to organizations dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust through living actions.Praise for Miracles, Milestones, and Memories:"A powerful, haunting book revealing how the Voss and Machauf families were betrayed by friends, neighbors, teachers and governments. Shining through the horrors of the Holocaust is a wonderful love story of two people who endured great suffering and loss but emerged determined to create a new life." Carolyn J. McPherson, Authorized Minister, United Church of Christ, Ithaca, New York"For students of the Holocaust, both young and old, the unifying theme throughout Miracles, Milestones, and Memories is one of love -- love of family and friends who were lost and found during this horrific period in history. While learning about the terrible outcomes of intolerance, readers will also witness a life-long love story ... of Ilse and Fred. The book tells a beautiful story of hope, survival, and prevailing love that will not be forgotten." Kim A. K. Hassinger, Language Arts teacher, Selinsgrove Middle School, Pennsylvania"An affecting and powerful memoir of the Voss and Machauf families, whose stories draw the reader into prewar Jewish life in Germany and Vienna. Fred Voss's voice shines through as though we are sitting in an armchair alongside him, leafing through family photos as he describes the shock and horror of life under the Nazis.... A bittersweet and important achievement." Rabbi Joan Pitzele Sacks, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania"Through personal chronology, Fred Voss reveals the powerful and destructive forces of fascism and hate as he recounts his poignant memories. Embedded in details about historical reality, the family stories offer truth and insight about the impact of Nazi rule by the people who experienced it firsthand. Each page provides the reader with an intimate connection with the time period and how a family sustained itself through courage and a deep commitment to tolerance and a better world." Cindy Kramer, Social Studies teacher, Ithaca City School District, New York