Leo Neuman, 79, of DeWitt (outside Syracuse), New York, is a friend of the Center and was present to sign books and to make some remarks. His energy and upbeat personality were apparent as soon as he walked into the room filled with 50 people. Like a movie star, impeccably dressed in a classic suit and hat, and wielding a cane that he uses more as a prop for gesturing than a walking aid, he tells it like it is with warmth and charm. He is much more than a survivor or victim, he is fully alive and excited about telling his story.

He recalled several stories from the book saying afterwards, "There are many lessons in life that we should not forget. I want the world to remember and know the truth of what happened. If you read the book, you will see I still believe in God and in heaven. Even in my worst moments, I did not blame God. Of course, I hated for six years. When I got free, I was going to kill everyone I could, but I realized to kill someone else would make me no better than those who butchered my family, neighbors and millions of others."

Mr. Neuman said that the CCJU was the best place to publish this book "because it brings two beautiful religions together." David L. Coppola, Ph.D., director of programs and publications of the CCJU added, "Catholic Universities have a special responsibility to foster truth and the CCJU is honored to fulfill that important role as an academic and research division of Sacred Heart University. It was difficult for Leo to write these memoirs, but he knows the importance of telling his experiences to recall the events of history with a religious and moral memory. He only asks that we look inside ourselves, beyond our self-interest and prejudices, to see the best in each person. His memoirs are an invaluable resource for older students, as well as religious leaders and other adults involved in religious education. Most of all, this book is written for those students of life who are unafraid to embrace another's pain in the search for truth and wisdom."

Rabbi Joseph H. Ehrenkranz, executive director of the CCJU, said, "I have had the honor to be in the presence of many Holocaust survivors and every one is absolutely unique. And yet, all the survivors are committed to remembering the truth and never forgetting to share that truth with their children and grandchildren. I am comforted that good people all over the world are not forgetting the terrible tragedy of the Holocaust because it means that it will not happen again."

Mr. Neuman was born in Auschwitz, Poland, where the most infamous death camp was constructed by the Nazi regime in its attempt to exterminate the Jewish people. He survived six years in numerous death camps until his liberation. After four years in hospitals and dozens of operations, Leo Neuman came to the United States in 1950 with three dollars and a green card, which he calls his "birth certificate" because it was the only identification he had and it gave him a new lease on life. But neither lack of financial resources nor a past laden with horrific experiences caused him to miss a step. He and his wife, Lisa, immediately set about working and quickly learned the English language. They carved out a quiet, family-centered life for themselves and made the best of the opportunities they encountered. He worked as a furrier and manager at the Dey Brothers Department Store in Syracuse for 34 years. He and his wife have five children.

When Leo studied in Hebrew school as a child, a teacher said to the class, "You are not born with hate, hate is learned." He never forgot that lesson and believes he survived so that he could write down his story. 

For more information or to place an order, contact the CCJU at (203) 365-7592, or visit the Center's web site and link to "CCJU Publications."

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