Somewhere There Is Still a Sun

1. Inhumanity Breeds Resilience and Ingenuity

The book is an amazing example of one person’s (my mother’s) courage, perseverance, ingenuity, resilience, and a strong desire to stay alive and hope that better times would eventually come.

Survival instincts. The constant threat of death and the daily struggle for survival in the face of Nazi persecution forced individuals to develop extraordinary resilience and ingenuity. The story highlights how Misha's mother, and others, found creative ways to obtain food, avoid transports, and maintain a semblance of normalcy in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Examples of ingenuity:

• Smuggling food and goods on the black market
• Creating hiding places to avoid detection
• Forging documents to escape deportation
• Developing elaborate communication networks

Adaptation and resourcefulness. The characters in the book demonstrate an incredible ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make the most of limited resources. This resourcefulness was not merely a matter of individual survival, but also a way to resist the Nazis' attempts to strip them of their dignity and humanity.

2. Loss of Innocence in the Face of Evil

You’re only eight years old. You can’t just run off like that.

Childhood shattered. The story vividly portrays the abrupt and devastating loss of innocence experienced by children during the Holocaust. Misha's carefree childhood is shattered by the Nazi invasion, forcing him to confront the realities of prejudice, violence, and death at a young age.

Forced maturity. Misha is forced to take on adult responsibilities, such as working to support his family and navigating the dangers of the ghetto. He witnesses horrific events, like the couple jumping from the balcony, that forever alter his perception of the world.

Erosion of trust. The constant betrayal and cruelty of the Nazis erode Misha's trust in authority figures and the world around him. He struggles to reconcile the evil he witnesses with the values he was taught as a child.

3. The Power of Community and Shared Suffering

It took a while, but these times came, though they came on a different continent.

Solidarity in adversity. Despite the immense suffering and hardship, the Jewish community in Prague and Terezin found strength in unity and mutual support. They formed underground schools, organized cultural events, and shared resources to maintain a sense of community and resist the Nazis' attempts to isolate and dehumanize them.

Examples of community support:

• Secret lessons and cultural events in the ghetto
• Sharing food and resources with those in need
• Providing emotional support and comfort to the bereaved
• Organizing resistance efforts

Shared identity. The shared experience of persecution and suffering forged a strong sense of collective identity among the Jews, transcending individual differences and creating a powerful bond of solidarity.

4. Hope as a Tool for Survival

But somewhere in the world there is still a sun, mountains, the ocean, books, small clean apartments, and perhaps again the rebuilding of a new life.

Maintaining optimism. Despite the bleak circumstances, the characters in the book cling to hope as a vital tool for survival. They dream of a future free from persecution, where they can rebuild their lives and reclaim their lost happiness.

Examples of hope:

• Misha's mother's dream of a new life in America
• The children's participation in the opera "Brundibar"
• The belief that the Allies will eventually defeat the Nazis

Resisting despair. The ability to maintain hope in the face of despair is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It allowed the characters to endure unimaginable suffering and to resist the Nazis' attempts to break their spirits.

5. The Fragility of Life and the Arbitrariness of Fate

We ourselves were saved by a miracle.

Unpredictable nature of survival. The story underscores the fragility of life and the arbitrary nature of fate during the Holocaust. Survival often depended on chance encounters, split-second decisions, and the kindness of strangers.

Examples of luck and chance:

• Misha's family avoiding transport through connections and sheer luck
• The couple jumping from the balcony, a stark reminder of the desperation
• The arbitrary nature of who was selected for transport

Confronting mortality. The constant threat of death forced the characters to confront their own mortality and to appreciate the preciousness of life. They learned to cherish every moment and to find meaning in the face of uncertainty.

6. The Importance of Remembering and Bearing Witness

When people speak about the Holocaust these days, they often say “Never forget.”

Honoring the victims. The author emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust and bearing witness to the suffering of its victims. By sharing his story, he hopes to ensure that future generations will never forget the horrors of the Nazi regime and the importance of fighting against prejudice and oppression.

Preventing recurrence. Remembering the Holocaust is not merely an act of historical preservation, but also a crucial step in preventing future atrocities. By learning from the past, we can identify the warning signs of hatred and intolerance and take action to stop them before they escalate into violence.

Bearing witness. The author sees his book as a "bridge" to understanding the world of the Holocaust, a world he and his family nearly died in. He hopes that by reading his story, others will be able to understand that world and pledge to never forget it.

7. Finding Joy and Meaning Amidst Despair

But somewhere in the world there is still a sun, mountains, the ocean, books, small clean apartments, and perhaps again the rebuilding of a new life.

Resisting dehumanization. Despite the Nazis' attempts to strip them of their humanity, the characters in the book find ways to experience joy and meaning in their lives. They participate in cultural activities, form friendships, and pursue their passions, even in the face of immense suffering.

Examples of finding joy:

• Misha's love of soccer and his participation in the Nesharim team
• The children's performance of the opera "Brundibar"
• The creation of art and music in Terezin

Affirming life. By finding joy and meaning in the midst of despair, the characters affirm their commitment to life and resist the Nazis' attempts to extinguish their spirits.

8. The Enduring Strength of Family Bonds

Both my sister and I were able to find wonderful lifelong partners, build new families, and thus bring my mother much well-deserved happiness.

Protecting loved ones. The story highlights the enduring strength of family bonds during the Holocaust. Misha's parents risked their lives to protect him and his sister, and the siblings supported each other through unimaginable hardship.

Sacrifice and devotion. The characters in the book demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice their own well-being for the sake of their loved ones. Misha's mother repeatedly puts herself in danger to obtain food and avoid transports for her children.

Finding solace in family. Family provided a source of solace and comfort in the face of immense suffering. The characters found strength in their shared history and their commitment to one another.

9. The Dehumanizing Effects of Prejudice and Oppression

What kind of army trains you not to notice people falling out of the sky? What kind of soldier marches perfectly straight even when he’s marching right past a crooked, dead V?

Stripping away dignity. The story vividly portrays the dehumanizing effects of prejudice and oppression. The Nazis systematically stripped Jews of their rights, their possessions, and their dignity, treating them as less than human.

Examples of dehumanization:

• The imposition of discriminatory laws and regulations
• The confiscation of Jewish property
• The forced wearing of yellow stars
• The segregation and confinement of Jews in ghettos and concentration camps

Erosion of empathy. The Nazis' propaganda and indoctrination fostered a climate of hatred and intolerance, eroding empathy and compassion among the German population. This allowed ordinary people to participate in or condone the persecution of Jews.

10. The Struggle to Maintain Humanity in the Face of Inhumanity

What kind of army trains you not to notice people falling out of the sky? What kind of soldier marches perfectly straight even when he’s marching right past a crooked, dead V?

Resisting moral compromise. The story explores the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals living under Nazi rule. The characters grapple with difficult choices, trying to balance their own survival with their commitment to moral principles.

Examples of moral compromise:

• The Jewish Council's collaboration with the Nazis
• The decision to inform on others to save oneself
• The temptation to steal or exploit others in the ghetto

Preserving moral compass. Despite the pressures to compromise their values, the characters in the book strive to maintain their humanity and to resist the dehumanizing effects of the Nazi regime. They find strength in their faith, their relationships, and their commitment to justice.

Last updated: March 7, 2025