tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25320945.post116439002176639337..comments2024-03-17T00:27:14.007-07:00Comments on Jim Ott's Blog: Life in France under Nazi ruleJim Otthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04720109862602572945noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25320945.post-37016402285623536022006-12-09T14:40:00.000-08:002006-12-09T14:40:00.000-08:00love the pictures - they add a lotlove the pictures - they add a lotGreen Galhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04723346521794131232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25320945.post-1164737661225513072006-11-28T10:14:00.000-08:002006-11-28T10:14:00.000-08:00She,Thanks for your reflections on Leon's story. V...She,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your reflections on Leon's story. Very thoughtful... <BR/><BR/>I appreciate your comment, "there is no time for rest until all humans can live in a non-violent world; until ALL humans know freedom."<BR/><BR/>Leon expressed similar feelings as we spoke, and cautioned that in spite of the lessons of the holocaust, humans are still easily influenced by charismatic leaders, and we need to be on the alert.<BR/><BR/>By the way, I asked him about whether he went back to Paris after the war (yes, he did) and how he got to America. He came just before his first son was born. His wife is also a survivor of the war. <BR/><BR/>He also told me that after he started opening up about his life, he did a lot of research. He even went back and visited sites with his sons, including the farm at La Compote where--believe it or not--the same couple lived. They recognized Leon and cried with joy when they saw him. He always assumed they hated him because they were very strict. Leon's son, Phil, said he remembers seeing his father's face turn pale when they came upon the couple, and then saw their reaction. <BR/><BR/>Leon made my task of writing much easier by providing a lot of written material about his experiences. <BR/><BR/>I am priviledged to be able to share Leon's story. It gives me chills to think that I've met a man who stood along a boulevard in Paris when the Nazis marched in. <BR/><BR/>Thanks again for reading and for responding. <BR/><BR/>JimJim Otthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04720109862602572945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25320945.post-1164474704744885222006-11-25T09:11:00.000-08:002006-11-25T09:11:00.000-08:00jim ott, you have done it again!i am so grateful Y...jim ott, <BR/><BR/>you have done it again!<BR/><BR/>i am so grateful YOU have shared leon vermont's story with us!<BR/><BR/>i am filled up and spilling over with thoughts and emotions<BR/><BR/>i realize in order for you to be able to write his story, he first had to be in a place, mentally, emotionally, spiritually; to share it.<BR/><BR/>and his family, they had to be in a place, mentally, emotionally, spiritually; to receive it.<BR/><BR/>not an easy task on either side, but i'm sure this contributes to his healing, and to their bonding, and to greater love and understanding all the way around.<BR/><BR/>and i'm lifted to consider that what is happening on a micro scale for this family, is also, and continues to happen on a larger scale for countries.<BR/><BR/>as horrific as the times were, there are so many lessons <BR/><BR/>and we need most importantly to APPLY what we learn; GLOBALLY.<BR/><BR/>i believe we've shown some progress but by no means have accomplished the greater goal<BR/><BR/>freedom for everyone. world wide respect.<BR/><BR/>every single individual story and human experience matters exponentially<BR/><BR/>and i'm switching pages somewhat abruptly, but i am quite taken here also by leon's mention of the music, philosophy and literature<BR/><BR/>in eric kandel's book, in search of memory, he speaks quite highly about the arts also. about the irony of such rich and vibrant art resulting from such an oppressive and authoritarian political system.<BR/><BR/>and we see quite extraordinary, original and stimulating architecture from daniel libeskind; he also comes to mind for me having read this story; his book, breaking ground.<BR/><BR/>i'm intrigued on so many levels..<BR/><BR/>this story and all it conjures up will float around in my consciousness for some time. on the whole i am so happy for this survivor and happy to know his children will not have to realize such loss of life; such fear; such horror and oppression<BR/><BR/>but the trauma continues in other parts of the world<BR/><BR/>there is no time for rest until all humans can live in a non-violent world; until ALL humans know freedom. <BR/><BR/>and how important that we use our anger to fuel compassionate action.<BR/><BR/>thank you! ~s.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com