December Update (Belated)
We always say it because it’s always true: we haven’t reported much lately on the progress of Episode 2 because some of our most exciting progress is still secret!
But here are some things we can tell everyone:
In episode 2 we’ll finally get to talk about the amazing artist Ervin Abadi, not only in terms of his liberation from the train, but in the impact his work has had on countless others since… especially on his children, who have a special story about him they lovingly share while surrounded by his work.
BONUS: We’re not sure this will be in the documentary so this may be a WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE! Here’s Ervin Abadi drawing his newborn granddaughter Galia. And here’s Galia, all grown up, with the drawing he made on that day.
Among the treasures we’ll share in Episode 2 are the stories and images of the “Camp Council Certificates” which many survivors still have in their possession! These were an effort by the Allies to provide survivors with some kind of identification since many had literally nothing to show who they were or where they had come from. The dates on the cards include the six days they were prisoners on the train. They also reflect South American citizenships — and we’ll tell how THAT happened…
Great photo for December: This was when the late George Gross, overnight guardian of the train with help from Gina Rappaport, received a menorah from Yoav Lietersdorf — Gina’s grandson.
In our research for this episode, we learned of a way in which Gina helped her fellow survivors, a way none of us had realized before.
The more we learn about this amazing lady the more we realize what an extraordinary person she was…
