BOOKS – Goldman’s book reissued
Courage and friendship in times of war
After World War II, Louis Goldman became an established photographer in the USA. During the war, he was a young Jewish man hounded by the nazi-fascists. Born in Germany to Polish parents, he fled to Paris and later hid in Florence, thanks to the assistance of the Opera of the Divine Providence of Madonnina del Grappa. Founded in 1924, this Florentine religious institute provided refuge to many Jews who were being persecuted. This is a story that the people of Florence are strongly aware of, so it does not come as a surprise that the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Opera began with the presentation of the re-release of Goldman’s memoir, Amici per la vita (Friends for life), reissued after over thirty years by publishing house Giuntina, with the support of the Jewish Community, the Opera of the Jewish Temple, the Settimio Saadun Jewish Hospice and the Florentine section of the Adei Wizo as a “sign of gratitude to preserve the memory of those who worked with courage to save Jews from persecution.”
This is a matter to be proud of, remarked the mayor Sara Funaro when introducing Goldman’s book in the Brunelleschi room of the Palagio di Parte Guelfa. “An extraordinary network of assistance was created in Florence,” underlined Funaro, emphasizing the active collaboration of local clergy members. The Church’s involvement was indeed essential. Standing tall in his role, Archbishop Elia Dalla Costa was proclaimed Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, a title shared also by Father Leto Casini and Father Giulio Facibeni, founder of the Opera.
Both figures had a decisive impact on Goldman’s life. Editor Shulim Vogelmann defined them as true “priests of courage.” “We are touched by that courage and by the coming together of different people and cultures,” noted Father Vincenzo Russo, the current president of the institute.
A story of love and respect
Everything within the walls of the Opera “took place under the banner of utmost love and respect,” added Florence chief Rabbi Gadi Piperno, explaining how Facibeni gifted a Hebrew grammar book to young Goldman, who was just 18 at the time, as a sign of comfort and solidarity. Facibeni refrained from interpreting it himself, so that there would not have been misunderstandings regarding his benevolent and selfless intentions. These bonds between the rescued and their rescuers, not just in Florence, continued even after the war, becoming profound emotional connections. “They truly became friends for life,” recalled Adina Goldman, Louis’ daughter, “and this is a value we passed on to future generations.” To conclude the evening, Renzo Funaro, president of the Opera of the Jewish Temple took the floor. He was the first to support the reprint of the volume: “Since we are celebrating the Righteous, it was essential that this happened under the auspices of Jewish institutions. Goldman’s testimony is dramatic and captivating: read it.”
Photo: Goldman, Father Faicibeni and another priest
Translated by Chiara Tona, student at the Advanced School for Interpreters and Translators of the University of Trieste, trainee in the newsroom of the Union of the Italian Jewish Communities – Pagine Ebraiche.