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In July 1939, 500 Jewish children were sent from Germany to Sweden in a joint project organized by the World Zionist Organization and the Stockholm Jewish Community. Some of these children came to Hälsinggården, near Falun, to learn farming and agriculture, in preparation for their future work in Palestine. World War II broke out two months after their arrival, and the children remained in Sweden as temporary residents until 1945. In the spring of 1941, Walter and Heini, both 16 years old, decided to leave the collective, facing the challenge of having to support themselves, and waiving their opportunity to rejoin the group on the planned immigration to Palestine. Most of the letters in this collection were written by Walter, after he and Heini had to go their separate ways. They reveal the struggle of a lonely boy in a foreign country, as war was raging through Europe, wreaking havoc on the home and people left behind.
About the author
Monica Gorlen Fallon ¿ pianist, musicologist and athlete ¿ has performed in chamber music ensembles and as an accompanist for singers on stage, in recordings and in radio broadcasts. She was also artist manager for Israeli performing musicians. In 2009 Monica embarked on a new career as a teacher of outdoor fitness and Pilates.
