Do Promises Expire after Death? (retired, father, person, member)
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Absolutely. That right there. That one additional detail alone is enough.
OP, this would be disgraceful of you. What possible good can come of this that would justify exposing your father to the world and to everyone in his field as a liar and a fraud? What possible greater good would be served? What are you thinking?
History is not suffering from any shortage of holocaust stories. You're not exposing the JFK conspiracy here. Please explain what you think is so important about this that you would even consider disgracing your father's memory over this?
Of course my thinking was to remove identifying info to maintain his anonymity
I am not certain of all the reasons Dad did not want his memoir shared. One reason I believe is his professional success (he developed several patents in his industry and also wrote some technical books) “public biography” claimed advanced education that, once reading his story, could not have been achieved. So, his resume was quite obviously puffed up and far as his formal education. But anyone who reads the story would understand. And if, as suggested, I removed identity info, that might be the best way to go. Its a very important story on so many levels. He was only 15 years old when his story begins.
Thanks for the suggestions that I can possibly preserve his anonymity. I will talk to a rabbi. That is a great idea.
I think that as long as you can do it with him being anonymous that his story should be told so that it's not lost at a later time. If they do publish it online, you can let close family know it's his story. I'm sure everyone is proud of your dad for what he was able to accomplish after the cards he was dealt. It was much easier for people born back then to advance. My dad came to the US from Hungary in the late 50's with $25 and was one of the first to be a certified mechanic in NJ. He also held a lot of ranks with a local rescue squad. I'm proud of my dad like I'm sure you're proud of your dad. I wish mine would have left his story written down because he refused to talk about leaving Hungary during the revolt.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. In-Between
Absolutely. That right there. That one additional detail alone is enough.
OP, this would be disgraceful of you. What possible good can come of this that would justify exposing your father to the world and to everyone in his field as a liar and a fraud? What possible greater good would be served? What are you thinking?
History is not suffering from any shortage of holocaust stories. You're not exposing the JFK conspiracy here. Please explain what you think is so important about this that you would even consider disgracing your father's memory over this?
I think it's important for everyone to have a voice that went thru that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by redplum33
Perhaps they would understand, but they'd also recognize that his life was pretty much a lie...and view him as a fraud.
You're going to tarnish his legacy.
Let the poor guy keep his dignity, and let him rest in peace.
If his family can do it anonymously it's a non issue
Quote:
Originally Posted by WorldKlas
Of course my thinking was to remove identifying info to maintain his anonymity
If it was me that left something like that, I would be ok with it being shared anonymously after my death. Heck, I'd share it while alive if I can be anonymous.
There were so many terrible stories arsing out of the Holocaust that people were afraid, or still recovering, and wanted private.
Fast forward 75+ years and these stories must be shared. We just visited the newly renovated Cincinnati Center for Holocaust and Humanity and learned the stories of people I've known for almost 70 years. Some I knew were survivors, some I didn't. All wanted their stories told and memorabilia (if you can call the torn striped uniforms and yellow Jude stars memorabilia) made available for all to see.
Share what you have so that everyone knows what did happen years ago. Donate it to Yad Yashem, or the Holocaust Museum in your father's
I'm sure that you father would be happy with your decision
NEVER FORGET!
I agree never forget, but the people you mentioned wanted their stories shared.
This seems to be a detail that people have overlooked.
So, why now?
I am not religious and I don’t know a religious leader to discuss this with.
I am now 70 years old and last year toured the death camps in Poland and also the synagogue in Budapest where Jews lost their lives in the courtyard. I realized how profoundly my life was impacted by the Holocaust. I mean I’ve always known, but as I am older I feel I should make a decision about the memoir. I shared it with a very close friend who I knew would honor the promise. I have very good reasons for sharing it with her and I know my Dad would have be fine due to the reasons. She was so shocked and moved, it made me think her reaction to his story might have that kind of impact on others. And I also carry the feeling “Never Forget.”
I am not religious and I don’t know a religious leader to discuss this with.
I am now 70 years old and last year toured the death camps in Poland and also the synagogue in Budapest where Jews lost their lives in the courtyard. I realized how profoundly my life was impacted by the Holocaust. I mean I’ve always known, but as I am older I feel I should make a decision about the memoir. I shared it with a very close friend who I knew would honor the promise. I have very good reasons for sharing it with her and I know my Dad would have be fine due to the reasons. She was so shocked and moved, it made me think her reaction to his story might have that kind of impact on others. And I also carry the feeling “Never Forget.”
After hearing this explanation, I'm changing my stance. I think you should do whatever feels right to you.
OP. I say honor your dad's wishes. You may not ever understand why he asked this of you but I'm sure there was a reason.
I once made a promise to a loved one to keep an antique item in our family that is large and requires a significant storage space to keep. I now realize I may not always have the ability to have that extra space so I've thought about giving the thing to a museum in that late family member's name. However, knowing that museums operate like a business, I've decided that would almost be the same as selling the item. For now I'll just keep the thing and try to pass it on to my daughter or my grandchildren without any commitments. They can do with the item as they see fit or necessary.
There is a reason he didn’t want the story told to strangers. Maybe some of his recollections were not absolutely accurate and he didn’t want anyone disputing his stated facts. Maybe his education wasn’t the only thing he “fudged” on. It’s best to not share even if anonymous.
I am not religious and I don’t know a religious leader to discuss this with.
I am now 70 years old and last year toured the death camps in Poland and also the synagogue in Budapest where Jews lost their lives in the courtyard. I realized how profoundly my life was impacted by the Holocaust. I mean I’ve always known, but as I am older I feel I should make a decision about the memoir. I shared it with a very close friend who I knew would honor the promise. I have very good reasons for sharing it with her and I know my Dad would have be fine due to the reasons. She was so shocked and moved, it made me think her reaction to his story might have that kind of impact on others. And I also carry the feeling “Never Forget.”
Would be nice if someone could translate it to German to put a copy in a museum or place of remembrance near where his story originated.
You should try to make a decision soon since you're not that young any more. Today would be a good day to start editing your dads identifying info from it. Have you spoken to your brother or kids about sharing it?
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