Max J. Friedman, USA, författare till boken "Painful Joy"

Dear Bertil Thank you for including me on the list for this note. Fortunately, I have read your third edition in English and so finally could better understand your story and the journey your parents took as they and their relatives became eye witnesses to the desperation and worse that became the reality of German Jews such as your parents and relatives. Of course, much of your book also so clearly and sadly documents the pro-German actions by representatives of the Swedish government in limiting the ability of your family to escape to Sweden, except for short periods early in the saga. Your documentary style is meticulous and powerful and so many of the things you say about the survivors of the journey -- and those who did not -- ring true for me as well, even if my story is quite different. Sadly the antisemitism that existed before the war -- more or less everywhere on earth, if I could say it so simply -- was rampant. Of course, accommodations were made in every country depending on the economic and social status that some Jews were able to attain -- but underneath it wasn't enough to save very many of those most threatened (in Europe and Russia). What is so much more worrying is how that antisemitism has seen an overt resurgence around the world, including in the U.S. and Europe. Books like yours must be held up as providing clear documentation and witness of what hate can do -- everywhere and anytime. Congratulations on your research and indeed, I must say, your courage -- to devote so much of the later part of your life to this effort. As someone also touched deeply by the Holocaust -- as well as what came before and even afterwards -- I have also come to understand the importance of serving as a witness -- at least so that our children and grandchildren can learn our stories. I'm afraid that Never Forget for the world no longer has much traction any longer with the rise of authoritarianism and worse everywhere, including in the U.S. So we do what we can with open eyes and wounded but also open hearts. All the very best on this edition, your speaking tours and your resoluteness to sometimes talk truth to power. I hope our paths cross again before too long. Max