Few methods of examining the roots of antisemitism are more revealing than the study of folklore and stereotypes. This is critical to understanding why the Holocaust happened. Al Kitmacher and Pearl Harris were heroes. In WWII Al led his Jewish family to temporary safety, and through miracles survived the Warsaw Ghetto and Nazi death camps. Pearl, with her military service, helped fellow Jews suffering at the hands of the Nazis. Family members of the author’s father that were lost to the Holocaust, are given a voice by recreating their lives in 1930s and 1940s Nazi-Europe. Few methods of examining the roots of antisemitism are more revealing than the study of folklore and stereotypes. This is critical to understanding why the Holocaust happened, and why we are witnessing a resurgence of antisemitism today. The author explores folktales using a cinematic construct of the Holocaust as one part horror story, and the other part hero and superhero story. Longstanding beliefs in monsters, angels, and the supernatural, are discussed. By reexamining the Holocaust, and through our joint humanity and hope, we can prevent a similar nightmare from happening again. Introduction PART IA SIMPLE LIFEBustling, Simple Life before the Torches and PitchforksJewish, Polish, and German Folklore, Monsters, and MiraclesEarly Christian and German Views of Jews. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Good or Evil)The Kitmachers The Harris FamilyPART IIEVIL AT THE GATENazis Invade and the Holocaust BeginsAmerica, the Allies, the Holocaust, and Superheroes America before World War II Hope, Miracles, and Extraordinary Interventions America Enters the War Nightmare In the Navy In Hell Dreams and More MiraclesPART IIIGOOD PREVAILSBack to Civilian Life Freedom Al and Pearl Together—Hope Realized Stepping Back in Time—a Return to Germany End of LifeWhy It Happened: Grim Reality, Black HolesHope SurvivesAbout the Author Kind Request Bibliography and FilmographyNotes Amsterdam Publishers Holocaust Library