L'DOR V'DOR Quotes

“And they want me to hear the story direct from the horse’s mouth.”
“So now I am a horse? A horse is not kosher!”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Did Max survive because he was brave? Perhaps. Lucky? Absolutely! Stupid? Undoubtedly so. But the number one reason Max sat in front of young Zachary Blake on the eve of the boy’s Bar Mitzvah was Max’s stubborn refusal to give up or give in.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“While it may have been the exception rather than the rule, the Jewish community did what it could, when it could, to defy Nazi tyranny . . . Contrary to the myth of little or no resistance, there was, indeed, verified, armed resistance to the Holocaust in ghettos and concentration camps.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“He’d wait me out if his parents let him. A promise is a promise, but is he ready for such a tale? I’ve only shared this story with a select few, and only for Holocaust remembrance.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“L’dor v’dor, Your Honor, l’dor v’dor.”
“Huh?”
“It’s a Jewish thing, Your Honor, Don’t worry; I’ll be there.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“It may be condescending for me to say, but I am proud of you. I know your grandfather would be proud of you, too.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“He’s the reason I became a plaintiff’s lawyer, you know. He made me promise to help people less fortunate than myself.”
“He would be very proud of the man you have become, Zack.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Zayde would like the fact that I divorced or the fact I married a Schiksa the second time around, but he’d be happy that I’m happy.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Jewish resistance and prisoner ingenuity were vital parts of Jewish history, and people needed to remember them . . . He had a duty to report his grandfather’s heroic exploits to generations to come. L’dor v’dor, Zayde.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Zachary knew his grandfather was opposed to personal gratification or reward, but the story deserved to be told.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Such is life in the legal arena—lawyers and clients may not count their chickens until all the appeals are hatched.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Rodgers1234”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Without Max including me in his plans . . . I would not be here today. I thank Hashem, every day, for sending me an angel named Max Lewenstein. As I look out at his wife and beautiful family, his children and grandchildren, remember, you too would not be here today if not for the extraordinary bravery of the angel, Max Lewenstein.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“I love you too, my sweet boy. You will only know how much after you have had children and grandchildren of your own.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“I know you will honor your promise of becoming a lawyer, living an honorable life, and helping those less fortunate.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“I do not question His judgment. I am grateful to the Almighty for the time he gave me and the rich life I have enjoyed. I am most grateful for my wonderful children and grandchildren . . .”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Don’t leave me, Zayde. It’s too soon. I’m not a lawyer yet.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Zachary Blake had become a man . . . both sides of the family were very proud. Zayde Max Lewin and Grampa Morris Blake chanted the Hamotzi over the bread and the feast was on. What Jewish celebration does not end with a feast?”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“I want to help people, no matter what anyone else says. I want to help the less fortunate. I want to be a lawyer. Will you still be proud of me if I become a lawyer, like Atticus Finch? “
Zack proudly displayed his Jewish Star necklace. For some strange reason, Zack’s mother began to cry.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“L’Dor v’dor, my son, from generation to generation. This is a Jewish tradition . . . It is our responsibility as Jews to pass traditions down from generation to generation, as well. We must keep these traditions alive, so I hope you will carry this with you always and remember your Zayde and his story of the Shoah.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“The old man reached behind his head and unlatched his necklace . . . and retrieved the solid gold Star of David pendant attached to it. Max handed the pendent to his grandson.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Many people have stories of bravery during the Holocaust. I am no braver than anyone else. 6,000,000 Jews lost their lives during the war. They are the heroes, my son, not me. I was lucky.”
“Some people make their own luck, Zayde! You are one of those. I’m so proud to be your grandson.”
“Then you’ll do me a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Tell everyone you know about the brave Jews who escaped from Auschwitz but don’t tell them about your grandfather.”
“Why not? I’m so proud of you! You were part of the resistance.”
“Because it is not important that one of the Holocaust survivors is your Zayde. All Jews are relatives—all are important, especially after the death of the 6,000,000 and so many other attempts to wide us out . . .”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“This was one of the most daring, dangerous, talked about, and legendary escapes in Auschwitz history.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Max stuck his head out the passenger side window and yelled, “Open the gate, you idiots!” in perfect German. “I’ve got to get this car to Himmler.” The stunned gatekeepers rushed to open the gate, and the five men drove through it to freedom and into the history books.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Max wanted to spit in Kellermann’s face and tell him he felt obligated to try to escape. It was his duty to buck the authority of those who commanded the camp. Wisely, he held his saliva and his tongue.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“If Max had any doubts about attempting to escape, this conversation alleviated them. He would not end up like the men and women in the pit . . .”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“No one, and I mean no one escapes from this camp. Anyone who tries with be shot, along with many others, in order to teach a lesson no one will ever forget.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Max determined, then and there, that he would escape from this horrible place or die in the attempt.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“. . . Max glanced at the camp entrance, where the train came through. A gate marked the entrance. The sign read: “Arbeit macht frei” a German phrase meaning “work sets you free.” The sign was a cruel taunt, as this was certainly not a place where work set a person free.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation

“Max thought of Passover and Jewish slaves—manhandle and beaten by their Egyptian taskmasters.”
― Mark M. Bello, L'DOR V'DOR: From Generation to Generation