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MATZ, Rabbi Milton Opening the Gates of Understanding
Dear Warren,
My wife and I have been frequent visitors to Austria. Our particular favorite city is Pörtschach am Wörthersee. We are always touched by the beauty of the land and energy of the people, but, unfortunately, always distressed by the lack of awareness by the people of the Jewish experience in Austria during WWII. It is as if it never happened, or as if it is a complete fabrication. This is in striking contrast to the development of human feelings which we have experienced in Germany.
A play I have written about my wife´s period of hiding in Freiburg, Germany, is currently being translated into German for use in high school and college curriculums and for consideration for production in the city´s state theatre. This is a result of an instinctive response by city officials to understand and grapple with the Jewish-German experience. Their forthcoming response has helped our families and other former residents rebuild ties with the people of Freiburg and the German experience.
I would very much like to see Jews and Austrians move forward in the same way. The reconstitution of the theatre in Vienna is a very important step in further opening the gates of understanding between both communities. The tradition teaches that the most important gate is the gate of understanding. I applaud your efforts.
Please feel free to call on me for support and help.
Best wishes in your important endeavor.
Sincerely Yours,
Rabbi Milton Matz, Ph.D., California
2004-08-26
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