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The author, a first generation Jewish-American trying to come to terms with his family history, sought out some of the last surviving rescuers of Jewish children during the Nazi occupation of Holland. He interviewed them about how they became involved in their terrifyingly dangerous activities, and about their harrowing, often heartbreaking, experiences. Amazed by their willingness to risk everything to help others during the war, he became interested in what they have done with their lives since, and where their moral compasses point today.   What emerges is a collective portrait of ten individuals that serves as both a window to the past and a vision for the future. Their critiques of modern society can be as startling as their memories of the Nazi years, yet most have retained an unshakable optimism. Their words resonate across generations, framed by the author’s quest for meaning. He becomes part of the story—his own life touched not only through learning of their deeds, but by the openhearted way they relate to him and to the world. Please note: The Heart Has Reasons is not scheduled to be released until Spring '06.  If you would like to be notified when it is available, please let us know at [email protected] (Your email address will not be used for any other purpose.) Meanwhile, you're welcome to read the opening two chapters, available here exclusively!

                                               

 

     

 
     
     
      
      
    
  
    


 
     

Mark Klempner, a first generation Jewish-American trying to come to terms with his family history, sought out some of the last surviving rescuers of Jewish children during the Nazi occupation of Holland. He interviewed them about how they became involved in their terrifyingly dangerous activities, and about their harrowing, often heartbreaking, experiences. Amazed by their willingness to risk everything to help others during the war, he became interested in what they have done with their lives since, and where their moral compasses point today.
 
What emerges in The Heart Has Reasons: Meetings With Holocaust Rescuers is a collective portrait of these meetings with Holocaust rescuers that serves as both a window to the past and a vision for the future. Their critiques of modern society can be as startling as their memories of the Nazi years, yet most have retained an unshakable optimism. Their words resonate across generations, framed by Mark Klempner's quest for meaning. Mark Klempner becomes part of the story—his own life touched not only through learning of their deeds, but by the openhearted way they relate to him and to the world.  The Heart Has Reasons that reason knows not of.—Camus.