Dear Head of State: A Message from Holocaust Survivors

Dear Head of State brings forward a collection of letters written by Holocaust survivors to heads of state and other government leaders between 1945 and 1953. Historian Deborah Dwork presents these never-before-published letters in their original form, with contextual analysis and commentary about each correspondence. The letters come from survivors across Europe who wrote to request help locating family members, securing immigration papers, or reclaiming stolen property in the aftermath of World War II. Authors include survivors from Poland, Germany, Austria, France and other nations impacted by the Nazi regime, representing diverse backgrounds and circumstances. The book follows a chronological structure, moving from the immediate post-war period through the early years of reconstruction in Europe. Original photographs and documents complement the letters throughout. Through these intimate written appeals, the book reveals how Holocaust survivors navigated bureaucracy and sought justice during a pivotal period of history. The collection provides insights into both individual stories of survival and the broader administrative challenges of post-war reconstruction.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Deborah Dwork's overall work: Readers praise Dwork's thorough research methods and use of primary sources in examining Holocaust history. Her books receive recognition for bringing forward previously unexplored perspectives, particularly in "Children With A Star." What readers liked: - Clear presentation of complex historical information - Integration of survivor testimonies and personal accounts - Detailed archival research and documentation - Focus on social history rather than just political events What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style can be challenging for general readers - Some find the level of detail overwhelming - High price point of academic editions Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "Auschwitz: 1270 to the Present": 4.2/5 (127 ratings) - "Children With A Star": 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: - "Auschwitz: 1270 to the Present": 4.5/5 (31 reviews) - "Children With A Star": 4.7/5 (12 reviews) One reader noted: "Her attention to detail and use of primary sources brings history alive without sensationalizing it." Another commented: "The academic tone makes it less accessible, but the research is impeccable."

Night by Elie Wiesel This firsthand account from a Holocaust survivor presents messages of memory and responsibility to future generations.

The Last Letter: A Father's Struggle, a Daughter's Quest, and the Long Shadow of the Holocaust by Karen Baum Gordon Letters from a Holocaust survivor to world leaders reveal the pursuit of justice and recognition for victims.

After Auschwitz: A Story of Heartbreak and Survival by Eva Schloss A Holocaust survivor's letters and testimonials document the impact of survival on subsequent generations.

To Tell Their Stories: Holocaust Survivors of Southern New Jersey by Marsha Friedman Holocaust survivors share written testimonies and messages to political leaders about genocide prevention.

The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek Letters and accounts from young Holocaust survivors demonstrate their efforts to communicate with world leaders about preserving historical memory.

🔹 Deborah Dwork is the founding director of the Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity at the Graduate Center—CUNY, and has authored numerous groundbreaking works in Holocaust studies. 🔹 The book centers around a remarkable 1958 petition signed by Holocaust survivors and sent to world leaders, pleading for intervention in what they saw as growing signs of genocidal violence globally. 🔹 Many of the petition's signatories were survivors of multiple concentration camps who had rebuilt their lives in various countries, yet felt compelled to speak out about ongoing atrocities despite their own trauma. 🔹 The petition represents one of the earliest examples of Holocaust survivors collectively using their moral authority to advocate for human rights and genocide prevention on a global scale. 🔹 The document remained largely forgotten in archives for decades until Dwork's research brought it to light, revealing this crucial historical moment when survivors transformed their personal trauma into political action.