|
Dorit B. Whiteman, a Holocaust escapee
from Austria, was asked this question regarding her feelings about the
country of her birth. The
question triggered a self-analysis as to whether the anger, hatred and
resentment she had felt towards Austria for being an eager partner with
Germany in the �Final Solution,� had diminished over the years.
Can there ever be a lessening of antagonism towards a country
that harbored those who murdered her relatives and friends and who
robbed her parents� of their professions and greedily acquired all
their possessions? The more positive feelings were stimulated by making the acquaintance with young Austrians who are dedicating themselves to making amends for the sins of their parents and grandparents, by Austrian university professors� efforts to preserve Jewish contribution to Austrian culture, and by the campaign of some Austrian intellectuals to acquaint the Austrian population with the dark aspects of Austrian history. Above all, the current Austrian youth is two generations removed from the original perpetrators and are not responsible for their crimes. In addition, during journeys to Austria, nostalgic moments triggered by sights and sounds reminiscent of a happy youth, intrude and deflect some of the dark thoughts. Unfortunately, some encounters grimly reflect that the long shadow of the past still looms over the country. As a result, the question �Does Time Heal Wounds?� cannot be answered unequivocally, but with both optimism and pessimism. The above is a summary. For a more detailed explanation of Dorit Whiteman's views, a copy of �Does Time Heal Wounds?� can be obtained by request. Dorit B. Whiteman wrote a chapter �Does Time Heal Wounds?� for a book currently being published in Austria: Discussion about Austria�s Nazi Past. |
