Maura Sternberg / Peter Sternberg
Librería Samer Atenea
Librería Aciertas (Toledo)
Kálamo Books
Librería Perelló (Valencia)
Librería Elías (Asturias)
Donde los libros
Librería Kolima (Madrid)
Librería Proteo (Málaga)
Our first day of touring the Auschwitz Concentration Camp had ended. I was present for a five day Bearing Witness Retreat there with the Zen Peacemakers. Standing in line to get some tea I felt someone tap my shoulder and I turned to face a woman who, in German accented English, said to me: 'I need to talk to someone.' Her apprehension was palpable and heavy. I smiled and held her gaze. 'I am the granddaughter of a major Nazi and feel I should not be here.' We continued to hold each other’s gaze. I sensed the deep roots of the shame she was expressing. Without hesitation and a broader smile I said, 'I am glad you are here.' I saw her relief. She smiled and asked me why I was there. I said, 'Because for most of my life I could not shake the feeling that I wanted to annihilate you and your people.' Her smile deepened as she slowly nodded in understanding. We sat down and had tea together. We are friends to this day.
