Maura Sternberg / Peter Sternberg
Librería Samer Atenea
Kálamo Books
Librería Elías (Asturias)
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.
