My Nazi Father and Journey to Judaism with Author Bernd Wollschlaeger April 21, 2013

The Oshman Family JCC will host Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger, who will discuss his book, A German Life, which describes his struggle growing up in Germany in the shadow of his father, a highly-decorated WWII tank commander and Nazi officer. His journey eventually led him to convert to Judaism and immigrate to Israel, where he served in the Israel Defense Forces as a Medical Officer.

Wollschlaeger's father fought in Poland, France and Russia. After sustaining several injuries, he was given the Iron Cross, which was personally awarded to him by Adolf Hitler. When the war ended with Germany's defeat, his father's life came to a standstill. He was imprisoned by the victorious Allied Forces and, following his release from military service, tried to piece his life back together.

At an early age, Bernd Wollschlaeger discovered that his parents were concealing their past. Driven by his curiosity and interest in learning the truth about his father and the Holocaust, Wollschlaeger explored Israel and Judaism through literature, personal encounters with Jews, and finally a journey to Israel. These experiences resulted in a spiritual journey that led Wollschlaeger to convert to Judaism and immigrate to Israel, a decision that brought tension to his relationship with his parents.

Bernd Wollschlaeger, MD, FAAFP, FASAM is a board-certified family physician in private practice (Aventura, FL). He received his medical education in Germany and Israel and completed his residency training at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL. Dr. Wollschlaeger serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Miami. He taught at the Florida International School of Medicine and the Florida State University College of Medicine. He is a Board member of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, President of the Florida Society of Addiction Medicine and the Alternate Regional Director for the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Official Website: http://www.paloaltojcc.org/bernd