Man, 84, Reunites with Israeli Family After Decades, Shares Life of Travel and Rats

Amity Peretz, the grandson of Max Peretz, recently traveled to Paris to meet his great-uncle Albert Rosenberg, whom he had never met before. The meeting, facilitated by Peretz's grandmother in Israel, took place during a heatwave in Paris. Albert, 84, lives in an apartment filled with souvenirs from his extensive travels around the world and is accompanied by his pet rat, Natalie.

Albert recounted his experiences during World War II, including narrowly escaping the Holocaust in Brussels with his family. He described being separated from his brother Max and placed with different families, some of whom were not kind. He also shared how a Nazi sympathizer who sheltered his family ultimately did not betray them.

Peretz was not surprised by Albert's pet rat, as a viral video of Albert kissing his rat on the subway had previously circulated online. Albert explained his affinity for rats, which began years ago, and how he always keeps at least one as a companion. He also revealed his own connection to Israel, having lived in a kibbutz and worked as a youth leader in the "Dror" movement, the same movement his grandfather Max was involved in.

Albert's life has been defined by extensive travel. He described his journeys through Africa, Asia, and South America, collecting artifacts and giving lectures about the cultures he encountered. He used his journalist credentials, which he obtained by writing articles for Brussels newspapers, to facilitate his travels and gain access to various places. He eventually settled in Paris, where he met his wife, Florence, 19 years ago, and they married two years ago.

Despite his current mobility issues due to illness, Albert reflects positively on his life, expressing gratitude for having lived during a time when the world was more open to exploration and human connection. He contrasts his experiences with the modern, computer-driven world, which he feels isolates people.