Author Links Holocaust Survival to October 7th Experience
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Author Dorrit Zilberman's new book, "The Dark Side of the Bear," features Holocaust survivor testimonies and explores the second generation's experiences. Zilberman, who is releasing her 23rd book near her 70th birthday, stated that the "simple act of survival is heroism," a sentiment amplified by the October 7th attacks. While initially rejecting comparisons between October 7th and the Holocaust, she later drew parallels to historical events. The novel is based on true stories and real individuals, including a character inspired by a man who died by suicide.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Author Dorrit Zilberman's new book draws on Holocaust survivor testimonies and her own reflections.
- Zilberman stated that "the simple act of survival is heroism," a view deepened by October 7th.
- Her 23rd book, "The Dark Side of the Bear," focuses on the second generation of survivors.
- She initially opposed comparing October 7th to the Holocaust due to scale differences.
- The novel's characters are based on real people and their true stories.
- Zilberman, nearing 70, continues her work as a lawyer and literary editor.
Author Dorrit Zilberman is releasing her 23rd book, "The Dark Side of the Bear," which draws on decades of Holocaust survivor testimonies. The book, timed with her upcoming 70th birthday, explores the lives of the second generation of Holocaust survivors. Zilberman stated that the "simple act of survival is heroism," a realization that deepened for her following the October 7th attacks.
Initially, Zilberman opposed comparisons between the October 7th massacre and the Holocaust, emphasizing the vast difference in scale, with six million systematically murdered in the Holocaust versus approximately 1,200 killed on October 7th. However, she noted that the initial response to October 7th reminded her of the Yom Kippur War's failures and the surprise element, later drawing parallels to the 1948 Battle of Tel Hai and even the Kishinev pogroms.
The novel "The Dark Side of the Bear" is based on true stories and focuses on the struggles of the second generation. The plot begins with the mysterious suicide of Boaz, a former paratrooper and diamond merchant who lost an eye in the Yom Kippur War. His wife, Deri (Smadar), whose parents are Holocaust survivors, investigates their family's past after his death, uncovering secrets of her silent mother Agi and her father Dov, a recipient of the Israel Prize.
Zilberman shared that the stories, particularly those concerning Auschwitz, came from survivors she knew. She also revealed that the character of Boaz is based on a real person, including his suicide and a critical statement he made to her in their thirties about his complex relationship with his mother. The book aims to offer a poignant, painful, yet humorous look at the survivors' descendants.
Approaching her 70th birthday, Zilberman expressed hope that this is not a concluding chapter in her writing career. She continues to work as a lawyer and remains active in literary organizations, serving as the deputy chair of the Hebrew Writers Association and editor-in-chief of the journal "Moznayim." She believes her profession, like writing, improves with age and experience.