Great-Grandfather of Elkanah Wiesel Pens Hopeful Letter After Rome's WWII Liberation

On June 4, 1944, Allied forces liberated Rome from German occupation, marking the first Axis capital to fall during World War II. Approximately two months later, on the eve of Tisha B'Av 5704 (Jewish year), Gershon (Romeo) Destro, the great-grandfather of Elkanah Wiesel, a Jewish architect from Rome, wrote a heartfelt letter to his family’s children. The letter, written in Italian and recently revealed and translated into Hebrew with AI assistance just before Tisha B'Av 5786, reflects on faith, renewal, and perseverance amid suffering.

In his letter, Destro reflects on the historical significance of Tisha B'Av, a day commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and the subsequent Jewish exile. He emphasizes that despite the sorrow and destruction, this day also symbolizes hope and rebirth. He recalls how after the First Temple's destruction, the prophet Isaiah comforted the exiles, inspiring courage and faith. Similarly, after the Second Temple's fall, Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai secured the survival of Jewish learning and identity by establishing a center of Torah study in Yavneh.

Destro urges his family to remain proud and united, to embrace the courage of their ancestors who never surrendered, and to rebuild both themselves and their community with faith and determination. He expresses a wish for the children to live in brighter times, free from darkness, and to remember their divine heritage and commitment to Torah study.

The letter concludes with a call to look forward with optimism and strength, echoing the words of Rabbi Judah Halevi’s lament "Zion, do not ask," which speaks of awaiting the dawn after exile. The article connects this legacy to Elkanah Wiesel, who fought and died defending Israel during the War of the Iron Swords, leaving behind a message of pride and hope for future generations.