Arthur Horwitz’s new memoir, “Dual Identities: Living in Meier’s Shadow,” explores the effects of the Holocaust on the lives of second-generation survivors like himself — whose mother suffered the horrors of Nazi Germany. Recounting his childhood as he slowly learned about her traumatic experiences, he explains the long-term impact they had on his life and the lives of his own children. He also shares how the contributions the family has made to America, his mother’s adopted home, were her ultimate revenge.
One Detroit speaks to Horwitz about the origins and mission of “Dual Identities.” While delving deeply and unflinchingly into the Holocaust, the book also covers other aspects of Horwitz’s personal and professional life, growing up in the Jewish community of New Haven, Connecticut, in the shadow of Yale University; his journalism career, which led him to become the longtime publisher and executive editor of the Detroit Jewish News, one of the most influential Jewish newspapers in the country; and his rich family life as a son, husband, father and grandfather. A respected community leader, Horwitz is a former chair of the Detroit PBS board.
Scheduled for release in late April, “Dual Identities” can be ordered in advance. For more information, visit the Koehler Books website.
On May 7, the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, where Horwitz often lectures to students from schools around the state, hosts a book launch event, including a conversation with the author and book signing. Seats are limited. You can register here.