Preserving Untold Stories of Jewish Communities and Holocaust Survivors
Roni Rosenthal discusses her journey to uncover and share her family’s history, exploring resilience, memory, and the power of storytelling.
Roni Rosenthal is a distinguished author and scholar whose work spans across Jewish literature, Holocaust studies, and intergenerational memory. As the Director of Judaic Studies at the University of Maryland, her academic career is devoted to preserving historical narratives and fostering vital discussions on identity and resilience. In her acclaimed books, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again – Friddie’s Story and The Lilacs I Once Knew, Roni brings to light the untold stories of Jewish communities during World War II, offering a compelling exploration of courage, hope, and survival. In this interview, Roni opens up about the profound journey that led to the creation of her books, sharing the personal connection that inspired her to uncover and preserve her family’s history. She discusses the challenges of translating her grandmother’s cousin Friddie’s poetry, her academic influences, and her belief in the power of storytelling to spark critical thinking and emotional understanding. Through her writing, Roni continues to ensure that the voices of the past remain heard, offering readers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring power of compassion, justice, and remembrance.
Roni Rosenthal’s work is a profound contribution to Holocaust literature, offering emotional depth and historical insight.
What inspired you to bring Friddie’s story to life in Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again, and how did you go about researching her journey?
My father passed away in December of 2009. After the funeral, I walked into his study. On his desk, I found three things: a family photo album, a family tree in his handwriting, and a small note. The note read: “Write their story. Tell the world what really happened to them.”
And so, my journey began.
Friddie Stoleru, my grandmother’s cousin, was born in 1919 in Bucharest, Romania. At 18, she married a brilliant scientist named Freddy, but their happiness was short-lived. Just two weeks after their wedding, the new husband disappeared, and Friddie was arrested. She spent nine years in a Romanian prison, followed by four years in a communist labor camp, for a crime she had never committed.
My father’s words became my mission, a commitment to uncover and share not only Friddie’s story but also the untold stories of Romanian Jewish communities during World War II. As my sister and I are the last living relatives who know Friddie’s true story, I felt a deep responsibility to give a voice to Friddie and those whose stories were nearly erased from history.
Through years of research, archives, survivor testimonies, and historical records, I pieced together Friddie’s story. One of my most profound discoveries was a hidden box in my parents’ basement filled with Friddie’s postcards.
For me, this work is more than historical research; it is a promise fulfilled. My mission is to ensure that the voices of Romania’s Jewish victims are not forgotten, that their suffering is acknowledged.
I am honored that Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again: Friddie’s story has received 15 prestigious book awards. It affirms that people are listening, that these stories matter.
How did you approach the process of translating and preserving Friddie’s poems in The Lilacs I Once Knew, and what challenges did you face?
The discovery of Friddie’s postcards led me to write The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems, a collection of her poetry from prison, labor camps, and beyond. Originally written in Romanian, her poems capture her journey through life, imprisonment, and hope.
Together with my mother, I translated these poems into English, ensuring that Friddie’s voice will reach a wider audience. Translating Friddie’s poems was a deeply emotional process. Her words were more than poetry; they were a means of helping her to reclaim her voice in a world that tried to silence her. The greatest challenge was preserving the depth of her emotions and resilience while staying true to the essence of her word choice and original intent.
Despite these hurdles, I remained as true as possible to Friddie’s words so that readers could feel her spirit in every line.
Your work often highlights resilience in the face of adversity. What do you hope readers take away from the struggles and triumphs in your books?
Friddie’s ability to find beauty and express hope, even in the darkest moments, stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Despite the horrors she endured, she never stopped believing in kindness, justice, and humanity. I hope readers connect with her not just as a victim but as a woman, a daughter, and a survivor who clung to her humanity against all odds.
Through my writing, I seek to illuminate untold stories, and silenced voices, and remind readers that courage takes many forms. Sometimes, it is found in acts of defiance; other times, in quiet endurance, in the ability to love despite loss, or in an unwavering belief in justice and dignity.
This family’s tale comes at a critical moment in history, to remind us of the power of compassion and kindness, even in the hardest moments. By sharing these stories, I hope my books inspire readers to listen, remember, and carry these stories forward, ensuring that the past is never forgotten.
As a professor and Director of Judaic Studies, how has your academic background influenced your writing, particularly in historical narratives?
Immersing myself in Jewish history, literature, and cultural studies has given me a strong foundation for researching and reconstructing stories that might otherwise be lost to time. My work is driven by a commitment to historical accuracy, and by the responsibility to represent those who lived through unimaginable hardships.
Studying primary sources, survivor testimonies, and archival documents has taught me how to weave fact with storytelling in a way that is both engaging and truthful. Beyond the historical framework, my academic experience has reinforced the importance of preserving memory, not just as a historical duty but as a moral obligation. I strive to bridge the gap between scholarship and storytelling, ensuring that readers not only learn about history but also connect with the human experiences behind it.
In Not by the Book: The Pencil Pro, you explore creativity and education. How do you believe storytelling can enhance learning and critical thinking?
Storytelling is a powerful tool that transforms learning from a passive experience into an engaging journey. In Not by the Book: The Pencil Pro, I explore how creativity sparks curiosity, encourages students to think beyond conventional frameworks.
Stories make information more memorable. When we present ideas through narratives (whether historical events or scientific discoveries), complex concepts become easier to grasp. Storytelling fosters critical thinking by encouraging students to analyze perspectives, question assumptions, and draw their own conclusions.
By weaving storytelling into education, we can create an environment where knowledge is not just absorbed but actively explored, making learning both meaningful and transformative.
“Storytelling is a powerful tool that transforms learning from a passive experience into an engaging journey.” – Roni Rosenthal
Your books span multiple genres, from historical fiction to educational guides. How do you adapt your writing style depending on the subject?
When I write historical fiction, I focus on authenticity, emotional depth, and immersive storytelling. I weave research with vivid narratives, making sure that readers experience history through the eyes of my characters. When I write educational resources, I use storytelling to bring learning to life, making complex ideas easier to understand. When I write children’s literature, I embrace simplicity, rhythm, and imagination to spark curiosity and inspire young minds.
No matter what I write, I aim to create stories that ignite curiosity, inspire reflection, and stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors, particularly those who wish to preserve historical or personal stories through literature?
Start with the research. Learn everything you can. Then, take a step back and just listen. Let history whisper its secrets, let the stories tell you what matters and what doesn’t. Be patient. History loves to talk; you have to listen.
Make sure to bring history to life through small, personal moments. People don’t connect with dates or events; they connect with emotions and daily struggles.
Finally, there will be moments when you want to shred your manuscript or launch your keyboard out the window. Don’t do it. Instead, take a break, step outside, breathe in some fresh air. When you come back grab your pen (or unbroken keyboard) and keep writing.
