From The Broken Windows

About the Book

The Holocaust has come to be known as the greatest attempt in history to destroy European Jewry. But the plight of the Jews began many years before the events of World War II. From The Broken Windows chronicles the survival of one family during historically unheralded times when Jews found themselves under attack in their towns and homes in early 20th century Ukraine/Russia. The author compiled the stories told to him mostly by his father (Boruch) and expanded the events with contributions from his mother, grandmother, relatives and friends of the family who came from other towns and villages. The author actually traveled to Ukraine and Shargorod to see first hand what is left of the crumbling shtetl and to experience actual distances the family had to travel in order to escape. Many of the villages and towns still exist there, but soon will pass into history as the Jews are few and are either dying out or moving to other countries. The story includes their flight to freedom in an historical narrative that echoes the grim memories of those sinister years, yet illuminates a spark of hope for humanity.

About the Author

Barry Fireman was born in 1940 and grew up in the Wynnefi eld section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After college and the United States Army, he met and married Judy Greenspon and joined the family business. Over a period of forty-fi ve years, he and Judy, reared three wonderful children. The family business of coin operated equipment grew and morphed into a successful telecommunications company that continues to thrive and grow.When faced with major foot surgery in the fall of 2007 Mr. Fireman determined to spend his recuperative months writing a story based on his father’s tales of Jewish life in Ukraine. Research for the book included travel to Shargorod, Ukraine. This labor of love is written for the members and descendants of the Fireman family, but perhaps others will appreciate this tale of incredible courage during a time of prodigious challenge.