Growing Up Stateless in Wartime Japan: A Holocaust Survivor's Memoir

In the midst of the tumultuous World War II era, amidst the horrors of the Holocaust, one young girl's extraordinary story unfolded in the unlikeliest of places: Japan.

Edokko: Growing up a Stateless Foreigner in Wartime Japan (Holocaust/WWII memoirs)

by Larry K. Collins

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	204 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Growing Up Stateless in Wartime Japan is the gripping memoir of Ruth Renée, a stateless foreigner who found herself trapped in a foreign land during one of history's darkest chapters.

A Stateless Childhood

Born in 1931 to a German-Jewish father and a Russian mother, Ruth's family sought refuge in Japan in 1939, hoping to escape the rising tide of anti-Semitism in Europe.

However, upon their arrival in Japan, the family's stateless status made them vulnerable to discrimination and suspicion. Ruth and her siblings were denied Japanese citizenship, leaving them with no legal rights or protections.

Despite the challenges, Ruth's family held onto the hope of eventual return to Europe. They maintained their Jewish identity, celebrating holidays and traditions, while also embracing some aspects of Japanese culture.

Life in Occupied Japan

With the outbreak of World War II, Japan became an Axis power, aligning itself with Nazi Germany. The war transformed life in Japan, and stateless foreigners like Ruth faced increased persecution.

Ruth and her family were forced to live in hiding, moving from place to place to avoid arrest. They endured food shortages, bombings, and the constant threat of internment. Amidst the chaos, Ruth's mother's mental health deteriorated, adding further strain to the family's already precarious situation.

Throughout this ordeal, Ruth found solace in writing. She kept a diary where she recorded her experiences, thoughts, and dreams. These writings offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a child growing up in the shadow of war and statelessness.

The Post-War Years

With the end of the war in 1945, Japan was occupied by the Allied forces. Ruth and her family emerged from hiding, but their situation did not improve significantly.

Still stateless, they struggled to rebuild their lives in a country that had never fully accepted them. Ruth continued her education, eventually becoming a teacher. She married and had children, but the past continued to haunt her.

In her later years, Ruth dedicated herself to sharing her story, giving lectures and writing about her experiences as a Holocaust survivor and stateless foreigner. Her memoir, Growing Up Stateless in Wartime Japan, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope amidst adversity.

Growing Up Stateless in Wartime Japan is an extraordinary memoir that sheds light on a little-known chapter of Holocaust history. Ruth Renée's personal account offers a unique perspective on the horrors of war, the challenges of statelessness, and the indomitable spirit of survival.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Holocaust, World War II, or the experiences of stateless people in wartime. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for justice and equality.

Additional Features

• Includes rare photographs and documents from Ruth's personal collection.
• Foreword by award-winning author and Holocaust scholar Deborah Lipstadt.
• Study guide available for educators and discussion groups.

Endorsements

"A remarkable and deeply moving memoir that offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust and the experience of statelessness." - Deborah Lipstadt, author of The Eichmann Trial

"Ruth Renée's story is a reminder of the human capacity for resilience and hope, even in the darkest of times." - Dr. David M. Crowe, Director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte

"This book is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Holocaust and its aftermath." - Dr. Jennifer Yamashiro, author of Facing the Rising Sun: Japanese Americans and World War II

Edokko: Growing up a Stateless Foreigner in Wartime Japan (Holocaust/WWII memoirs)

by Larry K. Collins

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4686 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	204 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE