Grandson honors Holocaust legacy with powerful new memoir

A local high school teacher in Lincoln, Nebraska, has brought to life the poignant story of a Holocaust survivor's family through a play titled \"Ghost on the Wall.\" The play, inspired by letters written by the survivor's grandparents to his father, was created by Chris Maley and performed at the annual Holocaust commemoration ceremony in Gainesville, Florida.

The letters, discovered by the survivor after his father's passing, provided a personal glimpse into the lives of his grandparents, Kurt and Udina Schoenwald, who were victims of the Holocaust. The play initially debuted at Lincoln High School before being recorded and streamed during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing a wider audience to engage with the material.

In addition to the play, the survivor has authored a memoir, also titled \"The Ghost on the Wall,\" set to be released on November 9, coinciding with the anniversary of Kristallnacht. This book explores the impact of the Holocaust across three generations of his family, emphasizing the courage and humanity of his grandparents, whom he never met but feels a deep connection to through their letters.

The survivor expressed a sense of satisfaction in sharing his family's story, highlighting the importance of remembering and incorporating Holocaust narratives into educational discussions. He and Maley retain the copyright for the play, ensuring that this vital history continues to be shared and remembered.