Everyones personal history is unique, but many have common threads. For Dr. Bernd Wollschaeger, his journey from the child of a highly decorated World War II German tank commander to a Jewish family physician practicing in Aventura, FL is extraordinary.
For years, Dr. Wollschaeger was uncertain of the reception he would receive when sharing his history, so he kept quiet. Through the inquisitiveness of his children about their family history, Dr. Wollschaeger found that he had a choice to make: continue to keep his history a secret or tell his story. He has chosen to share his story through the self-publication of his new book A German Life.
In fulfilling their quest to learn about all aspects of a Jewish life, the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Broward County heard about Dr. Wollschaegers story and invited him to speak at their Horizons Fall Event. Horizons strives to provide young professionals with the opportunity to hear from business and community leaders about different dimensions of incorporating your Jewish identity into your daily life.
“I am excited to speak with this group of young professionals, as they are the future leaders of the Jewish community in South Florida,” said Bernd Wollschaeger, M.D., FAAFP. “One of the reasons I studied Judaism was because of the eagerness for knowledge and I am proud that my history can serve to educate the next generation with a different perspective.”
Once Dr. Wollschaeger had a glimpse into the discrepancies between what he was taught as a child in the German education system and at home about the role of his nation and his family throughout World War II, he set out to find the truth. Upon doing so, he restructured his entire life and separated from his family, friends and country. Through his studies, personal encounters with the small remaining Jewish community in Germany and a trip to Israel; he became fascinated with Judaism as a religion and a culture and he studied for ten years prior to his conversion.
Dr. Wollschaeger was born, raised, and educated in Germany, emigrated to Israel, served in the Israel Defense Forces, and now lives in Miami, Florida and is a practicing family physician and author. Dr. Wollschaeger was elected to the regional board of the Anti-Defamation League and he has gone on solidarity missions to Israel with American Jewish Committee.
You can hear Dr. Wollschaeger speak when he addresses the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Broward County at their upcoming Horizons Leadership Series taking place on Thursday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale. $25 in advance/$35 at door.
You can register at www.jewishbroward.org/yld or call Rebecca Solomon at (954) 252-6908 or via email at rsolomon@jewishbroward.org. Private pre-reception with the author for the Horizons Cabinet beginning at 6:30pm, please call to find out more.
