In the Garden of the Righteous

Richard Hurowitz has written a powerful, moving book about ten heroic rescues of Jews from the clutches of the Nazis. In the Garden of the Righteous brilliantly describes how in the midst of the brutality of the Holocaust and the collaboration, acquiescence and passivity of millions, there were people who risked their lives to save others out of a sense of shared humanity. This book is more timely than ever. -- Stuart E. Eizenstat, author of Imperfect Justice: Looted Assets, Slave Labor, and the Unfinished Business of World War II In the Garden of the Righteous is a beautiful tribute, an inspirational message and an awesome lesson that people who care, who empathize, who respect 'the other' can make a huge difference--they can save lives in the most difficult and horrific conditions. Richard Hurowitz makes these heroes come alive as real people. A must read in today's difficult days. -- Abraham H. Foxman, former national director of the Anti-Defamation League In the Garden of the Righteous compellingly details the singular actions of the righteous during one of humanity's darkest hours, the Holocaust. In an age of rising authoritarianism around the globe, these remarkable profiles of heroism serve as a much needed reminder that evil prevails when the good do nothing. -- Elliot Ackerman, author of The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan A much needed account of those who acted with a clear moral compass during the most devastating moments of the twentieth century. Hurowitz's meticulously researched text honors those unique individuals who had, in the midst of the Holocaust, the will to see and the will to act and, in turn, saved lives. This thoughtful book reminds us all that individuals can change the course of history and it is incumbent on all citizens to take on the moral responsibility to care for each other. . . . This book is deeply needed today. -- Bernard-Henri Levy, philosopher, author, and filmmaker Richard Hurowitz's heroes have little in common: They are German circus ringmasters, Greek archbishops, two-time Italian Tour de France winners, Polish doctors' daughters, Japanese diplomats. What joins them is the refusal to surrender their consciences. Under Nazi eyes, all sheltered, supported, or rescued Jews, often at tremendous personal expense. Each believed--as the Portuguese consul who violated order after order to sign travel visas through the summer of 1940 put it--that we are all refugees. And each shines, in these stirring, spirited pages, like a beacon amid darkness. -- Stacy Schiff, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Witches and The Revolutionary Richard Hurowitz offers us the gift we need in these trying times, a well-researched and gracefully written history of the unjustly forgotten heroes and heroines of World War II who, honor-bound, risked their own lives to save the lives of others from the Nazi death machines. -- David Nasaw, New York Times-bestselling author of The Patriarch and Andrew Carnegie In the Garden of the Righteous is a gift to readers, revealing poignant and inspiring stories of heroism amid horror. Richard Hurowitz's impeccable research and original reporting marks the book as an important addition to Holocaust history and personal bookshelves alike. -- Matthew Pearl, author of The Taking of Jemima Boone