Steal a Pencil for Me
I've long be interested in the Holocaust since I first learned about it in school. The stories of the survivors and struggle many of the Jews faced have always fascinated me. I've actually been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear a survivor share their story with me, and read about the struggles of many Jews though books and documentaries. So naturally, when I first found this documentary on Netflix I couldn't wait to finally watch and learn about the love that blossomed between two Jewish people during the Nazi reign and their story of survival.
After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)
Steal a Pencil for me is an incredible love story, that begins when Jack and Ina first meet prior to the German invasion of Holland when they both attend a party. Jack is married at the time and both begin their relationship from that point forward. One of the unique things about the documentary is the look at more personal things that Jack and Ina are willing to discuss. It was the first time any woman had mentioned not having her period during her time in a concentration camp, which medically makes sense when you factor into the poor living conditions and poor nutrition the woman were living under. And Jack, mentions that he was in a concentration camp with both his wife and his girlfriend. Ina and Jack continue their relationship by passing love notes back and forth.
While filming the documentary Jack and Ina celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, and share private and painful memories with the audience. Both go on to lecture to the public, in order to share their story of survival and in hopes of preventing such an event from ever occurring again. Not only have they agreed to make the documentary, but have also published a book and website both appropriately titled Steal A Pencil For Me.
Final thoughts: Not only is this a great love story, but it's also a subject that I think everyone should be familiar with. I'd encourage anyone who hasn't already to read Night
or The Diary of Anne Frank
to do so. There was also another documentary that I would strongly recommend titled No. 4 Street of Our Lady which is about the sacrifices one woman made to save the lives others during the Nazi reign. Of course are also several concentration camps throughout Europe open to the public. A little closer to home though is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which often goes on tour throughout the country.OFFICIAL COUNT 120 DOWN 245 TO GO
Next up: My Fair Lady
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