Persecution, Resilience, and Memory: Learning From Gerald Manko’s Testimony

By Mohammad Amen
From the blog series titled, “The Endurance and Relevance of Survivor Testimonials in the 21^st Century” by students of Professor Sylvia Taschka’s ‘Nazi Germany’ class at Wayne State University. In partnership with the Appelbaum Family Compass Fund.

Watching Gerald Manko’s testimony, I gained a deeper understanding of the Third Reich’s systematic persecution and the personal toll of the Holocaust. One of the most striking revelations was the way ordinary German families, who had lived in their communities for generations, were suddenly labeled as enemies. Gerald’s family, despite their long history in Germany, were ostracized and stripped of their rights.

A Family’s Fight to Survive

The story of Gerald Manko’s father in particular highlights the Nazis’ ruthless disregard for even the most loyal German Jews: a veteran of World War I who had been awarded the Iron Cross. He was arrested during the ‘Night of Broken Glass’ and imprisoned in the concentration camp Dachau. This was a stark reminder that the Nazi regime sought to dehumanize every single Jewish person, regardless of their service or contributions to society. The experience that Gerald went through resonates deeply with me, as today many of my fellow Muslims in faith around the world are facing similar persecution and are also forced to flee the unsafe environment of their home countries to find a better life elsewhere.

Gerald’s story also touches on gender roles. His mother’s bravery in confronting Nazi officials to secure his father’s release from Dachau is a testament to her strength and determination, a role often overlooked in Holocaust testimonies. She became the family’s pillar, demonstrating how women often had to assume new responsibilities during these times of crisis.

If I had the opportunity to ask Gerald more questions, I would be curious to know about his emotions during the first few months in the United States. Did he feel relieved, anxious, or perhaps a sense of guilt for having escaped while so many others remained trapped? Additionally, I would have asked about his father’s adjustment after their arrival in the U.S. How did his dad cope with the trauma from Dachau, and how did that shape their relationship later in life?

Lessons from Gerald Manko

What sets a personal testimonial like Gerald’s apart from written historical documents is its ability to convey the emotions and internal struggles of the people involved. There is a rawness and authenticity that comes with hearing a person recount their experiences firsthand.

However, we must also consider the limitations of memory; human error is natural, and memories can be shaped by time and trauma. For historians, this means approaching testimonials with respect and caution, acknowledging their potential pitfalls.

The core message of Gerald’s testimonial, though, does not lie in the details of the historical events he is describing. It is the importance of perseverance and resilience that shine through his testimonial. Despite the hardships and trauma, he endured, Gerald found a way to rebuild his life and contribute to society. His dedication to sharing his story serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the need to educate future generations to prevent history from repeating itself.