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by Peter Sternberg (Author), Maura Sternberg (Author)
Our first day of touring the Auschwitz Concentration Camp had ended. I was present for a five day Bearing Witness Retreat there with the Zen Peacemakers. Standing in line to get some tea I felt someone tap my shoulder and I turned to face a woman who, in German accented English, said to me: "I need to talk to someone." Her apprehension was palpable and heavy. I smiled and held her gaze. "I am the granddaughter of a major Nazi and feel I should not be here." We continued to hold each other's gaze. I sensed the deep roots of the shame she was expressing. Without hesitation and a broader smile I said, "I am glad you are here." I saw her relief. She smiled and asked me why I was there. I said, "Because for most of my life I could not shake the feeling that I wanted to annihilate you and your people." Her smile deepened as she slowly nodded in understanding. We sat down and had tea together.
We are friends to this day.
