A Vilner, a Partisan : Looking Back

Hirschka Varshavtchik's story, written by his son, Sidd Raichel is a personal narrative as well as a dramatic family history.

It is also, as described by the son himself in his prologue, a quest that each of us has: I grew up confused, surrounded by unuttered family memories I couldn't comprehend.

I was all alone in this dark, dark place, where even language itself had failed me.

Bits of family stories--true or not, it did not matter--came in hushed breaths.

My brother told me once that we got out name Reischer because our father killed a German soldier and took his identity papers.

I clutched to each new phrase as a precious piece of the puzzle to answer the questions: "Where did I come from?" and "Who am I?"