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Gil Mildar
As the song says, a Latin American with no money in his pocket.

Love & Resistance: A Tale Echoing Today

Felice Schragenheim and Elisabeth Wust on an excursion to the Havel River, just hours before Schragenheim’s arrest, Berlin, 21 August 1944; Jewish Museum Berlin, gift from Elisabeth Wust

The profound and poignant love story between Elisabeth Wust and Felice Schragenheim, emerging amidst the shadows of Nazi terror, serves as a vital contemporary reflection, particularly when scrutinizing the political landscape in Israel. This relationship, forged during a time of unparalleled intolerance and violence, is a testament to the indomitable resilience of the human spirit and to love that transcends overwhelming circumstances.

Lilly, who initially aligned with Nazi ideals, and Felice, a Jew living in concealment, nurtured a love that became a symbol of resistance and humanity. After the Gestapo deported Felice, the memory of their passion lingered as an everlasting reminder of the transformative power of love amidst adversity.

A disturbing echo is evident when reflecting upon this story in the context of Israel’s escalating radicalism and extremism. The ascendancy of discriminatory and authoritarian policies and rhetoric undermines the foundations of democracy and human dignity, corroding the respect for individual rights and differences.

Elisabeth and Felice’s story has also been immortalized in the book “Aimée & Jaguar” and the corresponding exceptional film, offering those who wish to delve deeper into this uplifting human story a substantial opportunity to understand the depth of their love and resistance.

The political ambiance in Israel is saturated with radical voices compromising democratic values and advocating exclusion and intolerance. The legacy of Elisabeth and Felice serves as a stark warning about the dangers of endorsing extremism and the alienation of the ‘other.’

The love and resilience of Elisabeth and Felice act as luminous beacons of hope, highlighting the route for the battle against radicalism and safeguarding democracy. They prompt us to challenge hate narratives, protect human rights, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Committing to justice, equality, and mutual respect must steer the battle against extremist tendencies and maintain peace and democracy. The enduring story of Elisabeth and Felice’s resistance and love should inspire a rejection of intolerance and bias and a dedication to a future where diversity is valued and every individual’s rights are respected.

About the Author
Gil Mildar is a 60-year-old Brazilian who made Aliyah a few years ago. He holds a Law degree from the Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos in Brazil and a postgraduate degree in Marketing from the Universidad de Belgrano in Argentina. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to work in Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and now Israel. For the past 30 years, his focus has been on marketing projects in Latin America.
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