A note from Dave
This story, my third novel, commemorates the incredible courage and industry of the nearly half-million Jews who lived (and died for the most) part in the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII. Documents that marked their lives – love letters, photos, calendars, notes, essays and poems – were held in milk cans and other containers just like this one, collected by a group called the Oneg Shabat.
Held in these containers and the eye witness accounts of many, there emerges a true story – how a medical school was created under the noses of the Nazi regime, teaching as many as 500 students. An example of bravery and innovation, the school was conceived and led by Julius Zweibaum, a scientist, humanitarian and remarkable medical educator – and its founding dean.
How did I learn about the school in the first place? Years ago, in a Toronto family practice, one of my patients was a student at the school; her story has called me ever since.
Imagine…
Studying for an anatomy quiz while worrying if you’ll have anything to eat, or if you or your parents might be shot at any minute. Imagine!
Coming soon
A novel based on the true life story of one man, Juliusz Zweibaum, his students, colleagues and citizens of Warsaw. How did the idea come to him? How did he fool the Nazis? Did he survive? Did his students survive?
Available May 1st, 2025
