This is the story of a Holocaust survivor. It is a complicated story, with layers of historical and political realities I had no idea of before this interview, reminding us story is different than a simple narrative - and that we can never assume someone’s story without actually listening to them.
And Regina’s story is actually two stories of two families - both Greek, one Jewish and one not. It is a story of survival, yes, and it is also a story about of sacrifice, love, and gratitude.
After you listen - tell me - do not these things not leave a legacy that is greater and more enduring than acts of hate and destruction?
And as for Regina’s recipe - Greek Koulourakia are an orange cookie right on the crumbly line between a cookie and a pastry. Regina’s family never had a home without a jar of these cookies - even when her uncle was in the hospital long-term. You’ll definitely want to hear all of Regina’s tips and tricks for making these and look in the show notes for a link to the recipe on The Storied Recipe website.
Thank you, so very much, Regina, for sharing your story today - and thank you, listeners, for being here.
Highlights
- The situation in Greece in 1942 when Regina was born
- How Regina’s family found out the Nazi’s occupation was imminent.
- The family who sheltered Regina’s family and what they sacrificed to do so.
- Why 2 of Regina’s uncles were executed
- A count of all the people alive now because of the goodness and sacrifice of one family
- Regina’s precious grandmother and all the times they spent healing together
- The trauma responses in Regina’s family
- The long history of Jews in Greece + Being Jewish in Greece before and after the war
- Koulourakia!!!! Famous and DELICIOUS Greek cookies -
- Regina’s thoughts on the Israel-Hamas war in light of her experience - and her response to what’s happening in America
Listen to Regina Now
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Regina's Storied Recipe: Koulourakia
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Anonymous says
You did an amazing job keeping cool in the most disturbing reponse to current events in USA.