Dalton News

Judy Batalion Discusses New Book with Dr. Shira Kohn

The Dalton Parents Association’s Community Life and Diversity Committee and the PA Book Club co-sponsored an event featuring Dalton parent and author Judy Batalion in conversation with Dr. Shira Kohn, HS History Faculty Member. Judy's new book, The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler’s Ghettos, was published recently to widespread acclaim.
Watch the full conversation here

It tells one of the most important stories of WWII: a spectacular history that brings to light the accomplishments of brave Jewish women who became resistance fighters, a group of unknown heroes whose exploits had never been chronicled. Steven Spielberg has already optioned the book for a major motion picture.
 
Shira and Judy engaged in a lively and enlightening conversation about The Light of Days, with Judy discussing her research process over several years to unearth detail about these extraordinary women. Judy also drew a fascinating picture of Poland in the 1930s and 40s and spoke to why it may have taken so long for these stories to come to light—the trauma of survivors, finding joy amid darkness, Jewish female empowerment and leadership, and their thoughts around which stories come to be known as historical fact.
 
This talk, on May 3, drew an audience of more than 100 people from the Dalton community, many of whom submitted insightful questions during the event. One question that stood out pertained to how to discuss the Holocaust with young children. Judy's thoughtful response was that rather than having "one big conversation" about an important and emotional topic, have "a thousand different, smaller conversations."

The Light of Days and its young readers' edition are available for purchase at all major bookstores and at the wonderful Dalton MS Book Fair which is underway now until May 9. Proceeds from the book fair go towards supporting the work of the PA. 

Story submitted by Dalton Parents Association Member Sonal Khot
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