The Essence of Fortitude: The Story of Michael Oren’s Family
In the heart of the saga of Dr. Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the United States and a respected Knesset member, lies a tale of bravery and indomitable spirit deeply rooted in the horrors of World War II. Disturbing photographic records recently brought to light from Oren’s family archives capture the dire aftermath within the Buchenwald concentration camp, revealing the gruesome reality experienced by the Jewish people and the courage of those who fought for their liberation.
Why It Matters
The historical relevance of these images extends far beyond their immediate visual impact. They serve as a chilling reminder of the unspeakable atrocities committed against the Jewish people, reinforcing the necessity of a robust and sovereign Jewish state. This account also showcases the unwavering resolve of individuals like Lester Oren, Michael’s father, who, adorned in the uniform of the US Army, stood against tyranny, not merely as soldiers but as beacons of hope and bravery in the chaotic darkness of war.
The Bonds of Blood and Ideals
Michael Oren vividly recalls his father’s and uncle’s experiences, detailing their pained responses to the horrors encountered at Buchenwald. Unlike those overwhelmed by despair, the Orens, fluent in Yiddish and intimately connected to their Jewish identity, converted their trauma into an unshakable commitment towards Zionism and the establishment of a strong Israel—a tenet passionately instilled in Michael from a young age.
From Antisemitism to Advocacy
Growing up amidst rampant antisemitism in the United States, the poignant lessons of his family’s past became Oren’s guiding light. Emboldened by the legacy of resilience and the manifest necessity of a Jewish homeland, his journey led him from a volunteer in a kibbutz to a lone paratrooper, and eventually to path-breaking roles on the global stage, including as Israeli’s envoy to the U.S. and a lawmaker.
Relentless in the Face of Adversity
The echoes of the past are not mere history to Oren but are woven into the fabric of his daily endeavors to safeguard Israel’s narrative against distortions and to champion Israel’s right to defense, informed by an intimate understanding of the threats its people have faced time and again. His advocacy underscores a critical perspective that contextualizes the defensive measures employed by the IDF in stark contrast to the tactics of terror employed against the Israeli populace.
A Beacon of Resilience
Oren’s narrative goes beyond the annals of wartime history, touching on the inherent spirit of a people determined to claim their rightful place in the world. Against a backdrop of inestimable sacrifice and suffering, the story of the Oren family culminates in a fervent affirmation of Israel’s indispensability as a bastion of Jewish fortitude and sovereignty, aligned with democratic values and bolstered by enduring alliances, notably with the United States. This bond, deeply interwoven with shared values and mutual respect, forms the cornerstone of undying resilience face of evolving challenges.
Thus, the newly revealed images not only encapsulate a pivotal moment of liberation but enshrine the unyielding spirit that infuses the very essence of Israel – a reminder of what was endured, and the enduring promise of security and dignity for the Jewish people.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.