My family came to the US during WWI to escape the perils of being placed into concentration camps with other people. We came from the border of Salzburg Austria and Budapest Hungary. The camps were not inclusive to the Jewish population.
Like many others, my family arrived to the States in NYC where my great grandparents and siblings split up. Some went to Detroit, one went to California and others to Maryland to find their American dream. In addition, last names were changed due to misinterpretation at the border like others.
The things that make me proud to be part of the community is the strong work ethic, sense of family and the unique foods of the community.
Myself, I have dark blue eyes and dark complexion so I rarely burn with dark blonde hair like my siblings and my Dad. My Mom’s ancestors came from Austria. Because of my appearance similar to my siblings, I have experienced mixed reactions when our family traveled or lived in the US outside of Detroit or New York.
As I grow older, I yearn to live a few hours closer to my sister and near my cousins so that I don’t feel so isolated from others like myself. Currently, I am window shopping at places to live in the NYC metro area to be closer to them.
The band, Queen, performed in Detroit years ago when Freddie Mercury drove down to visit a well known Hungarian restaurant called Bohemian Rhapsody for dinner and for reuniting with friends. The owners shut down the restaurant to protect their special guest and his friends.
In closing, we’re all human beings who need to be loved and accepted for who we are. Accept others for who they are and be accepted for you.
Yours Truly,
Leslie Elizabeth David.
The Magnificent Modern Mature Woman 