Destination Freedom describes a family’s life under oppression and tyranny and their ability to overcome adversities to survive and thrive. We need to learn how to survive and how to live. This book aims to teach history of both Nazism and Communism. According to popular belief, evil ended at the end of World War II. However, tragically that is not the case. Hatred continues, these days there is more bigotry, hatred and anti-Semitism. We must all be better informed to fend off the haters and educate the next generation so they can be better prepared to stand up for their conviction.
Knowledge is power.
Almost 50 years after World War II, many young people from the former communist countries have little to no knowledge of the Holocaust.
According to the Simon Wiesenthal Center, one of the leading organizations in the world teaching the lessons and preserving the memory of the Holocaust, found that today's youth needs to be engaged and educated.
Destination Freedom focuses on events during World War II followed by Communism in Hungary. By learning about hatred which resulted in 6 million Jewish people and another 5-6 million people being killed by the Nazis. By knowing history, students are equipped to better handle threatening situations and able to stand up against hatred, bigotry and anti-Semitism.
Socialism and Communism seemed a very remote possibility to talk about in this country but in the current political climate they are important isms to discuss. Socialism is the precursor to Communism.
Under socialism, the government seizes private enterprises and installs their representative to lead the businesses. The former owners are usually told not to return. However, there is still freedom as long as you do not express your disagreement with the government. After a period of time while this so-called nationalizations takes place more government controls are enforced.
During this transition to Communism, there are more regulations and more government dominance. Everybody becomes the employee of State, representing a political theory that leads to a society in which all property is publicly owned and supposedly each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. It is totally in opposition to liberal democracy and free enterprise, advocating for a classless society.
It is important to remember that Soviet-style Communism is behind us, but other forms still exist in China, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela, where they wield total political control over their people.. We must remember, Cuba is only 90 miles off the coat of Florida. China is a contemporary version, conveniently called State Capitalism. They are forward thinking, very much part of the 21st Century, whereby they allow for local version of capitalism mainly in the form of manufacturing but politics is off limits in every way. They control peoples lifestyle, what they do and where they go, where they live and where their children go to school.
"Adapting her original memoir, Pursuit of Freedom, into a children’s version, Destination Freedom, Susanne M Reyto describes to her young readers what happened to her and her family seventy years ago under Nazi and Communist rule in Hungary. Reyto’s story is fascinating, frightening, and a dire foreshadowing of what may lie ahead for the current generation unless it learns from the harsh lessons of the past. A tough concept for young minds, but, in today’s atmosphere, essential reading. On a lighter note, Reyto adds a few fabulous recipes of traditional Hungarian dishes to the mix. Parents should be pleased on both counts. I was." - Roberta Edgar
EXCERPT:
Living in Los Angeles with six- to ten-lane freeways reminds me of how different it was riding on a bumpy country road in Hungary in December 1949, the time my family tried to escape their homeland — first soiled by the Nazi reign of terror, and followed by the desperate life forced upon us by Communism. we had only been thirty minutes from freedom and yet could not reach our destination. It would be another eight dismal years before we had the good fortune to make our escape to the West.
Praise for Destination Freedom
A Long Journey of Hope and Dreams
Our children need to be educated, not indoctrinated. -- A grateful parent
In her own words Susanne Reyto invites us into her life and the
life of her family. Having lived through the horrors of
Nazism and Communism, her embrace of liberty and appreciation for
America shine bright. Her book is a warning to those unwilling to
recognize the perils of the past or who take for granted the
blessings of freedom. Her story is one of triumph. May it
inspire us to fight for the good, the good to which she has
dedicated her life. -- Rabbi David Woznica, Stephen Wise
Temple
Children will be inspired by reading the author’s account of survival and resilience while learning about the world's most horrible atrocities. It is with the most profound admiration that I recommend this book. -- Hilary Levine, teacher/educator
A child’s traumatic experiences under Nazism
and Communism. Fascinating and frightening, a tough concept for
young minds, but in today’s atmosphere, essential reading. Adding a
lighter touch, Reyto adds a few fabulous recipes of traditional
Hungarian dishes. Must read for parents and youngsters.
-- Roberta
Edgar
An important book for the next generation to read and understand what qualities are needed as one progresses through life: strength, bravery, perseverance and endurance to build a strong character. -- Maxine Brooks, educator