About Book
About The book
The Refugee Family
A Story of Survival, Sacrifice, and the Enduring Strength of the Human Spirit
For as long as I can remember, I was fascinated by my family’s history. Because my great-grandmother survived the Holocaust, I studied its history, participated in Holocaust initiatives, and tried to understand the unimaginable hardships endured by those who came before us. Yet, despite my curiosity, I never truly grasped the sacrifices, dangers, and impossible choices my ancestors faced until I discovered the writings of my great-great-grandmother, Rose Slesnick.
Years ago, my father entrusted me with Rose’s journals—pages filled with broken English, vivid memories, and deeply personal accounts of survival. Through her words, our family history transformed from stories passed down through generations into a living testament to courage and resilience.
The Refugee Family takes readers into the terrifying reality of Tsarist Russia during the 1881 Kiev Pogrom. It recounts midnight escapes across hostile borders, families hiding in silence to avoid discovery, and the extraordinary determination required to pursue freedom in the face of persecution. These are not fictional events; they are the firsthand experiences of those who risked everything for the chance at a better life.
The book also uncovers the quieter hardships often lost to history. Family sayings and traditions suddenly took on new meaning as Rose’s stories revealed the depth of deprivation they had endured. What once sounded like simple advice became powerful reminders of sacrifice, perseverance, and gratitude for opportunities future generations would inherit.
Having served four terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, I have spent much of my life engaged in public service and governance. Revisiting history through the experiences of my ancestors offered a renewed appreciation for freedom and the responsibilities that come with preserving it. Their story serves as a reminder of what can happen when political agendas and autocratic rule overshadow humanity.
More than a family memoir, The Refugee Family is a historical account of survival, faith, and hope. It honors the resilience of those who refused to surrender to fear and celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit.
I invite you to journey into the past through Rose Slesnick’s remarkable story and discover a legacy that continues to inspire generations today.
Who Should Read This Book?
The Refugee Family
The Refugee Family is for readers who are drawn to true stories that illuminate both history and humanity. This book will resonate with:
Readers of memoirs and historical nonfiction. Those interested in Jewish history and Eastern European history.
Descendants of immigrants seeking a deeper connection to their own family stories
Students, educators, and advocates involved in Holocaust and genocide education
History enthusiasts eager to explore firsthand accounts of resilience and survival
Anyone who appreciates stories of courage, perseverance, and hope in the face of adversity
Whether you’re exploring your own roots or seeking to better understand the sacrifices that shaped generations before us, this book offers a powerful and deeply personal perspective on the human spirit.
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Why Read It
The Refugee Family
Because history is more than dates and events: it’s people.
This book offers a rare opportunity to experience history through the authentic voice of someone who lived it. Based on the firsthand journals of Rose Slesnick, The Refugee Family reveals the fear, heartbreak, faith, and determination behind one family’s journey from persecution to possibility.
It is a reminder of what can be lost when humanity is overshadowed by hatred and political oppression, and what can be gained through resilience, hope, and the pursuit of freedom.
By turning these pages, you won’t just learn about the past, you’ll gain a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices that make our present possible.
