Forest Lake author Michael Stein, has unveiled a touching book entitled Good Can Always Come From Adversity, chronicling his father’s George Stein’s extraordinary life as a Holocaust survivor.
George Moshe Stein, born on February 1, 1927 in the village of Oralia on the Hungarian-Romanian border, endured the horrors of Nazi persecution during World War II.
Michael Stein recounts his father’s harrowing experiences, including the loss of his parents and sister, who were tragically exterminated in the gas chambers of Auschwitz.
George endured separation from his family and was subsequently dispatched to the Dora labour camp in Nordhausen, Germany.
Following the destruction of Dora by allied forces, he was transferred to Bergen-Belsen, where he awaited liberation.
Reflecting on his father’s resilience, Michael Stein highlights his father’s journey to Israel before migrating to Australia with his mother Gertrude in 1955.
“I was born in Israel along with my brother and we moved here with my parents, and they started a jewellery repair business in Queen Street,” he said.
“They both worked hard to give my siblings and me the life we have now.”
Against all adversity, George established himself in the community, becoming a prominent figure in local business and civic engagement.
“He was felt in the community and was a part of the Rotary Club,” Michael Stein said , emphasising his father’s enduring impact on those around him.
“He ended up in partnership with the Shell Company and owned a service station for 40 years.”
The inception of “Good Can Always Come From Adversity” stemmed from George’s desire to share his story before his passing.
Michael recounts a moving moment two days before his father’s death, where George expressed his wish to continue sharing his experiences.
“There’s a lot more I have to tell (which) my father told me,“ said Michael.
“We looked each other in the eye and I knew I just had to share his story to the world.”
Michael Stein underscores the significance of his father’s narrative, noting that all proceeds from the book will be donated to the Holocaust Museum of Queensland.
George Stein’s legacy transcends the pages of “Good Can Always Come from Adversity” and serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of storytelling.
Through his son’s retelling, George’s voice continues, ensuring that his journey and the lessons learned from it will inspire future generations.
“Good Can Always Come from Adversity” can be purchased online at Barnes and Noble, Booktopia, and Angus and Robertson.
