Jakob Ehrlich, Catherine’s grandfather was one of the most important Zionist politicians of Austria before the Shoah. After the Nazi takeover he was arrested immediately and deported to Dachau where he perished a few months later. His wife Catherine and his son Paul escaped to England where Irma became a successful speaker and fundraiser for WIZO (Women’s International Zionist Organization). She continued this career after her move to New York. After the war she assisted survivors with their restitution claims in Germany.

Catherine Ehrlich explains why she focused her book on Irma and how she influenced her life.