Rescued from Hitler's Children's Action by the courage, daring, and ingenuity of her parents, Tikva Jeral soon began an odyssey that saw her torn from the arms of her parents, saved from certain death by a Catholic family outside the Kovno Jewish Ghetto and brought to Israel by her aunt and uncle. Eventually they sent her to cousins in America where she became the adoptive daughter of Izz and Edna Polsky. A dark journey from the hell of war to the light of freedom and a new family, Tikva's story demonstrates the tenacity and hope inherent in each of us. The true story of Tikva Jeral is a frightening, powerful and, finally, uplifting tale of one woman's survival through one of the most horrific evils perpetrated in recent history. A frank, realistic depiction of the harrowing journey of a child of war, torn from her parents and driven half way across the world to find a life of promise and love, Tikva Means Hope batters the soul, leaving it forever changed.
About the Author Sheldon Jeral retired after forty-six years as a social worker for Jewish communal agencies, as a social services administrator and as a child and family therapist. He is, currently, married and living with his wife, Tikva, in Baltimore, Maryland "The Story," a contribution by Tikva and Sheldon's older son, Joe Jeral, adds a powerful short play within this book. It is a moving play which will touch every reader. Joe is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Tami and son, Aden Lev, live in Takoma Park Maryland. Sheldon and Tikva moved from Portland, Oregon to Baltimore in 2006 in order to live near Joe, Tami and Aden Lev.
