The Roots of the Foundation - Italy and the Holocaust

Twenty years ago two men's paths crossed, and it began a friendship, a bond and the incentive to begin the Italy and Holocaust Foundation. Vincent Marmorale, President of the Foundation, met survivor of the Holocaust, Walter Wollf.

Marmorale taught social studies for 33 years. He always had an interest in the history of the Holocaust. He implemented a Holocaust Studies Program in his school district and presented workshops on the local, state and eventually national level. As a result of this work, he was recognized for his contributions in the field of Holocaust Studies and human rights.

It was in 1995 that Marmorale met Wolff who was the first Italian survivor he met who shared his amazing story. Wolff explained that he was saved in Italy by ordinary Italians who risked their lives to save him and his family. Wolff then introduced Marmorale to many other Jews who were saved in Italy and had similarly compelling stories to share. Marmorale recognized the importance of this Italian story and sought to preserve it for posterity.

Wolff went on to author an autobiography titled Bad Times, Good People: A Holocaust Survivor Recounts His Life in Italy During World War II. In his book, he described how he and his family escaped Germany in 1939 and went to the only country which would accept them: Italy.

It was meeting Walter Wolff that was the inspiration for Marmorale to start the Foundation. The goal of the Foundation is to share stories of survival, like that of Walter Wolff, which were possible because people had the courage to care for fellow human beings. In sharing these little known stories, the Foundation will educate generations to come that if people are not indifferent, things can be different.

For everyone who has been involved, we thank you for your constant and continued support. If you want to learn about ways that you can help the Foundation fulfill its mission, click here: