Writing this book has taught me that a strong support network is the most important element in being able to complete any task. While I have hundreds of hours invested in this, my own time comprises only a fraction of the effort put forth by so many other people. For their unfailing support, patience and encouragement, I first want to thank Rabbi Arnold S. Task and Mr. Morris Kiel. Thanks must go also to the North Carolina Council on the Holocaust for supporting this project. And I owe a great debt to each survivor and liberator who was interviewed for this book. Moreover, this book would not have been possible without financial support from the Sigmund Sternberger Foundation and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. In the several years I have worked on this project, colleagues, friends and relatives especially my husband, Kenny, have listened to me and kept me from giving up when I was most frustrated or suffering an acute case of writer's block. Many of them, including my parents, Anne S. And James G. Holmes, read parts of the manuscripts and offered insightful suggestions.