Menachem & Fred ― Thoughts and Memories of Two Brothers

This is the story of two brothers caught up in the Nazi persecution of the Jews. After being transferred to several detention camps throughout Europe, they were eventually transported to Auschwitz. Rescued by the Quakers, they endured stays in several orphanages and eventual separation, before making new lives in the U.S. and Israel, which included for Frederick a role in America’s space program. Touching and gripping, this autobiography arises out of their need to tell their story to their grandchildren. With its interplay between the two brothers, this is one of the most interesting Holocaust narratives to appear in recent years. Part of a new Holocaust remembrance series of important testimonies and memoirs from the unique collections of Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre.

Frederick Raymes immigrated to the U.S. in 1946, served in the U.S. Army, and headed the program that developed the Space Shuttle. He now lectures on the Holocaust in schools. Menachem Mayer came to Israel in 1948. He is an award-winning educator. Their story was the basis of Menachem & Fred, a 2008 documentary.