My father, Aaron Broitman lead a very challenging yet fulfilling life. He was born in Ukraine in August of 1907 in a town named Savran (near Odessa) in 1907, during a particularly difficult time for the Jews. In the wake of World War I and the 1917 Russian revolution, Jews in Ukraine were subject to one of worst massacres in Jewish history. As a result of this my father and family of 4 (Father Abraham, Mother Chaika and older sister Anita) were  forced to leave by horse and wagon in the middle of the night buried under camouflage.

My father was born with polio, causing him to limp rather severely. There were no modern polio remedies or assistive devices at the time. Amazingly, he managed to walk (limping) with great difficulty all his life.

Aaron was a Bar Mitzvah in Trieste In about 1920. Trieste was a very liberal city and Jews faired well. The family (now of 6), however had to make more of a substantial living and were determined to get to the United States (where they had relatives). They went first to Toronto and then to the United states.

At this time and in order to demonstrate employment for entrance into the United States, my father learned the textile trade of dress pressing. In spite of his disabilities, he stood on his feet for 10 hours a day holding a 15 pound iron.

He became a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) and then the Jewish “fraternity” of the Workmen’s Circle (NOW THE Workers Circle) and became the Financial Secretary.

He was also a writer and poet a ll through his life. He wrote in Yiddish and in English. His book of poetry was published. I remember a story he wrote about little back girl who was about to go to an integrated school in the south.

My father had a very difficult life due to his disability. He married Fanny, a very bright woman, who was his companion and helper. He was blessed with 2 sons; Marvin and Stanley and six grandchildren.