It took Liliana almost two decades to trace her origins and the complete story of Lothar, seeking his vindication, which was also that of her own family history.
During this search, Liliana relived, in a way, the ordeal that Lothar had to endure: a journey filled with hardships, concealment, external pressures, and denials. At the same time, she had the opportunity to learn about the lives not only of Lothar but of his entire family before, during, and after the war.
She firsthand learned other stories of Holocaust survivors, spoke with people who knew and shared bread with the Hermann family, and they recounted the persecution they had to face.
Historians from around the world appreciated and supported Liliana's cause, without even imagining everything she would achieve in her quest for justice for her uncle Lothar.
Reconnecting the family ties scattered around the world was not a simple task, but she achieved it: she got in touch with Silvia Hermann. Luis María, Liliana's father, could speak with her for the first time in his life, both with seven decades of their own past hidden. And Liliana could gather more and more information about her great-uncle Lothar's titanic effort to bring Eichmann to justice, opening doors that revealed the direct involvement of past and present governments in keeping the truth hidden. But nothing would stop her until she vindicated her family's name and restored the place in history that Lothar Hermann deserves.
Archivos del mundo recibieron pedidos de Liliana solicitando información, historiadores apoyaron y colaboraron con documentos en diferentes idiomas: su misión contó con invaluable ayuda.
:: Awakening the Silence ::
Journey in the Heart of the Westerwald: An Encounter with My Roots in Quirnbach.
Walking that path was to connect in body and soul, as if I had lived here all my life. I had the privilege of imprinting in each step my profound quest for roots and belonging. The image captured in that moment reveals a kaleidoscope of emotions and meanings that transcend time, where the history of the Hermann family intertwines with the tenacity and resilient spirit of its inhabitants. In the midst of the picturesque serenity of this place, I could sense the warm embrace of the local community. The faces of the citizens reflect not only an encounter but also a profound connection with the history that awakens every stone and corner of Quirnbach. In this environment, each step is like a link that connects the past with the present, as if the past and the present merge in an emotional embrace.
The Lasting Impact of Holocaust Museums and a Family Legacy of Justice.
Imagining a figure from my own family history involved in one of the most transcendent acts of post-war justice gives me an even deeper and inspiring perspective to continue. The Holocaust Museum in Buenos Aires is an eloquent example of the relevance of such institutions. This museum houses not only invaluable documentation that transcends borders but also a personal story that takes on a universal significance. The story of my uncle, Lothar Hermann, is a gem embedded in the museum's halls, a testimony of courage and determination that inspires everyone who comes to know it. The museum serves as a beacon that illuminates the horrors of the past but also as a constant reminder of human resilience and the struggle for justice. My uncle's story is a clear example of this, an act of courage that will resonate through generations to come. His legacy not only transcends within the family but extends as a reminder of people's capacity to confront darkness and seek truth and justice.
Honoring the Past: A Moment of Emotion in the City of Wirges.
In the city of Wirges, the installation of the Stumbling Stones (Stolpersteine) took place. This poignant artistic act is the work of the renowned Gunter Demnig, recognized globally. For the writer, the emotion of being able to walk on the lands that saw their ancestors grow is indescribable. Despite the dark chapters of history in which fascism took so much, traversing these grounds is a warm embrace to the heart. Standing at the exact point where a significant part of the family put down roots adds another step to this long and challenging journey traveled so far.
In 2012, following the presentation of supporting documents by Liliana, the State of Israel officially recognized as the person who identified, reported, and and pursued Adolf Eichmann, becoming a crucial figure in bringing him to justice. The Israeli diplomatic attaché in Argentina appreciated the significant work carried out by Liliana for the history of her country and all Jews worldwide.
In Coronel Suárez, the last Argentine city of residence for Lothar, his nearly forgotten and almost disappeared grave was reconstructed by the city government as a heartfelt tribute.
In 2014, the Argentine government honored him on the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. During the ceremony, the Argentine chancellor and the Minister of Education, in their speeches, praised Liliana's historical work regarding the Holocaust.
Liliana's quest also led her to feel the need to understand both sides of the story; that's why she reached out to descendants of Adolf Eichmann. His son Ricardo was the one who understood the importance of this encounter, and they both met in Berlin in September 2021. This meeting represented the laying of a bridge of immense historical value, a bridge that should never be crossed by hatred or anti-Semitism. The meeting also set a precedent that allowed other descendants of Nazis to approach Liliana to collaborate in her struggle.
Liliana also established contact with Katrin Himmler, niece granddaughter of Heinrich Himmler, one of the chief architects of Holocaust; both agreed that there is much to work on to raise awareness in world society about what happened to six millions of Jews during the war. Because 78 years have passed, and many prejudices are still alive.
