34 Facts About Hessy Levinsons Taft

Who Was Hessy Levinsons Taft?

Hessy Levinsons Taft is a name that might not ring a bell immediately, but her story is both fascinating and ironic. Born into a Jewish family in Germany, her life took an unexpected turn during the Nazi regime.

1. Hessy Levinsons Taft was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1934.
2. Her parents, Jacob and Pauline Levinsons, were Latvian Jews who had moved to Germany.
3. Jacob Levinsons was a cantor, a person who leads the congregation in prayer in Jewish religious services.

The Infamous Photo

Hessy's story took a bizarre twist when a photo of her as a baby became famous for all the wrong reasons.

4. In 1935, Hessy's mother took her to a professional photographer named Hans Ballin.
5. The photographer submitted her photo to a contest held by the Nazi Party.
6. Ironically, Hessy's photo won the contest and was selected as the "perfect Aryan baby."

Nazi Propaganda

The Nazis used Hessy's image extensively, completely unaware of her Jewish heritage.

7. Her photo appeared on the cover of a Nazi family magazine called "Sonne ins Haus."
8. The image was also used on postcards and other propaganda materials.
9. The Nazis believed Hessy represented the ideal Aryan child, with her blonde hair and blue eyes.

The Secret

Hessy's parents were terrified when they discovered their daughter's photo was being used by the Nazis.

10. They feared the Nazis would find out about their Jewish identity.
11. Despite the risk, they decided to keep the secret to protect their family.
12. Hessy's mother even confronted the photographer, who assured her he knew the truth but wanted to mock the Nazis.

Life During the War

Living in Nazi Germany as a Jewish family was fraught with danger.

13. The Levinsons family faced constant fear of being discovered.
14. They moved frequently to avoid detection by the authorities.
15. Hessy's father lost his job due to the anti-Jewish laws.

Escape to Safety

The Levinsons eventually managed to escape the horrors of Nazi Germany.

16. In 1938, the family fled to Latvia, hoping for a safer environment.
17. Unfortunately, Latvia was soon occupied by the Soviet Union and later by Nazi Germany.
18. The family then moved to Paris, France, but had to flee again when the Nazis invaded.

New Beginnings

After years of turmoil, the Levinsons finally found a place to call home.

19. The family emigrated to Cuba in 1941.
20. They lived in Cuba for several years, where Hessy attended school.
21. In 1949, the family moved to the United States, seeking better opportunities.

Academic Achievements

Hessy Levinsons Taft grew up to be an accomplished academic.

22. She attended Barnard College in New York City.
23. Hessy earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University.
24. She became a professor of chemistry at St. John's University in New York.

Reflecting on Her Past

Hessy has often reflected on the irony of her childhood photo being used by the Nazis.

25. She has shared her story in various interviews and documentaries.
26. Hessy believes her story serves as a powerful reminder of the absurdity of Nazi ideology.
27. She has expressed gratitude for the bravery of her parents and the photographer.

Recognition and Legacy

Hessy's story has gained recognition over the years.

28. Her story was featured in the documentary "The Ritchie Boys."
29. She has been invited to speak at various events and institutions.
30. Hessy continues to educate people about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination.

Personal Life

Despite her unusual childhood, Hessy has led a fulfilling personal life.

31. She married and had children, balancing her family life with her academic career.
32. Hessy has grandchildren who are aware of their grandmother's unique history.
33. She remains active in her community and continues to share her story.

A Symbol of Irony

Hessy Levinsons Taft's life is a testament to the bizarre twists of history.

34. Her image, once used to promote a hateful ideology, now stands as a symbol of irony and resilience.

The Remarkable Story of Hessy Levinsons Taft

Hessy Levinsons Taft's life is a testament to the unpredictability of history. Born in 1934, she became an unwitting symbol of Nazi propaganda, chosen as the "perfect Aryan baby" despite her Jewish heritage. This ironic twist highlights the absurdity and cruelty of the Nazi regime. Her parents, Jacob and Pauline Levinsons, were brave enough to stay in Germany until 1938 before fleeing to Paris and eventually the United States. Hessy's story didn't end with her escape; she went on to become a successful chemist and professor, contributing significantly to her field. Her tale serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the unexpected turns life can take. By learning about Hessy Levinsons Taft, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of history and the strength of the human spirit.