Avraham Perlmutter is just ten years old when his life changes forever.
In 1938, the Nazis arrive in Avraham's hometown of Vienna, Austria. Desperate to help their son survive, his parents send him to the Netherlands. But the invading German army soon follows. During the ensuing war-torn years, young Avraham braves harrowing captures, daring escapes, torturous hiding, and heartbreaking losses. Yet he also experiences the goodness of humanity through the strangers who help him.
Surviving the Holocaust takes ingenuity, guts, and sheer determination-all of which he calls on again, when he fights to establish the State of Israel during its War of Independence.
And when mere existence isn't enough, Avraham moves to the United States to continue his education and pursue his dreams.
Determined takes the reader on an unforgettable journey filled with suspense and danger. But it is more than just a remarkable story of survival-it is a testament to human kindness, even in the darkest of hours, and to the achievements made possible through relentless perseverance.
This unique autobiography will inspire readers of all ages-spanning fans of historical memoirs to readers seeking an uplifting perspective on a life fulfilled.
About the Author: Avraham Perlmutter was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1927. A Holocaust survivor, he emerged with a positive perspective on life-choosing to focus on the people who helped him rather than those set on defeating him. After World War II, he fought in the Israeli War of Independence to help establish the State of Israel. He went on to pursue his education in the United States, earning a PhD in aeronautical engineering. Fluent in seven languages, he is an award-winning scientist and a successful businessman.
Avraham currently lives in Santa Monica, California, with his wife, Ruth. Together they have four children and five grandchildren. He continues to share his story with community groups and schools and through his Shoah Foundation interview-hoping to inspire people to help others in need, achieve an education, and overcome difficulties in pursuit of their dreams.