Initially, the task of writing about the Holocaust was too overwhelming and daunting to even begin. Actually I did begin the research of the death camps and became so depressed, my only solution was to throw the material into a closet and slam the door shut.

6 months later, I was in a shop in my town having a conversation with a few women on the topic of the Holocaust. One woman asked, "Why did the Jews let themselves be led like sheep, to the gas chambers? Why didn't they fight back?" I wanted to blow a gasket yet as patiently as I could muster I explained the state of Germany, only 60 years ago, when Jews were stripped systematically of all their rights. I also explained that many did resist. It was my pivotal moment of decision to write Jude, if only to educate a few local people.

The Auschwitz - Birkenau museum (200 acres of buildings and barracks) has a 7 million dollar budget which always falls short, despite being a World Heritage Site.
Only 1% of donated funds come from outside of Poland.

Auschwitz's museum is the graveyard of 1.1 million -- the largest cemetery in the world. The scent of death still lingers in the air. Most other Nazi death camps in Europe have long been destroyed.

All we can do, is honour the (mostly) Jews, and others, by providing funds for the on-going maintenance of buildings, barrachs, gas chambers and grounds at Auschwitz.

If this site isn't preserved it will be a tragedy. We must teach our children and grandchildren --- Never Again.

Many of you have already purchased Jude, and I thank you for your support. If you've enjoyed Jude, and would like to purchase a copy for friends or family, know that your money will be going to Poland, to Auschwitz.

Thank you from Jewelle St. James