“Oh! My Papa”*
Sam Fox, My Father, A Holocaust Survivor
1929 – 2015
I wish to share with you some of the many lessons I was privileged to learn from my Father.
When asked by my Brother, “What is the secret to a successful and happy life?”, despite having experienced the Holocaust, in which he lost his parents and five siblings….despite then sitting in a wheelchair because of a paralyzing stroke….. despite that his wife, my Mother, was dying in the other room…..He said
“In life some people have it easy and make it hard and some people have it hard and make it easy”
The value of charity
“When I first came to America I had nothing, yet I always gave to charity. When I did, it always made me feel rich.” – from an acceptance speech upon receiving an award
The value of the pursuit of good
“The pursuit of the good is the noblest of character builders and one of the sources of true gratification”. There are other things in life besides self-interest. Personal involvement in others challenges, in community affairs are the greatest sources of personal achievement and success. Too many people refuse to understand what it means to be involved and to help others. They are truly missing something. There is nothing as gratifying and self-fulfilling as helping others. Why don’t you try it? If you do, I can assure you that you will arrive at a similar conclusion. Try it, you will like it”. – from another acceptance speech upon receiving an award
These were just some of his words. The valuable lessons learned by all who had the privilege of knowing him, came from watching him turn those words into deeds.
*Listen to Eddie Fisher’s beautiful song
The Spinning Rabbi - Heart & Soul 
Fred,
My deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing these life lessons. It is a great reminder that life is precious, difficulty is a relative term and service is the key to a good life. I will be counting my blessings and expressing my gratitude a little more after reading this.
In Gratitude,
Dr. Seth
Thank you Dr. Seth
Well said by you
Hi Fred
First my apologies for taking so long to respond. Somehow your email got buried in my in box and I just read it.
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. It was obvious how much you loved him and his loss must be very difficult.
I knew your dad was a holocaust survivor but never knew he lost his parents and 5 siblings. To have lived so positively after experiencing such a horror is truly amazing.
There are no coincidences in life. My friend and I were just discussing last night how “some people have it easy and make it hard, and how others have it hard and make it easy”. I had never heard that phrase before. After reading how your father believed this, it will always be forefront in my mind. Thank you for sharing and for doing your part in keeping his legacy alive. You’re doing a great job!
Joan
Thank you so much Joan. I’m glad that my Father’s approach to life will be of value to you.
Fred –
Thank you for sharing some of your father’s wisdom and for offering glimpse iof the many gifts he offered to those around him.
May his memory be a blessing.
Fay
Thank You very much Fay
Freddie–
I’ve heard for so long what an incredible man your father was and how much you’ve respected and loved him. To read his “philosophies” gives me true insights why that is so. Thanks for allowing me to understand it more.
Michael
Thank you so much Michael
Fred,
You are truly blessed to have a Dad of such tremendous character.
What an inspiration and what a life.
You, my friend, are living the same values.
Privileged to call you my friend.
All the best, Bob
Thank you very much Dr. Bob
Fred, thank you for sharing about your dad and what an amazing man he was in so many ways…to be so caring and compassionate about helping others after what you describe as his early life and what he went thru. I can see more clearly now why you exemplify so much of what he gave to his family and community. My prayers to you and your family in this time of such significant loss. And I’m impressed that you so carefully have thanked all those who have told you how much you mean to them and that they feel your pain. Blessings my friend. Capt. Kirk
Thank You very kindly Kirk
Dear Fred,
Sorry to hear about your Father,
he sounded like a wise man, and you a good son.
Nick and Susy
Thank You Nick and Susy
Dear Fred, losing a parent is difficult! Losing a parent like your father leaves one with so many emotions. Sadness, gratefulness, loss, privileged in having him in your life, blessed and most of all the power of love between you both that remains forever.
My condolences to you and your family. Stefania
Thank You Stefania
Fred, My condolences and heartfelt appreciation for giving us words to encourage as you experience this loss. Shalom, Leslee
Thank You Leslee
Fred..I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Over the years from listening to your stories it was almost as if I knew him. My prayers are with you and your family
Mike
Thank You Mike
Fred, Nisha and I send our condolences for the loss of your father. From what you have told us, he sounds like a beautiful person. He left a great legacy in you. Steve
Thanks Steve and Nisha
The apple did not fall far from the tree
Thank You Beni
Fred:
I heard your stories about both of your parents for years and I know how close you were to them both. Nancy and I send our condolences to you and your family.
Joel
Thanks to you and Nancy
My condolences, Fred…..Rita
Thank You Rita
Dear Freddie:
The real Fantastic Mr. Fox has left the building. You have big shoes to fill, young man. My condolences and prayers to you and your loved ones.
Vince
Thank You Vince
Fred you are fortunate to have benefited a great deal from and through your father’s words, deeds, and actions. You continue his legacy of giving to the community which benefits us all. I know how important your father was to you and I offer my deepest condolences
Thank You Bob
Dear Fred,
You were very lucky to have as brilliant and noble a man for your dad. He was equally lucky. My heart is sad for your loss. God Bless.
In respect,
Peter
Thank You Peter
Fred,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was a good man and I think you learned that from him. Thank you for sharing your stories with me; they help me understand my life. 🙂
Dave
Thank You Dave
Freddie, I am glad to have known your SAM. A tenacious man who gave you all the space and support you needed in mind and spirit to find your own way and success in life. You honor SAM by the righteous way you have lived your life. Matty Kohn. Bayside High School 1966.
Thank You Matt
Dearest Fred,
Well said.
Our deepest condolences go out to you and your beautiful family in this time of sadness and grief. I know how important and loved your father was by you, your children, your family, and the community.
Much Love,
Margaret, J., I., J., and N.
Thank You Margaret