Your comments
Rufus Olivier, Principal Bassoon, San Francisco Opera
MY BOOK OF THE YEAR CLUB. If one is prone to complain about daily struggles this book will put an end to that! Most people are familiar with the treatment of Jewish and many others during the war and before the war, but many do not know the aftermath and how the survivors recovered to live out their lives. Mr. Arben gives us a clue on how people made some sort of life for themselves. I always knew music and art were important but not really how important. The saying “music soothes the wild beast” comes to mind while reading this book. I recommend this book highly, especially to those that are not familiar with the history of the world at that time. All I can say is the man is amazing and I wish I knew him. Thanks to Rebecca Jackson and her father Dr. Jackson, I am uplifted in spirit and think you will be also. [July 2019]
Larry Grika, Former Violinist, Philadelphia Orchestra
Your book has David's life bubbling with music. Many thanks for sending me your rich tome of my very dear friend, David Arben. It's more than memories that I feel when I touch the pages of your work that gives such a dedicated display of the sensitive yet very strong-willed David. My grandson, Jonathan, after talking about WW 2, saw your book on my desk and asked to read it. After finishing ARBEN said he felt that he learned more about music and the Holocaust than he ever knew before. And before he left to start his 2nd year in college he told me how appreciative he was to have read "this marvelous book." [September 2019]
Katie Button, Violinist, San Francisco Ballet
The message of your book, and of Mr. Arben's life, is the love that sustained him throughout, beginning with the solid foundation his parents gave him, with their love and encouragement, and allowing him to believe in himself, and continuing with all those who helped him along the way: Stockman, Bernstein, his Swiss family, and so many others. He lost his whole family, but he found love and support and family with the connections he made with others, like you! This really resonates with me. I lost my son, but his many friends have become my children and grandchildren. [April 2019]
Educator at Crossfield Elementary School
What a beautiful and moving presentation about a very difficult topic. I had students ask me if any of the novel groups we would be doing next quarter would be about the Holocaust because they want to know more about something they never new happened. Such a powerful assembly today, thank you!! [January 2020]
Teacher at San Benito High School, Hollister CA
Thank you for visiting, performing and sharing with our school. The librarian spoke to me less than an hour ago... It appears there are already a few students asking to see the book. Thank you!!!
Tante’s Daughter - Angelic Swiss family who helped Arben after WWII.
On June 2nd, a lovely and sunny day I was sitting along the lake of Geneva with family and friends to celebrate my 90th (!!) birthday. My daughter told me: 'Look what I got yesterday...' and she handed me your book!! That was Haim's [Arben’s] last surprise for my birthday. He was with us, 10 years ago! I can tell you, this was my most precious gift. Such a coincidence is not if another small miracle?
I do not know how to express my admiration for the huge work of writing such a complete and serious biography. Haim has been very fortunate to meet Rebecca and her father, who were able to comprehend him from the 'inside'. (or the inner side..)
Haim is so 'alive' in your book, due to the deep friendship you shared with him for long years. My mother [Tante] would have been so happy and proud to read it...
Such a book is a wonderful contribution to the spirit of benevolence, so necessary for our troubled world... [June 2019]