36 North Shore Towers Courier n March 2016 From the Robert Levine and his wife, Karen, whom he describes as his muse, have lived in Building 3 since September 2013. A semiretired accountant, he devotes two hours daily to writing short prose, inspired by his life experiences and diverse interests. WRITE ON, ROBERT. After the devastation of WW II, Berlin, Germany, was completely rebuilt. Its modern infrastructure, hip restaurants and night clubs made it a vibrant, “happening city.” In May 2013, my wife Karen and I visited the major sights—the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, the remnants of the old Berlin Wall, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, and the great art museums and gardens for which Berlin is known. But one important historical site was neither referenced in tour books nor on lists of what to see and do in Everything Has a Past Berlin. As I am a WW II history buff, it was a “must see” for me, and so I set out on my own to visit it. In foreign countries, I like to use public transportation. When I asked the hotel concierge for travel directions to my “must see,” he said that I was the first tourist ever to ask him about visiting it. I took the U Bahn—the subway—then transferred to a bus and told the driver where to let me off. But when I exited the bus, I didn’t know which way to walk. There were no street signs to direct me; and though the first few people I stopped spoke English, they were of no help. I was lost in an affluent residential area on a magnificent lake, until I noticed a familiar sign, McDonald’s golden arches. Surely someone—a customer or employee— in that American fast food emporium could direct me. An elderly gentleman interrupted his lunch, took me aside, and told me in perfect English that he knew the place I was looking for, because when he was in the German army, he was stationed there as a guard. Photo by Julie Weissman I followed the elderly gentleman’s directions; and after about a 40 minute walk, I saw it, a beautiful lakeside villa surrounded by carefully tended gardens. How could such evil have emanated from such beauty? I entered the Wannsee Conference Center where in January 1942, fifteen Nazi officials met to discuss “The Final Solution” and to draw up plans for the extermination of all European Jews. At the meeting were General Heydrich, Adolph Eichmann, and leaders of the Gestapo, the SS, and the Wermacht. In their places at an elegant mahogany conference table were their photos and names. I had found my way into the room where the horrors and degradation of the Holocaust were conceived. I envisioned those inhumane, callous men drawing up the plan to kill six million Jews and other undesirables. I felt sick to my stomach. After ten minutes I had seen enough. Seeing this room was more upsetting than visiting sections of other Holocaust museums. Ironically the Wannsee Conference Center had a horrific past. Why wasn’t it listed among important historical sights to see when visiting Berlin? Where were the street signs? Did the locals think that if no one visited Wannsee, the evil done there 73 years ago would fade away? I asked the docent to call a taxi for me. Writer’s Circle By Robert Levine Wannsee Conference Center JOE’S GOLD BUYING SERVICE WE BUY GOLD IN ANY CONDITION Estate Diamonds • Antique Jewelry Oil Paintings • Bronzes • Coins Sterling Silver • Watches • Rolex FOR IMMEDIATE CASH FREE IN-HOME SERVICE CALL JOE 7 DAYS A WEEK 516-849-8826 TOWERS Restaurant at North Shore Towers 27248 Grand Central Pkwy, Floral Park, NY 11005 718-819-8228 NST Car Butler Professional Car Care Services 718-224-2525 Under New Mgmt-Better Service, Better Value Full Service Auto Detailing Fully Insured Pick Up & Delivery Minor Mechanical & Body Repairs 270-10 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park North Shore Towers; Building 3, Garage Level 3
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