Front Burner

Weekend Listen: He owes his life to a lie, now will anyone believe what he calls the truth?

Mar 1, 2025
Join Alex Kurzem, a Holocaust survivor who masked his true identity as a Jewish boy by posing as a Nazi soldier, and his niece, Beba Menglis Ford, as they unravel decades of family secrets. Alex grapples with his traumatic past and the struggle to have his unbelievable story believed. Beba shares cherished memories and highlights the bonds between family while exploring the fine line between truth and embellishment. Together, they embark on a poignant journey of identity, memory, and the emotional weight of their shared history.
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ANECDOTE

Uncle Oldie's Stories

  • Alex Kurzem, known as Uncle Oldie, was a captivating storyteller.
  • His tales ranged from working as an Elephant Boy to encounters with Frank Sinatra.
ANECDOTE

Kurzem's Hidden Past

  • Kurzem was a private person, especially regarding his past.
  • The family knew he was adopted after being found during World War II, with no memory of his family.
ANECDOTE

The Suitcase of Secrets

  • Beba, Kurzem's niece, always suspected there was more to his story.
  • He eventually revealed a suitcase containing documents and photos from his past.
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