Huge Turnout at YWCA Greenwich for Talk by Author Adam Frankel

UJA-JCC Greenwich and YWCA Greenwich hosted former Obama speechwriter Adam Frankel in a conversation about his memoir, “The Survivors: A Story of War, Inheritance and Healing.”

The organizations welcomed more than 200 residents of Greenwich to the event.

Indra Nooyi, business leader and Greenwich resident, led the discussion.

“YWCA Greenwich is proud to partner with UJA-JCC Greenwich and their staff on this and other important initiatives,” said Mary Lee Kiernan, President and CEO, YWCA Greenwich. “The YWCA stands in solidarity with UJA as part of our mission.”

In his memoir, Frankel describes grappling with his identity after unearthing the shocking truth of his Connecticut family’s origins. While the audience was surprised by the secret Frankel revealed, it was his journey to understand how the past experiences of his grandparents effected the family in profound ways.

“The Survivors” takes the reader on a journey from the horrors of the Holocaust and the amazing strength and resilience of the survivors, through the effects on the next generations of children and grandchildren. Frankel explores new research on intergenerational trauma and the critical role of resilience.

When asked about lessons others could take from his book, Frankel said, “Everyone manages issues and trauma in their life differently. I felt I needed to face it, and writing was my way forward. I hope sharing my experience helps others.”

Of the book, author Doris Kearns Goodwin said, “The Survivors is an astonishingly beautiful and profoundly moving book. Frankel’s haunting search to unravel the mysteries of his family is so compelling that it reads like a fine novel.”

To view a video of the event at YWCA Greenwich, go to: https://ywcagrn.org/Frankel

The event is one in a series of book discussions brought to Greenwich through UJA-JCC Greenwich and YWCA Greenwich.

Adam Frankel and Indra Nooyi

Adam Frankel and Indra Nooyi. Jan 7, 2020 Photo: Joan Mockler

Over 200 people turned out for the talk by Adam Frankel on Jan 7, 2020. Photo Joan Mockler

Over 200 people turned out for the talk by Adam Frankel on Jan 7, 2020. Photo Joan Mockler

Mary Lee Kiernan and Adam Frankel. Photo Joan Mockler

Mary Lee Kiernan and Adam Frankel. Photo Joan Mockler. Jan 7, 2020 Photo Joan Mockler