Peter Hirschmann Speaks at TBA Yom HaShoah Services

In observance of Yom HaShoah 5778 at Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston, over 70 attendees paid rapt attention as Peter Hirschmann shared memories of his upbringing in Nuremberg, Germany. Son of a German Jewish industrialist, who was an Iron Cross recipient in WWI, Peter fled his native Nuremberg in 1939. He and his brother left Nuremberg for England (a cousin took them in). When the bombing happened there, they were sent to live with strangers in the countryside. Their parents were able to get visas to the United States and then brought their sons to America, where they settled in Newark.. Peter served in the US Army in World War II, fighting with the 78th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge, captured by Germans and held prisoner until the war in Europe ended. He is the recipient of Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. After returning to civilian life, attended Rutgers University at night while working as an accountant during the day. Graduated Rutgers in 1951, having previously earned his CPA designation. After serving over a decade as financial Vice President of Kislak Organization, he formed Peter Hirschmann Inc., an industrial real estate brokerage and property management business in which he is still active today. Peter and his wife Merle of 56 years, have two children and five grandchildren.