How the Magic of Kindness Helped Me Survive the Holocaust
By Werner Reich
January 27th was Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to honor the memories of those who suffered and perished during one of history’s darkest periods. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Werner Reich at a magicians’ convention in Columbus. Mr. Reich’s lifelong interest in magic began in the most unlikely place: the Auschwitz concentration camp. One of his bunkmates was a magician who shared his craft with him, providing a glimmer of hope amid unimaginable darkness.
Now 94 years old and living in the New York City area, Mr. Reich is a testament to resilience and the human spirit. Despite the challenges he faces today, such as impatience from other drivers, he remains unfazed, having endured far worse in his past.
A few years ago, Mr. Reich spoke at a magicians’ convention, sharing the horrors he witnessed and experienced. Yet, remarkably, he concluded his talk by saying, “It’s been a pretty good life.” Such a statement from someone who has seen the worst of humanity is a powerful reminder of the importance of perspective and gratitude.
For a deeper insight into his extraordinary story, I encourage you to watch his 11-minute TED Talk titled “How the Magic of Kindness Helped Me Survive the Holocaust.” At just 15 years old, Reich was arrested and beaten by the Gestapo, imprisoned, and eventually sent to the Theresienstadt and Auschwitz II camps. Out of 6,000 prisoners, he was one of only 89 selected to work in Auschwitz I. After enduring a seven-day death march, he found himself in the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria. Upon liberation in May 1945, he returned to Yugoslavia, later escaping to England and eventually immigrating to the United States, where he built a life as an engineer.
Client Spotlight: AllState Exteriors of London, Ohio
It’s hard to believe that nearly two years have passed since the COVID pandemic began. The pandemic forced many professional entertainers to pivot, adapting to virtual platforms like Zoom to connect with audiences. Fortunately, we’re starting to see a return to in-person events, with organizations implementing safety measures like masks and social distancing.
This past holiday season, I had the pleasure of performing at several corporate parties, including one for AllState Exteriors in London, Ohio. I was impressed by the company’s commitment to its employees, organizing a wonderful holiday party with a buffet dinner, my magic show, and fun games and prizes. It was heartwarming to see a company go the extra mile to appreciate its team. I had such a great experience that when it comes time to replace my aging roof, AllState Exteriors will be my first call.
Macey Mullens, head of marketing, had this to say about my performance:
“We had Ron come to our office to do a show for our Christmas party. From start to finish, everything was awesome. Arrived in a timely fashion, had an awesome setup, and a fun, entertaining show. Our CEO is hard to please when it comes to entertainers. We had one a couple of years back that made him not want to hire another for office celebrations; he RAVED about Ron and the show that he put on for us. 5-star experience all around! Will definitely be looking to book again in the future!”
How Magicians Think: A Spotlight on Joshua Jay
I have known Joshua Jay since he was about eight years old when he and his dad traveled from Canton to Columbus to attend the annual Columbus Magi-Fest. Today, Joshua is a widely recognized performer, magic lecturer, publisher, online magic store owner, and writer. His influence in the magic community is significant, and he remains a kind friend to many of us.
Joshua recently published a book titled How Magicians Think: Misdirection, Deception, and Why Magic Matters. Unlike typical magic books aimed at magicians, this one is for the general public, or “laypersons,” as magicians say. In 52 engaging essays, Joshua delves into the art and psychology of magic, exploring how illusions are crafted and the impact of technology on magic today. If you’re curious about the world of magic and want to understand the thinking behind it, this book is a must-read. You can find it on Amazon for $16.99 (I do not receive any compensation for mentioning this book).
Upcoming Events
I am excited to announce that I am booking shows for various events, including Cub Scouts Blue/Gold Banquets, Bar Mitzvahs, and Corporate Dinners. With summer just around the corner, I am also looking forward to performing at summer camps, church Vacation Bible Schools, and Library Summer Reading programs. As COVID cases continue to decline and medical advancements progress, I am hopeful that these events will proceed as planned.
If you are planning an event and would like to add a touch of magic, please feel free to reach out. And if you know someone who could use some entertainment, I would greatly appreciate it if you passed my name along.