Max tells of his journey --with very few memories-- and arrival in America
NARRATOR: Lisa, backgrounding/commenting. Much literature and quite a few films have depicted the infamous trip to America – from the slave ships on down to post-war refugees. In particular, the arrival at Ellis Island in New York has been romanticized and glorified; we are familiar with the imposing sight of the Statue of Liberty welcoming the immigrants to an uncertain future.
LISA: Lisa, interviewing her grandfather, Max Do you remember entering New York harbor?
MAX: Max, interviewed by Lisa or talking with other family members I remember that, yeah.
LISA: The Statue of Liberty?
MAX: The Statue of Liberty, and there was a committee from the H.I.A.S. /15/ waiting for me. Because my destination wasn't New York, my destination was Massachusetts – Whitman, Mass. So the committee from H.I.A.S. came, and they gave me a bundle with food. What do you think was the food?... Salami!
NARRATOR: But all Max can remember is frankfurters and salami. Not only is every other detail about the trip expressed in a matter-of-fact way, Max doesn't believe that this information has any relevance. Far more important to him is the memories he retained that provided his sustenance and the food that he ate.
IMAGE: Steerage
IMAGE: untitled (Statue of Liberty from base)
/15/ H.I.A.S.: Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
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IMAGE: untitled (tailor with jacket)