When the Jewish Historical Society of Greater MetroWest NJ was planning its annual Veterans Day program in 2023, we knew that we wanted to honor a World War II veteran. We also knew that in our community we were fortunate to have Merle and Peter Hirschmann, longtime friends and supporters of the Federation. With Merle’s help, Karen Bocaletti and I were able to have a special visit to their home where Peter brought out photographs and memorabilia from his life.
One of the documents he shared with us was the “Christmas Letter” written to him in 2017. In it, the author explained that she had learned her grandparents acquired the Hirschmann family’s house in Nuremberg through Hitler’s regime. She wrote, “I am deeply ashamed for what we Germans did to you, your family, and your friends.” For many years she had believed the house had been purchased directly from the Hirschmann family. Instead, she discovered it had been taken and given to her grandfather.
In response, Peter wrote back acknowledging the great effort she had made to find him and her willingness to confront the past rather than ignore it. Peter later said he felt sad because he realized she was suffering even though she was completely blameless. In his compassionate and sincere manner, Peter was willing to absolve the woman of feelings of generational guilt and sadness, choosing instead to emphasize understanding, remembrance, and the shared responsibility to build a better future.
On that day, I learned the meaning of true forgiveness by witnessing Peter’s compassion and kindness toward a stranger, a reflection of the character that defined his life.
Early Life and Background
Peter Hirschmann was born in Germany and grew up in a large, beautiful home in Nuremberg, which sat on three acres of land. He was the son of a Jewish business owner whose family faced immense challenges during the rise of the Nazi regime. In 1939, fearing for their safety, Peter and his brother fled Nuremberg and traveled to England, where they were taken in by a cousin.
Following the bombings in England, they were sent to live with strangers in the countryside, showcasing the tumultuous journey of many Jewish families during this period. Peter’s parents managed to secure visas to the United States, eventually reuniting with their sons in Newark, New Jersey.
Peter served in the United States Army during World War II, joining at the age of 18 in 1943, despite being a German citizen at the time. His military service began when he signed a waiver, allowing him to enlist, although he was technically classified as an enemy alien due to his German nationality. He fought valiantly in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the war’s bloodiest confrontations, which commenced on December 16, 1944. During the Battle of the Bulge, he experienced harsh winter conditions, suffering frostbite that earned him a Purple Heart for his injuries. He was part of the 78th Infantry Division and later served in the 310th Infantry Regiment, where he participated in the intense fighting around Kesternich, a town just inside Germany.
Peter’s military journey took a grim turn when he and nearly his entire regiment were captured by German forces during the battle and subsequently interned in a prisoner-of-war camp near Berlin. He endured captivity until his liberation in May 1945 by British troops.
Reflecting on his service, he noted the surreal experience of being a Jewish soldier fighting against the very regime that had persecuted his people, underscoring the complexities of his identity during the war. Upon returning to the United States, Peter earned notable honors, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals for his bravery in combat.
Upon returning to the States he worked at Kislak Co., the real estate and investment firm, where he stayed for 15 years. In 1967, he started his own company, Peter Hirschmann Inc.
His experiences in the military not only shaped his character but also influenced his later philanthropic efforts, where he became involved in numerous Jewish community initiatives, including the United Jewish Appeal and the Jewish Community Council of Essex County.
Peter’s upbringing in Nuremberg, combined with the drastic changes he experienced during the war, deeply influenced his later involvement in the Jewish community, including his contributions to organizations such as the United Jewish Appeal and the Jewish Community Council of Essex County, as he sought to strengthen Jewish connections and support others who faced similar struggles. Peter was active in the UJA since 1946. He chaired UJA programs at Mountain Ridge Country Club throughout the years in addition to chairing and serving in several committees within our Jewish Federation. He was a member of the board of the Jewish Community Council and served as a volunteer worker in the Building Fund campaign of the Jewish Community Foundation.
United Jewish Appeal Contributions
Peter and his beloved wife, Merle have been active supporters of the UJA Annual Campaign, a key fundraising initiative aimed at providing essential services to Jewish communities both locally and internationally. Their contributions have included generous endowments, which have been instrumental in supporting various targeted programs and community needs within the Greater MetroWest NJ area.
The UJA has recognized Merle and Peter’s efforts by including them in prestigious donor societies that honor significant financial commitments, thereby reinforcing his status as a leader in multi-generational philanthropy.
Leadership in Jewish Community Initiatives
In addition to their financial support, Peter has held leadership roles within the Jewish Community Council of Essex County. His involvement has spurred increased community engagement and support for the UJA’s mission, exemplified by the honor rolls that celebrate substantial gifts during fiscal years, highlighting the contributions of dedicated philanthropists like Peter and Merle.
Through these initiatives, they have helped to ensure that essential services continue to be available for Jewish individuals and families, particularly in times of need.
Legacy and Impact
The Hirschmann’s philanthropic legacy is not only reflected in their financial contributions but also in his commitment to building sustainable programs that involve and inspire future generations.
The impact of their work is seen in the continued support for various Jewish agencies and synagogues, as well as in the lasting relationships cultivated through community involvement and shared values.
At Peter’s recent funeral, a powerful theme emerged: he and members of his generation helped shape America through their resilience, service, and commitment to building stronger communities after unimaginable hardship. Yet Peter believed that shaping the future also required remembering the past. He made it a personal mission to ensure that the stories of his generation would not be forgotten.
This is why institutions such as Federation’s Jewish Historical Society of Greater MetroWest are so vital. By preserving these histories and sharing them with future generations, they ensure that the lessons, sacrifices, and contributions of individuals like Peter Hirschmann continue to inspire and guide our community for years to come.
The Jewish Historical Society is so proud to share and preserve the stories of our Greater MetroWest community. May all our stories continue to bring light and hope into our lives.