A mother's hidden identity reveals a complex web of secrets, lies, and survival. Journalist Marisa Fox's latest documentary, "My Underground Mother," uncovers the truth behind her mother's wartime past, a tale that has left her with more questions than answers.
The story begins when Fox was just nine years old, listening to her mother's tales of war and bravery in Poland during World War II. However, as she grew older, she began to notice inconsistencies in her mother's stories. The truth slowly unraveled in 2010, when Fox received a cryptic message from an elderly great-aunt suffering from dementia: "Your mother had a hidden identity."
Through relentless research and interviews with dozens of women who were imprisoned at Gabersdorf, a notorious forced labor camp in Poland during the war, Fox discovered that her mother had been part of a radical Jewish underground group. Her role was that of a spy and saboteur, smuggling bombs and guns to aid their cause.
But there's more to the story than Fox initially thought. The women at Gabersdorf were subjected to unimaginable horrors, including rape, murder, and forced prostitution by Nazi soldiers. It was only in 1945, when the war finally ended, that these atrocities began to receive attention.
Fox's journey takes her down a rabbit hole of secrets and lies. Her mother had never spoken about her time at Gabersdorf, nor did she reveal the extent of her involvement with the underground movement. In fact, she had built an entire life in America, complete with a new identity and family, all to escape the shame of her past.
But what drove her mother's silence? Fox speculates that it was shame about surviving the camp, as well as the traumatic experiences she endured during the war. She also hints at the possibility of being a love child, which may have led to her changing her name.
The documentary raises important questions about identity, shame, and survival. Fox believes that women who survive such horrific experiences should not feel guilty, but rather empowered by their stories. By sharing her mother's tale, she hopes to shed light on the often-overlooked history of Jewish women during World War II.
"My Underground Mother" premiered at the New York Jewish film festival in January and will be released later this year. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder that secrets can be both liberating and suffocating, and that it's never too late to confront the truth about our past.
The story begins when Fox was just nine years old, listening to her mother's tales of war and bravery in Poland during World War II. However, as she grew older, she began to notice inconsistencies in her mother's stories. The truth slowly unraveled in 2010, when Fox received a cryptic message from an elderly great-aunt suffering from dementia: "Your mother had a hidden identity."
Through relentless research and interviews with dozens of women who were imprisoned at Gabersdorf, a notorious forced labor camp in Poland during the war, Fox discovered that her mother had been part of a radical Jewish underground group. Her role was that of a spy and saboteur, smuggling bombs and guns to aid their cause.
But there's more to the story than Fox initially thought. The women at Gabersdorf were subjected to unimaginable horrors, including rape, murder, and forced prostitution by Nazi soldiers. It was only in 1945, when the war finally ended, that these atrocities began to receive attention.
Fox's journey takes her down a rabbit hole of secrets and lies. Her mother had never spoken about her time at Gabersdorf, nor did she reveal the extent of her involvement with the underground movement. In fact, she had built an entire life in America, complete with a new identity and family, all to escape the shame of her past.
But what drove her mother's silence? Fox speculates that it was shame about surviving the camp, as well as the traumatic experiences she endured during the war. She also hints at the possibility of being a love child, which may have led to her changing her name.
The documentary raises important questions about identity, shame, and survival. Fox believes that women who survive such horrific experiences should not feel guilty, but rather empowered by their stories. By sharing her mother's tale, she hopes to shed light on the often-overlooked history of Jewish women during World War II.
"My Underground Mother" premiered at the New York Jewish film festival in January and will be released later this year. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder that secrets can be both liberating and suffocating, and that it's never too late to confront the truth about our past.
. It's mind-boggling to consider how one's past can be both a source of shame and a driving force for self-discovery.
. However, it's equally important to acknowledge the trauma and PTSD that her experiences may have left her with 
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. Fox's documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting our past and sharing our stories, even if it means facing difficult truths 
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. Ultimately, I believe that "My Underground Mother" is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for survival, redemption, and the pursuit of truth 
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I'm so moved by Marisa Fox's story... her mom's wartime past is just mind-blowing! I mean, who knew they were part of a spy and saboteur group? 
It's crazy how much she was involved in the underground movement, and yet she never spoke about it. I can see why she'd be ashamed about surviving the camp and all the trauma she went through. 
I think it's so brave of Marisa to share her mom's story now, especially since she had to uncover all these secrets on her own. It's not just about her mom's past, but also about the women who were imprisoned at Gabersdorf and what they went through. 
The documentary is a powerful reminder that our stories are what make us strong, not weak. 
It's crazy how much she kept hidden from her own daughter. And can you blame her for not wanting to talk about it all those years ago? The idea that people who went through such trauma and survived were expected to be ashamed is just wrong 
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And the fact that Marisa's mom built an entire life with a fake name... it's just wild 
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. What really gets me is how hard it was for women like her mom during WWII - rape, murder, forced prostitution... it's just heartbreaking 
This doco is giving me so much to think about 
It's crazy how a lie can grow into an entire life built on deception 
But at the same time, it makes sense that someone would want to escape the trauma and shame of something so horrific 
The fact that her mom kept silent about it for so long says a lot about the impact these experiences can have on people's lives 
and I think it's wild that she built a whole new life in America, complete with a fake identity... I mean, you'd think people would want to share their history and stuff but sometimes it's just too painful 
, it gave me chills 
, my mind is blown 
. It's like she's giving her mom some closure and validation after all these years 
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It's crazy how complex our identities can be, you know? I mean, we think we know who we are, but really, there's so much more to it than just surface-level stuff 
Like, I'm pretty sure it's not about the actual ingredients, but more about the love and stories that go into making them. Anyway, watching this documentary made me realize how many people have these hidden identities or secrets that can be super powerful when shared... like, think of all the times we've heard "just leave the past in the past" 
But sometimes, it's okay to confront the truth and use it as a way to heal and grow. 
And her mom went through that without sharing it with anyone until she was 80+ years old?! That's some serious skill in keeping secrets 
The whole thing is just so complex and emotional, it's like, my heart is still racing after watching it. And the part about possibly being a love child is mind-blowing... what if? 
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