Norman Berkowitz (1913-2010)
My father, Norman (Nathan) Berkowitz, died peacefully at the age of 96 on July 30, 2010. After not being able to speak for 36 hours, Norman rallied and spoke continuously for 30 minutes. His final words were directed to his grandson and they were, surprisingly, entirely in Spanish. Not surpisingly, they were about his memories of Spain. Long Live the ALB! –Claire Oppenheimer Dubin
Norman Berkowitz. Photo Richard Bermack.
Born in Boston, Norman Berkowitz grew up in Brooklyn and attended public schools. He joined the Young Communist League in 1935 and participated in political demonstrations around the city. With other future Abraham Lincoln Brigade volunteers, such as Harry Fisher and Irving Fajans, he played a role in the organization of the Department Store Workers Union. He served with the Lincoln-Washington battalion in Spain and was wounded in action during the Ebro offensive in 1938. He also served in the U.S. army during World War II. He was living in North Carolina at the time of his death.
Salud y República…salud y Libertad…y una y mil veces GRACIAS
camarada…
Viva el Batallón Lincoln!!, Viva la República!!!!
Eternamente agradecidos por su lucha.
Saludos des de Mallorca.
Guillem Bassa.
I’ve read that a man called Norman berkowitz had dead and he was an freedom fighter in Spain. I would like to send you my gratefully to a man with the courage to leave his country to fight for other country’ s freedom. You can feel very proud. Thank you on behalf of the citizens of Spain.
Norman, from Spain, thank you.
RIP
Cheer up the International Brigates!
¡NO PASARÁN!
Thank you so much, comrade.