Ernest L Haas

Ernest L. Haas, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, after a long, painful, heroic battle against the complications following surgery.

He was born on June 1, 1925 in Neumarkt/Opf, Germany. He is the only Jewish resident of Neumarkt to survive the Nazi Ghettos and concentration camps. He immigrated to America in 1946 and proudly served his adopted country in the National Guard.

During the course of his career, he started out working as a stock clerk for $10.00 a week and worked his way up various industries and with fierce determination finally in his forties started his own highly successful commercial real estate company. He was greatly admired by his peers in real estate.

His most proud accomplishment, however, as he was rebuilding his life was his family: his wife of 57 years, Myrna (nee Chatowitz), his adored sons: Jonathan, Michael (Gail) and Andrew (girlfriend Kari), his beloved grandchildren: Seth, Margot, and Edelawit and nephews, nieces and cousins.

He also made time for many faithful and loyal friends who often called on him for advice. He was quite proud of the recent friendships with a new generation of Germans who along with him are determined to bring insight into the darkest moments of history.

His experience in Europe during WWII led to his lifelong interest in history and he shared his vast knowledge with us all. He was an eyewitness to one of the most evil events of all mankind.

He was a passionate bridge player and enjoyed his games with the Woodcliff Lake Seniors. In spite of his busy diverse life he always found time for various philanthropies donating to many especially those that involved Israel, the Holocaust and medical research. He donated many treasured items to the Holocaust Museum in Washington.

He lived a life whose telling could fill volumes. Services on Sunday, August 28 at 11 AM at Gutterman and Musicant, 402 Park St, Hackensack, 201-489-3800

For a more detailed account of his experience you can go to:

Rijo.homepage.t-online .de

On the left column, click on Bavaria, then under Jewish History find Ernie’s story titled Neumarkt-Fuerth-Riga and followed by a letter to the Holocaust Museum