Joanna Rubin Dranger’s latest book, ”Hidden Jewish Lives,” delves into the complex and often painful experiences of individuals living with concealed Jewish identities. Inspired by poignant encounters following the publication of her graphic novel, ”Remember Us to Life,” Dranger embarked on a journey to document the diverse narratives of 45 individuals navigating the challenges and anxieties associated with hiding a crucial aspect of their heritage. The book explores the motivations behind this concealment, ranging from societal pressures to fears of persecution, and the profound impact it has on individuals and their families. It also captures the renewed anxieties and fears that emerged in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, highlighting the precariousness of their concealed identities in a climate of heightened antisemitism.
”Hidden Jewish Lives” adopts a unique hybrid format, blending Dranger’s signature graphic novel style with traditional text-based narratives. Dranger utilizes comics to depict her personal journey and the discussions she had with family and friends before embarking on this project. Five of the interviewees’ stories are also rendered in graphic novel form, allowing for a deeper emotional connection with their experiences. The remaining interviews are presented as traditional text, accompanied by evocative illustrations that capture the essence of each individual’s narrative without compromising their anonymity. This innovative approach emphasizes the visual storytelling that has become synonymous with Dranger’s work, while also respecting the sensitive nature of the subject matter.
The interviews reveal the profound isolation and difficulty many face in grappling with their Jewish heritage in silence. Individuals describe the challenges of seeking out Jewish community and resources without the support of family or prior knowledge, highlighting the daunting prospect of stepping into a world they have been distanced from. Dranger captures the emotional weight of these experiences, emphasizing the internal struggle between a desire for connection and the ingrained fear of exposure. The book underscores the pervasive fear of antisemitism that permeates the lives of those living with hidden Jewish identities, a fear that was tragically amplified by the events of October 7, 2023.
Dranger’s own journey of uncovering her family’s Holocaust history and reclaiming her Jewish identity is woven through her work, providing a poignant backdrop to the stories she collects. The vulnerability she displayed in ”Remember Us to Life” resonated deeply with readers, leading to the emotional encounters that inspired ”Hidden Jewish Lives.” Her personal experience of navigating a previously hidden part of her identity allows her to approach the interviews with empathy and understanding, fostering a sense of trust and openness among her subjects. The book becomes a testament to the power of shared experience and the strength found in acknowledging and embracing one’s heritage.
The process of creating ”Hidden Jewish Lives” was deeply emotional for Dranger, who felt a profound responsibility to honor the stories entrusted to her. She describes her initial hesitation to even touch the finished book, a testament to the weight of the narratives it contained. The anonymity of the interviewees was paramount, and Dranger granted each of them the opportunity to review and approve their stories before publication. Remarkably, despite the deeply personal and often painful nature of their experiences, the majority of those interviewed chose to participate, recognizing the importance of sharing their stories and shedding light on a hidden community.
Following the book’s release, Dranger received positive feedback from her interviewees, many of whom shared her initial apprehension about approaching the finished product. One particularly significant outcome was the decision of one anonymous participant, lawyer Clea Sangborn, to publicly reveal her Jewish identity. Sangborn’s decision was prompted by a conversation with Dranger and her own experiences of antisemitic harassment, culminating in her decision to leave her legal career. Sangborn’s story exemplifies the ripple effect of Dranger’s work, empowering individuals to embrace their identities and speak out against the prejudice they face. ”Hidden Jewish Lives” serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against antisemitism and the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to explore and express their heritage without fear.
