Breaking Borders

Book excerpt: In 1939 Alexander Harris, a teenager in Lodz, Poland, experienced the darkness of World War II and the Russian occupation of his native country. He lived through a Soviet gulag and the battlefields of Germany, but never let his spirit be broken. He tells of friendship and betrayal, war, love and hate. Separated from his family at a young age, he triumphed over many obstacles, including discrimination and torture. Harris was thankful to arrive in the United States, the cradle of freedom and land of opportunity in which he could begin his life anew. Remaining steadfast in his determination to help overcome ignorance, misconceptions and prejudices that divide people and nations, he worked in the tourism profession to do his part to abolish the barriers between hostile worlds. His father's words, "When you come to a border, cross it. If you cannot cross it, go around it. If you can't go around it, break it" inspired him throughout his life, providing the motivation he needed to devote his professional life to breaking borders and promoting peace via the international tourism industry. His work led to the receipt of numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.