In the midst of the horror show that is the Bush administration, it is reassuring to find that people are going about their daily business and taking the time to be kind and generous in small and big ways - some in bigger ways than others. Houston philanthropist, Bernard Aptaker made the front page of today's Houston Chronicle with his extraordinary personal story of triumph and love of animals.
Houston real estate tycoon Bernard Aptaker gives money to SPCA
Philanthropic deeds are his pet projects
Money can do many things. It can buy a palatial home, furnish it with French antiques and marble statuary, put fountains in the yard and a Rolls-Royce in the drive. But it can't buy you the love of a good dog. Houston real estate tycoon Bernard Aptaker, a millionaire many times over, knows that well.
Since arriving in New York almost six decades ago, Aptaker — struggling to overcome the trauma of years spent in a series of Nazi concentration camps — relentlessly worked his way to riches. From his first job as a deli hand, through stints as a dance instructor to dizzying peaks in the Houston apartment business, Aptaker never forgot the value of a dollar.
Now, at age 80, Aptaker is giving much of his wealth away. And first on his list of beneficiaries are homeless horses, down-on-their-luck cows and other large abandoned or abused animals in need of a little comfort.
For Aptaker, a lifelong bachelor soured on humanity by his wartime experiences, the late-life gift is an opportunity to do something special for animals, some of whom have been among his best friends.....
..... Born in the largely Jewish village of Zakrzowek, not far from Lublin, Aptaker was only 13 when the Germans invaded Poland in September 1939. Aptaker clearly recalls the arrival of German troops and their Polish collaborators at the family home.
"They knocked on all the doors and took people away," he said. .. Two German soldiers came and knocked on our door, and with them were three Polish firemen — they were showing the Germans where the Jews lived.
"I had a small dog, and she had three puppies. The dog barked at them and grew more agitated. The little dog tried to defend me. A German finally pulled his Luger and shot it. The Polish firemen — they wanted to kiss up — they stomped the puppies. They kicked me and then left. My father was not at home."
Rest of Aptaker's story here.
Like your site. This was/is a beautiful story. Glad you posted it.
Posted by: pam | June 10, 2006 at 12:29 PM
Pam;
Thanks for visiting. I am always impressed by people who perform extraordinary acts of kindness towards animals.
Posted by: Ruchira Paul | June 10, 2006 at 06:41 PM