425. Not a Real Enemy The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man’s Fight for Freedom: Robert J. Wolf

Better Call Daddy

Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 425

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Episode description

Robert J. Wolf grew up hearing the powerful stories of his father, who was once a spoiled only child until his world and the world of his parents was drastically changed overnight.

Wolf’s family history is marked by profound loss; his grandparents perished at Auschwitz, victims of atrocities that stripped countless people of even the most basic freedoms, like voting or owning a radio.

These experiences shaped Robert’s perspective, leading him to write about the lessons we can learn from the past—especially how easily lives of comfort can change and the importance of appreciating and defending the freedoms many take for granted today.

On this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Watts and Wayne Friedman are joined by Dr. Robert J. Wolf, author and son of Hungarian Holocaust survivors.

Dr. Wolf shares the extraordinary story behind his book, "Not a Real Enemy," chronicling his family's harrowing escapes from Nazi-occupied Hungary, their resilience through the Holocaust, and their search for safety and freedom.

Together, they explore the enduring impact of antisemitism, the miracles that shaped his father's survival, and the universal lessons about courage, humility, and hope.

Tune in as Dr. Wolf opens up about what it means to carry on his family's legacy, the importance of educating future generations about the dangers of hatred, and the ongoing fight against antisemitism in the modern world.

With reflections from Reena’s own father, you'll hear how the lessons of the past can help light the way forward, not just for the Jewish community—but for anyone who values tolerance, compassion, and the fight for freedom. This is a deeply moving conversation about memory, identity, and the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Robert Wolf M.D., grew up as the only child of Ervin and Judit Wolf. Their stories of their escape from communist Hungary, and his father's tragic history of escaping the Nazis twice but having his own parents deported to Auschwitz, inspired Robert to document his parents' tales and share those stories with Jewish groups and others throughout the United States. In "Not a Real Enemy," Robert shares his family saga-and the forgotten history of the nearly half million Hungarian Jews who were deported and killed during the Holocaust-through an epic and inspiring tale of daring escapes, terrifying oppression, tragedy, and triumph.

(00:00) "Dad's Impressive Medical Achievement"

(09:07) Gratitude for Free Opportunity

(11:10) Putin's Ukraine War Comments

(17:07) Escape from Oppressive Regimes

(24:29) Navigating Criticism and Competition

(27:07) Humiliation, Hope, and Integrity

(32:12) Hope for Unity and Peace

(38:37) Confronting Hate Through Stories

(44:31) Survivor's Redemption Story

(49:16) Pursuing Speaking Engagements Globally

(56:02) Preserving Jewish Stories and Awareness

(58:28) Jewish Legacy and Overcoming Adversity