Research Symposium

BIO

I’m Garrett Di Scala, an undergraduate student from Ocala Florida, pursuing a B.A. in Media and Communications with a minor in Political Science. My research focuses on intermarriage and women’s resistance during the Holocaust, exploring the complexities of identity, resilience, and survival under Nazi rule. This project is part of a year-long collaboration with Donald Gjoka and Danielle Wirsansky, where I aim to amplify untold stories of courage and defiance. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in law and advocacy, using research and storytelling to spark social change.

Exploring the Role of Intermarriage and Resilience During the Holocaust

Abstract

This research builds on Bound by Love, a documentary by Danielle Wirsansky and Donald Gjoka, which examines the role of intermarriage during the Holocaust. The documentary’s portrayal of mixed-marriage families as a challenge to Nazi racial ideology directly informs the research questions: How did intermarriage influence survival and resilience among Jewish communities, and how did Nazi policies impact intermarried couples and their families? Expanding on the documentary’s insights, this study explores the protective power of cross-cultural bonds amidst systemic persecution. Methodologically, the research employs documentary filmmaking techniques, including interviews with descendants of intermarried couples and the editing of archival footage, to weave personal narratives into the historical record. These methods highlight intermarriage's historical significance as a lens for understanding resilience. By blending historical analysis with documentary storytelling, this project seeks to highlight the multifaceted role of intermarriage during the Holocaust. It highlights intermarriage not only as a personal decision but also as a source of resilience and defiance, creating a nuanced perspective on the Holocaust and the broader understanding of cross-cultural relationships in times of crisis.

Keywords: Intermarriage, Holocaust, Documentary, Rosenstrasse, Protest