My grandparents, Samuel and Ruth Gilbert, 1948: Their story is one of resilience and strong survival instincts.

The cover of the Hamilton Jewish Life magazine: My great-great grandfather, Jacob Goldblatt, mere months before his death, was still active in his community, heading the Hamilton 1943 UJA campaign.

My great grandparents, Jack and Rose Shapiro: Jack was a proud man and the inspiration for the book’s title.

My great-great grandfather, Rabbi Samuel Levine: He proudly took part in the dedication of the new JCC on Delaware Avenue in 1950 in his role as the chief rabbi of Hamilton.

My great grandparents George and Jessie Goldblatt and family at the dedication of Beth Jacob’s George Goldblatt Hebrew school, 1970. This was a rare moment in the spotlight for George, as most of his donations were anonymous.

My great-great grandparents Herschel and Yetta Shapiro: My mom was fortunate to spend time with her great grandmother, Yetta, who lived until she was 94 years old.