Arnon Grunberg

Identical

Issue

On a eulogy – Yehuda Bauer in Haaretz:

‘I realize that it isn't customary for a deceased to eulogize himself. More often than not, his role is to be lying silently, deaf to the praises and veneration.
If he could hear, he would be shocked by the exaggerations and misrepresentations, and blush with shame. It is in the nature of things that deceased people find it hard to blush. Too late. Such is also the case at hand. Taking this important issue into consideration, I have decided to write my own eulogy, clearly realizing that the person most familiar with me is me. This is going to be a long eulogy. What can you do?’

(…)

‘All in all, I have had a good life, nothing to complain about. I was born in Prague, as you may know, to parents who loved each other very much – Uly and Victor Bauer. Since boyhood, I saw my father as more or less my god; it remains so to this day. I look like him, our body language is entirely identical, my voice is his voice. I am just doing an impression of him. I have not achieved his incredible moral stature; more's the pity.’

(…)

‘I have met prime ministers, kings, presidents, I made great speeches, because I had the gift of gab, as is evidenced by this eulogy. I was able to express myself. The honors did tickle my ego, it would be hypocritical to deny it, but the main thing was to promote an understanding of things, including the issue of genocide. I was among the founders of an international group that addressed the issue both theoretically and politically.’

(…)

‘I belong to this people despite the fact that, in principle, I find it hard to belong to any human group that will accept me as a member. But I did not choose to be Jewish, I was born into this business through no fault of my own. The truth is, I have not only made my peace with this, I am even happy about it. If you have to be born into some ethnic group, it's better to be born Jewish. It is a fascinating, annoying, disgusting, exciting, horrific, wonderful people.’

(…)

‘Forgive me this long eulogy, I promise not to write another one. And don't cry – smile a little. It's best to smile, even to laugh, as long as you still can. So give it a try. Peace be unto you.’

Read the article here.

This is one of the best eulogies I’ve read. We should follow Yehuda Bauer’s example, wrie your eulogy.

And even though I’m not a fan of turning the human casino, turning coincidence into a matter of pride, I’m proud to be X instead of Y. But Yehuda Bauer is forgiven.

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