Sephardic Mother, Nazi Father: Local Man’s Roots Spark Jewish Journey, AZ Jewish Post

Sephardic Mother, Nazi Father: Local Man’s Roots Spark Jewish Journey, AZ Jewish Post

“That’s the most off-the-wall thing I’ve ever heard.” Helmut Etzel’s mother on her wedding day. Her maiden name was Carmen Marina Rodriguez Perez Arango Mora. (Photo courtesy of Helmut Etzel) That was Helmut Etzel’s initial reaction 25 years ago, when his mother, Marina, a devout Catholic from the mountainous Antioquia region of Colombia, told him, “Mijo, I believe strongly we are from Jewish heritage.” Helmut Etzel’s father, Hildebrand Etzel. (…