HANA CONNECTS THE WORLD
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Jasmine Taylor
Photography
Nove Mesto
CANADA
After the war, George left Czechoslovakia because of the Communist takeover, eventually making his way to Canada on the refugee boat, Goya II on January 3rd, 1951. He made his way to Toronto where he had distant relatives. Two years later, George and Terezin survivor Joe Seidner met by pure coincidence in the aisle of a plumbing supply shop and together founded a successful plumbing business; Brady & Seidner Associates Ltd.
In 1968, after the Russians occupied Czechoslovakia, George helped dozens of Czech refugees find jobs and start new lives in Canada. In 1989, after the Velvet Revolution, George spearheaded a fundraiser to support a Czech democratic newspaper. Shortly thereafter, he became one of the founding members of the Canadian Czech Chamber of Commerce. George was also a supporter of the Canadian Opera, St Lawrence Theatre, Weizmann Institute of Science and Toronto Symphony Orchestra among many others.
George was determined to lead an active retirement and this was amplified by the arrival of Fumiko’s letter in 2000. A suitcase, which has found its way around the world, all the way to Japan where it is used to teach children about tolerance and respect for each other.
Blessed with 4 children (or as he would say, 3 kids and a girl) he pursued life with great vigour. World renowned for his tenacity and generosity, for George there were no problems, only challenges for which he would always find solutions. He helped hundreds of new and old Canadians find jobs, homes, and pursue their dreams.
JAPAN
Although the Brady family likes to joke that Fumiko’s biggest adventure started in 2000 when she wrote to George about Hana’s suitcase - she has led a remarkable life before us! After finishing an MA in Development Studies at Leeds University in England in 1995, Fumiko Ishioka worked briefly at a Japanese NGO for international cooperation when her life took a sharp turn. In 1997, Fumiko met a group of people who were starting a Holocaust Center and her interest in human rights issues and education led her to join them; The Tokyo Holocaust Education Resource Center. Aimed at teaching young students tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion; Fumiko fit right in and took over as Executive director in 1998.
Through Fumiko’s tenacity and hard work, she managed to discover the story behind the owner of a plain old suitcase loaned to her by the Auschwitz Museum. Her quest led her to Canada and the surviving brother of Hana Brady, the owner of the suitcase. Fumiko’s work has spurred the imagination of millions of children around the world and she was granted an honorary PhD in Education by York University in Toronto. Fumiko now travels the world speaking to children and adults alike about the need to learn from our past and present, encouraging children to become active citizens in changing and shaping their future. She is a frequent guest lecturer, leads Europe based programs for Japanese teachers and students and in tandem with her work with Hana - runs programs about Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara and the Jewish refugees escaping through Japan, and Germany’s Culture of Remembrance.
For information on the Tokyo Holocaust Education Resource Center
The Global Reach of Hana’s Suitcase
The journey began with a correspondence between Fumiko in Tokyo and the Brady family in 2000. Recognizing the profound nature of their exchange, George shared Fumiko’s letters with Paul Lungen of The Canadian Jewish News. Paul’s subsequent article caught the attention of award-winning CBC producer Karen Levine.
Captivated by the narrative, Karen produced a radio documentary for The Sunday Edition. The production serendipitously coincided with Fumiko’s first visit to Canada, allowing her and George to share their journey with a national audience. The broadcast resonated so deeply that publisher Margie Wolfe of Second Story Press encouraged Levine to adapt the documentary into a children’s book. The book can be purchased here
The resulting book, Hana’s Suitcase, has since become a cornerstone of Holocaust education worldwide, translated into over 40 languages. Its impact has expanded far beyond the page, inspiring:
- Distinct Theatrical Adaptations: The story inspired two major, separate stage productions. Renowned playwright Emil Sher adapted the book into a powerful English-language play performed globally. Separately, a Japanese touring company created its own unique staging, bringing the story to life for audiences across Japan.
- Acclaimed Film & Media: The narrative has been immortalized by legendary storytellers. This includes Joe Schlesinger’s moving 2002 CBC television documentary, Hana’s Suitcase (produced for The National), and the work of Larry Weinstein and Thomas Wallner, whose acclaimed 2009 docu-drama, Inside Hana's Suitcase, blended history with cinematic re-enactments.
- Digital Evolution: The original interactive website—developed with the expertise of Thomas Wallner and his team to engage students online—is currently being reimagined and updated into a new developing project: "The Dialogue Room." This evolution ensures the story remains a dynamic, conversational resource for modern learners.
Karen Levine spent years touring and sharing this story with Margie Wolfe's guidance, alongside a dedicated circle of partners who have utilized every medium to ensure Hana’s legacy reaches new generations.
Today, we remain committed partners in the mission to teach empathy and history through Hana’s enduring legacy.
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