A Flight Into History | Retracing Goldie’s Legacy
The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
As the plane ascended, piercing through the clouds, I felt a shift—not just in altitude, but in perspective. From my window seat, I moved between preparing for my first interview, jotting notes on my laptop, and listening to old recordings of my grandfather and me discussing his Goldie years. His voice flowed steadily through my headphones, each word carrying a deeper weight at 30,000 feet. Occasionally, I’d pause, gazing out at the endless sky, letting the magnitude of the journey ahead settle in.
In his final years, I clung to every moment with my grandfather, capturing his stories, his laughter, his wisdom. Even now, long after his passing, his narrative continues to guide me – in my research, in my dreams, and now, through this documentary. But here, flying through the skies that once held his P-38 Lightning, the connection felt profound. Though my flight was from California to Louisiana, and his missions spanned European skies, I couldn’t help but imagine him navigating through these endless horizons. Perhaps, in some way, all skies are connected – places of boundless possibility, and arenas of courage.
Upon arriving in New Orleans, I was greeted with warmth and generosity at a dinner hosted by Lieutenant Colonel Carol Berman and members of the Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community. The evening unfolded as a tapestry of stories, rich with themes of shared traditions, resilience, and identity. Over a shared meal, I felt instantly comfortable and embraced, discovering parallels between my San Francisco Jewish community and this one. Personal stories and cherished memories intertwined, bridging our experiences. The conversations were heartfelt, the connections profound, and the sense of unity unforgettable.
The next morning, I arrived at the National WWII Museum, meeting our full team for the first time and stepping into a moment that was both deeply emotional and quietly nerve-wracking. Excitement and gratitude swirled with the weight of responsibility—I wanted to do justice to this story, to my team, and to the man whose legacy brought us here. Walking into the U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center felt like entering a sacred space. I took a steadying breath, ready to lean into the moment and give voice to his legacy.
As I stepped onto the sky bridge, images of the P-38 Lightning glowed across massive screens, while above me, the legendary aircraft—the B-17 Flying Fortress, the P-51 Mustang, and the B-25 Mitchell—hung like silent guardians. Their presence, heavy with history, stirred something deep within me. Memories, both shared and newly unearthed, intertwined, intensifying the weight of the moment.
High above the pavilion, feeling untethered, I found steady footing in the presence of an extraordinary team. Their kindness and professionalism made all the difference—thoughtful in their questions, patient in their process, and deeply attuned to the weight of the story we were telling. They honored my grandfather not just in their work, but in the quiet, unspoken gestures—the way they listened with care, the respect woven into every interaction, the tissues they had ready before I even realized I needed them. Their presence didn’t just preserve his legacy; it ensured that every step of this journey was held with the love, reverence, and integrity it deserves.
Following my interview, I had the opportunity to explore many of the museum’s incredible exhibits. The level of detail was unparalleled—I’ve never experienced a museum quite like this. While the subjects were often challenging, there was undeniable beauty in the storytelling, each display crafted with deep care and respect.
As my flight home descended, I felt the full weight of the story we’re creating. Jewboy vs. Luftwaffe isn’t just a war documentary—it’s a testament to legacy, identity, and the threads of courage that connect us all. It’s about finding pride in who you are, even when the world challenges you to hide. My grandfather’s voice still echoes in my mind: “Onward!” This is just the beginning, but already, I see how it’s shaping me—teaching me not just how to tell his story, but how to honor the values that defined him. His legacy isn’t just an inspiration; it’s a torch that lights the path forward. And I intend to carry it.
