About this episode
On August 4, 1869, a Jewish baby girl named Josie became Alaska’s first pioneer daughter. Josephine Rudolph was born in Sitka, Alaska to German immigrants, and returned to Germany when she was 6 years old. Seven decades later, her American birth saved her life when the Nazis came to power. Josie’s story takes us from the muddy frontier town of Sitka to Hitler youth parades in Nazi Germany and finally to postwar New York, where her family tried to find their place. It's a remarkable tale of the survival of one Jewish woman and her family, but it's also part of a much bigger story—about antisemitism, refugees, and settlement, about who belongs, and where. First we'll hear from Tom Kizzia, the journalist who reported Josie's story , and then from Susie Hoffman and Amy Weiss, Josie's great-granddaughters. You can find Can We Talk? on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or your favorite podcast app. We're also on YouTube ! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode. Love Can We Talk? Please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. You can also drop us a line and let us know what you think or suggest ideas for future episodes. We just might read your email on the air! Want even more Can We Talk? Sign up for our monthly newsletter.