"Nazi Victim" Now Directs Radio Show at Temple

Ran in 1953 in the local Oak Lane Newspaper

A Lynnewood Gardens student who Is on the directing staff of Temple University's FM radio station might come up with a drama script something like this: "A young boy's father is thrown in a Nazi concentration camp prior to World War II. His uncle is burned alive in a camp. The youngster flees with his parents from country to country under a reign of terror."

This story outline rings with resounding truth for Gary Gumpert, of 7629-A Williams Way, whose own life was filled with the identical experiences of horror and terror.

Born in Dusseldorf, Germany, Gumpert's early years were spent in an atmosphere of Nazi tyranny and persecution because of his family's religious faith. Both his uncle and father were thrown into a concentration camp at Auschwitz. His father was lucky and managed to escape the furnaces and the camp in pre-war Germany. Not wishing to tempt fate, the Gumpert family fled Germany and sought refuge in Holland. Later, when the Dutch borders were being threatened to be overrun by the Nazi invaders, following the outbreak of World War II, they came to the United States.

In 1940, the Gumperts settled in Philadelphia. When Gary reached high school, he attended Central High School where he became very active in their radio club. "I became very interested in the field of communication" he said, "so when I was graduated, I chose the school with the best radio and television course in the East - - - Temple University."

Gary is attending Temple now where he is a member of the directing staff of the University's new FM station, WRTI-FM. He is also assistant director of special events.

He directs "Spotlite," a show he originated, which features stars of the entertainment world. Among those who have appeared on Gumpert's program were Victor Borge, Walter Slezak, Del Ennis and Abe Burrows. His show is on the air Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m., at 90.1 on the FM dial.

Despite the brutality which he eyewitnessed, he remains a confirmed idealist. His desire is to improve the television medium which he feels is yet in its infancy. "When I get into the directing field, I want to direct shows that will serve as a sort of creative mirror of life," he stated.

He says the happiest day of his life will come one day this winter when he receives his citizenship papers. Although he legally holds citizenship status because his parents were naturalized in 1945, Gary still wants his own papers.

He lives in Lynnewood Gardens with his mothers, Mrs. May Gumpert and a sister, Eva, 14. His father passed away last year."

Article from the collection of Gary Gumpert