Nuremberg and Beyond

"Life journeys, by their nature, are unique. Siegfried Ramler's was most special. From his childhood in Vienna to the dangers of Nazi annexation to escape to wartime London via Kindertransport to work as a linguist at the Nuremberg Trials, Siegfried Ramler's life was intertwined with historic events of the 20th century.

Then Hawaiʻi intervened. First in the form of a native daughter of the islands who worked as a court reporter at Nuremberg. That friendship deepened into love, and led to marriage in Paris. A career in Hawaiʻi followed, first in language instruction, and then in international education that focused on the Asia-Pacific region.

Like Hawaiʻi, Siegfried Ramler's life reflects multicultural diversity, outreach, and a healthy regard for mutual understanding and respect."

-U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, Hawaiʻi

"Siegfried Ramler's description of the Nazi Anschluss of Austria, the ravages of Kristallnacht in Vienna, and his experiences through the nightly bombings of London make for captivating reading. That he was subsequently able to turn his talents and experiences into effective international education for so many young people offers testimony to the heart and energy that Ramler has brought to everything he has undertaken. As a war observer, family man, linguist, scholar, international educator, and simultaneous interpreter, Ramler has a life story that chronicles an era and provides excellent reading."

-Justice Richard J. Goldstone
Former Chief Prosecutor of the United Nations
International Criminal Tribunals for Yugoslavia and for Rwanda

"Siegfried Ramler, as the longest serving Nuremberg interpreter, brings a unique and riveting perspective on the Nuremberg Trials and their legacy. In his reflections he describes the Nuremberg atmosphere as the leaders of Nazi Germany were brought to justice, offers profiles of key defendants, and discusses the challenges of simultaneous interpretation pioneered at Nuremberg. Beyond the defining impact of Nuremberg on his life, Siegfried Ramler weaves the thread leading him to his role as an international educator from his base in Hawaiʻi. His memoirs serve not only as an important commentary on a milestone in the history of the 20th century, but also chronicle a remarkable life from his origins in Vienna to his key roles in education in the Asia-Pacific region."

-Benjamin Ferencz
U.S. Prosecutor, Nuremberg Subsequent Proceedings

"Never before in human history has the role of education in fostering international understanding and harmony been so crucial as it is in today's globalized world. Sig Ramler's vision and the remarkable events of his life have led him to anticipate this and to become a pioneering advocate of international education at all levels. The account of the key events in his life journey through wartime London, the Nuremberg trials, the Punahou school in Hawaiʻi and several international networks make for compelling and inspiring reading."

-Victor Ordonez
Senior Fellow, Education Program, East-West Center, Hawaiʻi
Former Director, UNESCO Regional Office for Asia, Bangkok