Diane Haft

The show “Welcome Back, Kotter,” which aired from 1975 to 1999, was known for its diverse cast and humorous take on social issues. In my conversation with Diane Haft, she recalled that each time the character Juan Epstein appeared on the show, the live studio audience erupted with laughter. Growing up, Diane Haft was puzzled by the laughter from the audience whenever Juan Epstein appeared. To the rest of the world, Juan Epstein’s name was a punchline, but to Diane and her brother, it was familiar. "We would look at each other and say, 'What is so funny about that?'" Diane recalls. "We grew up with our father's name being Juan Lowenstein. To us, it wasn't unique. It was normal."

This anecdote perfectly encapsulated Diane's unique perspective as a child of Holocaust survivors—a life where family history colored every experience.

Early Life

Diane Helene Lowenstein Haft was born on May 29th, 1959, in Inwood, bordering Washington Heights. Her parents, Hans and Ruth Lowenstein, were Holocaust survivors who had rebuilt their lives in America. Growing up in an Orthodox Jewish home, Diane's childhood was shaped by her parents' experiences and their determination to maintain Jewish traditions.

Her father, Hans (later known as Juan), had escaped Nazi Germany as a teenager and found refuge in Argentina before eventually settling in New York. This explained his name, Juan Hans Lowenstein, serving as a testament to his journey across continents. Her mother, Ruth, had survived Kristallnacht and carried the trauma of those experiences throughout her life. Diane remembers her mother's heightened, startled response to broken glass and her compulsive checking of the stove, serving as subtle reminders of a past that her parents rarely spoke about directly.

Despite these hardships, Diane's parents created a loving home filled with Jewish customs and family gatherings. As a child, Diane attended Hebrew school and synagogue regularly. Her father worked long hours as a butcher, often the equivalent of two shifts, but always made time for his family on weekends. Her mother, a skilled dressmaker who had trained at the High School for Needle Trades, filled their home with handmade clothes and creative projects.

Diane's childhood memories are full of moments of warmth: her father blow-drying her hair with a kid's hair dryer, helping with art projects, and taking weekend walks in the park. She remembers her mother and grandmother sitting together, knitting and crocheting Barbie clothes, their hands quickly hiding behind their backs when she unexpectedly entered the room – a charming attempt to keep Hanukkah gifts a surprise.

Threads of Wisdom

One of the most profound lessons Diane learned from her parents was the importance of education. Her father, who had never completed high school due to the circumstances in Germany, placed immense value on academic achievement. "He would always say he didn't know where I came from," Diane recalls, referring to her academic aptitude. This emphasis on learning led Diane to excel in school and ultimately pursue a successful 42-year career with IBM.

Another crucial thread of wisdom that Diane carries with her is the significance of family bonds. Her parents' example of creating a loving, supportive home despite their traumatic past has inspired Diane to foster the same environment for her own children. She and her husband have worked hard to maintain strong family connections, ensuring their daughters grew up with a deep appreciation for their Jewish heritage and the importance of family ties.

Diane also learned the value of resilience from her parents. Despite the hardships they had faced, they rebuilt their lives, maintained their faith, and created opportunities for their children. This resilience is reflected in Diane's own life as she navigated challenges and built a successful career and family.

The importance of preserving Jewish traditions was another key lesson. Diane and her husband have continued many of the practices she grew up with, such as regular synagogue attendance and Shabbat dinners. They've also made efforts to educate their children about the Holocaust, encouraging participation in programs like the March of the Living.

Reflections

Looking back on her life, Diane expresses deep gratitude for the loving family she grew up in and the one she has created with her husband. She recognizes the profound impact her parents' experiences had on shaping her values and worldview.

Diane reflects on the importance of preserving and passing down family history. She has made efforts to share her parents' stories with her own children, ensuring that the experiences of Holocaust survivors are not forgotten. This commitment to memory and continuity is evident in her support of her daughters' involvement in Jewish community activities and programs like Birthright.

As she enters retirement, Diane's focus remains on family and community. She dreams of becoming a grandmother and continuing to support Jewish causes. Her advice to younger generations emphasizes the importance of building real-world relationships alongside digital connections and not getting too caught up in "sweating the small stuff."

"I want my family to remember me in a very positive, supportive way," Diane says when asked about her desired legacy. "And remember where we've all come from." It's clear that for Diane, her family history and memories shape her identity and her hopes for future generations.

Diane's story is not just about survival but also thriving. It's about taking the difficult legacy of the Holocaust and transforming it into a life filled with love, achievement, and a deep commitment to family and tradition. As she continues to share her story, Diane adds her own thread to the tapestry of Jewish history, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform and inspire the future.

Painting of Juan Lowenstein’s childhood house.