American actress, Scarlett Johansson, is scheduled to appear on the television show "Finding Your Roots" on PBS. Teasers of the upcoming episode has already been released, and it shows a very emotional Johansson speaking about her family's past during World War II, wherein they were subject to the tragedy and violence of a war torn Poland in the time of the Nazi occupation.
In a report by People, Johansson discussed the previous generation in her family, particularly, from her mother's side. The 32-year-old actress found out what happened to them in Europe during World War II, and is moved to tears when she learns of the violent fate of her Jewish great-grandfather's brother and his family who had died in the Warsaw Ghetto. Her great-grandfather was able to flee from the chaos, and was a grocer in New York City.
This story is rather common among those whose lineage can be traced back to Europe — especially since World War II is a period wherein the most heinous crimes against humanity were committed. The Jewish people received the shortest end of the stick, being the primary target of the Nazis at that time.
According to New York Daily News, Johansson tried her best to keep her tears from falling, and even told the host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., that "I promised myself I wouldn't cry. But it's hard not to." Johansson could picture the terrible situation that her great-grandfather's brother and his family had been through, leading up to the events of their sad and tragic demise. Meanwhile, her own great-grandfather was safe in the U.S.
The Warsaw Ghetto was the largest Jewish Ghetto that was occupied in World War II by the Nazis. Given that, it was one of the most oppressed among all the Ghettos in that time. According to Express, Johansson has felt a much "deeper connection" with regard to her roots after discovering what her great-grandfather went through. Johansson now has a newfound respect for her ancestors.
"Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr." will air on Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT on PBS.
