Our Stories
Cherny, Rudi & Sylvia
$25.00
Peter Cherny watched as both his parents, Rudi and Sylvia (née Mahler), wrote their life stories in their later years. His mother’s history, Sylvia’s Story, was published by Makor in 2004. His father’s story was still a manuscript at that time.
Peter set to work to bring them both to life, adding details and more photographs. The result is a comprehensive family history.
The Chernys came from Germany, the Mahlers from Austria. Both were well-established families. When the Nazis came, Sylvia’s father suicided in despair. His children were rescued by a Kindertransport and educated in France, before making their way to Melbourne to be reunited with their mother, who had remarried.
Rudi Cherny formed a partnership with his friend, John Altmann, and sold the famous Australian gemstone, opal, all around the world, including special pieces for many crowned heads. The story of how he grew up in Germany and established Altmann & Cherny as an exclusive business that continues to this day is captivating.
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