Author shares her family’s tragic connection to a Nazi atrocity

Author shares her family’s tragic connection to a Nazi atrocity August 4, 2026By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Books, CR Radio, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview Ilka Knüppel’s book, “Finding Ruth: A Personal Story of Hitler’s Secret Euthanasia Program, Action T4,” recounts the life and tragic death of her great-aunt Ruth Muehlmann, a young woman with a disability who was murdered in 1941 as part of the Nazis’ secret program that systematically killed people with disabilities. (Courtesy Ilka Knüppel) Rita Buettner speaks with Ilka Knüppel, author of “Finding Ruth: A Personal Story of Hitler’s Secret Euthanasia Program, Action T4.” Knüppel recounts the life of her great-aunt Ruth Muehlmann, a young woman with a disability who was murdered in 1941 as part of the Nazis’ secret program that systematically killed people with disabilities. She shares her years-long search through German archives, her visits to the institutions where Ruth lived and died, and the emotional journey of uncovering long-hidden family history. The author also reflects on how her Catholic faith sustained her while researching such profound evil and why remembering these forgotten victims is essential today. This conversation offers a powerful reminder of the dignity of every human person, the importance of confronting history honestly and the responsibility to protect the most vulnerable. Click play below to listen to the full episode. read more cr radio Radio Interview: Faith in times of crisis Radio Interview: Archbishop Lori and Cardinal Dolan discuss Catholics in civic life Radio Interview: The Future of AI and Its Ethical Implications: Insights from an AI expert Radio Interview: Catholicism, religious freedom and the early United States Radio Interview: Vatican journalist Carol Glatz shares insights on Pope Leo and covering the Church from Rome Radio Interview: From father to son Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media Print Radio Interview: Vatican journalist Carol Glatz shares insights on Pope Leo and covering the Church from Rome