Sometimes a good story requires just a bit of perseverance, and a whole lot of compassion. And maybe just a pinch of luck.

For one determined art lecturer and collector, he needed all three to help artifacts from World War II come full circle back to its rightful owner.

Wesley Leon Aroozoo, from Singapore, started his adventure in 2022 when he purchased a collection of antique stamps, postcards, and articles at an auction. He then discovered an unmarked set of booklets that held a poignant story of two laborers who had been in Nazi Germany.

Driven by his passion for vintage items and a deep appreciation for the history they hold, Aroozoo studied the booklets, and unraveled a tale that spanned continents, miles, decades and a world at war. With meticulous research, he identified the booklets’ owners as two brothers named Wolfgang and Woldamar Scheck. 

Photo courtesy of Wesley Aroozoo

The booklets, primarily used to collect stamps as proof of employment under Nazi rule, also contained immigration papers and other family documents, shedding light on the brothers’ lives.

He was able to piece together parts of their lives  through the 1980s. Woldamar and his family had move to Australia at some point in the 1950s to the 60s, while Wolfgang stayed in Germany.

“I think I’m a bit nuts when it comes to these things,” Aroozoo admitted to reporters at Mothership. “Most people would just look at it and go, ‘oh, that’s kind of cool’ and then keep it or sell it.”

[But] if it was me — if I had interesting family documents from my great-grandfather or something — wouldn’t it be cool if someone gave it back to me?”

Aroozoo’s curiosity and empathy sent him on a mission to reunite these precious artifacts with their rightful descendants. Despite facing numerous dead ends and months of tireless searching, he remained determined. Aroozoo scoured social media platforms, reaching out to individuals with the brothers’ surname Scheck in Australia, where Woldamar had immigrated in the 1950s.

After countless attempts, Aroozoo stumbled upon an Excel spreadsheet that held a breakthrough — a coded reference to Michael Scheck, one of Woldamar’s four children. With excitement, he contacted Queensland Rail, where Michael was employed, hoping to establish a connection. To his astonishment and delight, Aroozoo received a response from Michael, breaking through the barrier of skepticism and paving the way for a heartwarming reunion.

A stamp booklet. Photo courtesy of Wesley Aroozoo

In an interview with reporters at Mothership, Aroozoo expressed his elation, stating, “I was really, really happy because it felt so impossible…so strange.” However, the journey was far from over. He now faced the task of convincing Michael that he was not a scammer but a genuine person with a heartfelt desire to return these cherished heirlooms.

Having experienced a similar challenge in the past, when his documentary was selected for the Busan International Film Festival, Aroozoo understood the importance of building trust. With patience and understanding, he engaged in open communication with Michael, explaining his intentions and assuaging any doubts. Eventually, the bond of trust was established, leading to a poignant meeting between Aroozoo and his wife, and Michael in Brisbane, Australia.

Reflecting on the experience, Aroozoo said, “From that stage [of the search], it became a different battle, it became about convincing the person that I am not a crazy person.” The apprehensions melted away as Michael witnessed the genuine compassion and sincerity of Aroozoo and his wife.

Wesley, center, with his wife, right, and Scheck, at left. Photo courtesy of Wesley Aroozoo

“Once he saw me and my wife — my wife is a lot friendlier-looking — he knew, ‘Oh, okay, everything’s fine,'” Aroozoo said.

The reunion was a lovely culmination of Aroozoo’s determination and the power of human connection. He was able to hand over the long-lost artifacts, symbols of a family’s journey, to Michael, bridging the gap of time and distance. 

“I hope my journey serves as a reminder that we are all connected,” Aroozoo said. Sometimes all we have to do is to reach out.”

For more of the heartwarming story, watch below.

Sources: Good News Network | Mothership