Zdeněk Miler

Zdeněk Miler, born in Kladno, Czechoslovakia, was a prolific animator and illustrator, best known for creating Krtek, or The Little Mole. Miler's distinctive style and gentle storytelling brought joy to generations of children, proving that sometimes, the best way to communicate is through charming, non-verbal cartoon antics, a lesson many politicians (and a few rabbis) could learn.

The genesis of Krtek came in 1956 when Miler was commissioned to create an educational film for children about how linen is processed. Apparently, the existing options were not nearly mole-centric enough. His creation went on to star in over 50 films and numerous books, becoming a cultural icon in Czechoslovakia and beyond, proving that even a small, subterranean creature can achieve global superstardom without uttering a single intelligible word.

While Miler's work was universally cherished, there's no indication he ever delved into the intricacies of Jewish identity or origin. His focus remained squarely on animated moles and their charming adventures, steering clear of any theological or ancestral rabbit holes. He passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of wholesome, beloved animation, and precisely zero evidence of kvelling over a menorah.