#170: Holocaust Shadows IV - Survivors, Liberators & Rescuers

63 min • 2 augusti 2025

Many Jews were reluctant first-hand witnesses to Nazi cruelty and suffering. For many Hungarian survivors, often deliberately misled about the truth of Auschwitz's existence, betrayal only added to their pain. Risa Shayowitz - aged a young 95 years old - relays that tragedy, even as she looks only to move forward. An American chaplain in the US Army in April 1945 - Rabbi Hershel Schachter - opened up the gates of Hell. In a little known recording, we hear him describe the piles of bodies, the still warm crematoria and the emaciated Jews he discovered there. His dedication gave life to many. Our duty nowadays is to understand what Exile means and how Tisha B'Av gives us that ability. For further details on the Poland trip 3rd-6th November with Rabbi Hersh & Rabbi Tatz, email: Giana.elav@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jewish Heritage and History

01:50 The Remarkable Life of Riza Indic-Kaufman

04:34 Survival Stories from Auschwitz

11:14 Life in Auschwitz: A Personal Account

19:36 The Impact of Loss and Resilience

25:50 The Role of Liberators: Rabbi Herschel Schachter

30:20 Experiencing Buchenwald: A Chaplain's Perspective

40:53 Rebuilding Lives After Liberation

51:53 The Journey to Switzerland and New Beginnings

01:00:33 Reflections on Suffering and Redemption