This is the kind of memoir that tears at one’s heart. It is the story of bravery, resilience and endurance in Warsaw during World War II. The memoir is published by Author Aviva Hershko, the grandson of Moshe (Mjetek) Bomberg, with the hope that “reading this book will encourage others to ensure that atrocities of this kind will never happen again.”

Aviva Hershko’s grandfather didn’t like to talk about his experiences as most of the survivors of that time chose to do, but he left a recording to his grandchildren for them to understand and honor the resistance of oppressed and abused people.

Thus, the main character who lived through that time and was lucky enough to stay alive is Bomberg and what happened to him both distressed and stunned me.

Born in 1920, Mjetek grew up in Poland and when his family was forcefully put in a ghetto, he went in there after them. He also took an important part in a Zionist underground resistance. Soon, he found himself in Auschwitz, but because he was a good worker, he somehow made his way to work as a blacksmith in a factory. In the camp he came across his brother from whom he learned that their entire family was killed. Where he worked, when a factory-wide accident occurred, a big piece of melted iron fell on him, wounding him very badly, but while his brother was sent to his death, it was the result of that accident, which saved him at the end.

After Auschwitz, Mjetek joined the Polish Security Service where he met his wife Sara, and then found a way to immigrate to Israel through Cyprus.

With all the horrible experiences Mjetek went through, his determination to survive, his work ethic, his morality, and most of all his luck saved him.

This is a poignant experience-story, and although I have read other memoirs like this one and each one of them deeply affected me, Mjetek’s story is an inspiration and his grandson has to be applauded for letting the world to know of it.

reading and learning how low humans can fall or how high they can rise.

sad, angry, and relieved for Mjetek at the end.

is Aviva Hershko and Moshe Mjetek Bomberg.

It brings to light once again what has happened and what can happen if we aren't careful. The story here is indelible and credible; however grief-laden and disturbing at times.

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Created Apr 22, 2019 at 7:07pm • Submit your own review...