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Trapped in Hitler's Hell: A Young Jewish Girl Discovers the Messiah's Faithfulness in the Midst of the Holocaust
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge until these calamities be overpast."" (Psalm 57:1)Anita Dittman was just a little girl when the winds of Nazism and Hitler's coming Holocaust began to blow through Germany.
Raised by her Jewish mother, she came to believe that Jesus was her Messiah at eight years old. By the time she was ten, the war had begun.
"Suddenly Hella was racing down the street to meet me as I entered our block, panic and fear written all over her face. Her body shook visibly, and her face was contorted because she was about to break into tears. Curious people stared at Hella, but they kept moving, afraid to get involved. I sensed even before she spoke that disaster had struck our home. 'Mother's been taken!' she gasped.""
Trapped in Hitler's Hell is the true account of Holocaust horror but also of God's miraculous mercy on a young girl who spent her teenage years desperately fighting for survival yet learning to trust in the One she had come to love.
In this inspirational story Anita tells her tale of miraculously survival during the terror of Hitler's reign when she was becoming a teen. First, her mother was picked up by the Gestapo and sent to a concentration camp--then Anita. God protected her during forced labor in a concentration camp and He made a way for her to escape and be reunited with her mother.
Raised by her Jewish mother, she came to believe that Jesus was her Messiah at eight years old. By the time she was ten, the war had begun.
"Suddenly Hella was racing down the street to meet me as I entered our block, panic and fear written all over her face. Her body shook visibly, and her face was contorted because she was about to break into tears. Curious people stared at Hella, but they kept moving, afraid to get involved. I sensed even before she spoke that disaster had struck our home. 'Mother's been taken!' she gasped.""
Trapped in Hitler's Hell is the true account of Holocaust horror but also of God's miraculous mercy on a young girl who spent her teenage years desperately fighting for survival yet learning to trust in the One she had come to love.
In this inspirational story Anita tells her tale of miraculously survival during the terror of Hitler's reign when she was becoming a teen. First, her mother was picked up by the Gestapo and sent to a concentration camp--then Anita. God protected her during forced labor in a concentration camp and He made a way for her to escape and be reunited with her mother.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1985
79 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
January 17, 2016
I am a daughter of Holocaust survivors and a Holocaust researcher myself. I read and translated thousands of books/ documents/ testimonies, etc. I have never read a Holocaust memoir that invoked any negative feelings towards the author, until I read this book. Anita Dittman is a brainwashed zealot, a fanatic fool, arrogant, rude and insensitive. She regards the Jewish prisoners (who suffered far worst atrocities than she did) as "unbelievers" whose only friend was death, while she had Jesus by her side. Well, it may surprise her to realize that the majority of Jews were religious people. However, in this idiot's mind they were devoid of any spirituality because unlike her, they remained faithful to their religion.
The book contains many historical inaccuracies, made-up stories and flat lies.
Her obnoxious religious preaching is insensitive and disrespectful ( her friend, Joachim is a religious Jewish boy who accept her the way she is, but she pesters him "to see the light and accept Jesus into his life". When Joachim is taken away by the Nazis along with his family, she regrets not being able to convert him. He was "unsaved".
There are plenty of holocaust memoirs and diaries. Some written better than other, and each one of them is worthy of reading. I cannot say the same about this book.
.
The book contains many historical inaccuracies, made-up stories and flat lies.
Her obnoxious religious preaching is insensitive and disrespectful ( her friend, Joachim is a religious Jewish boy who accept her the way she is, but she pesters him "to see the light and accept Jesus into his life". When Joachim is taken away by the Nazis along with his family, she regrets not being able to convert him. He was "unsaved".
There are plenty of holocaust memoirs and diaries. Some written better than other, and each one of them is worthy of reading. I cannot say the same about this book.
.
Read
May 29, 2008My goodness what a marvelous book! It inspired me so much to desire and feel the necessity of building a strong relationship with God. There are going to be times in the future that will be just as faith trying as Anita Dittmans trying experiences, and yet she learned that her father in Heaven will never abandone any of his children, he desires that we come unto him and endure with help the adversities that we will be called upon to endure, and yet we have absolutely no need to fear for the Lord is in charge even in the most absurd circumstances as Anita witnessed in her life living in Hitlers germany, God is in charge.
The evil that surrounded Anita was indeed great and frightening, but the Lord's power is greater and He is the one that we may have faith in to guide us through these perealous times of trouble and gloom, I find so much comfort and joy in knowing with every substance of my being, that he id my father and he desires to lead and guide me and give me all the joy that there is to possess.
I love this book and wholeheartedly reccomend it to anyone who desires to witness with anita, God's hand in every moment of her life and ours.
The evil that surrounded Anita was indeed great and frightening, but the Lord's power is greater and He is the one that we may have faith in to guide us through these perealous times of trouble and gloom, I find so much comfort and joy in knowing with every substance of my being, that he id my father and he desires to lead and guide me and give me all the joy that there is to possess.
I love this book and wholeheartedly reccomend it to anyone who desires to witness with anita, God's hand in every moment of her life and ours.
October 24, 2016
A story of survival under circumstances and situations that would kill most of us! Ms Dittman survived atrocities that should never have occurred in any society, especially one that was considered educated and civilized. Her incredible faith fortified her through all of it. A lesson we all should learn.
November 14, 2016
What an excellent, easy to read book, that gripped me from the very beginning. As one reads, you'll observe as this young gal takes a very very simple, child-like faith in Christ, and survives the horrendous years of Nazi brutality. The book will challenge you in your own faith, will encourage you in your own faith, and will help you to see an example of God caring for and watching over one of His children as they spent years trapped in Hitler's hell. The book also serves as an exposure of the staggering hellish human nature of those who misuse religion, who fail to see all humans as created in the image of God, and who put nationalism above the value of human life. This book lands in my highly recommended read list. I believe you will NOT be disappointed.
April 4, 2020
I muddled through the first half of the book. The dialogue at times seemed contrived and less than authentic. But the events of Anita’s life are compelling to read. Her faith in Jesus remained with her in many heartbreaking circumstances. I read some of the negative reviews. Anita is an evangelical Christian to be sure, and as such her passion is that all people, Gentile and Jew, would call Jesus their savior. But her love for all people, and her esteem of the Jewish people in particular, is pervasive throughout the book. I am glad that I persisted to finish the book.
January 20, 2016
My version, unlike the one pictures above shows a beautiful and serene photograph of the entrance of Auschwitz. This story however has nothing to do with Auschwitz. Yes, it's a story about The Holocaust, but the main character and narrator spent her time in an obscure labor camp, not the infamous extermination center. And the other concentration camp that was discussed at length was Theresienstadt, located in present day Czech Republic.
But incongruous cover design aside, the book was lovely and heartfelt. It wasn't super well written, but it was more about one girl's plight than it was about making beautiful literature. The only other complaint I have was the tone. The author was a Jewish Christian and made too much of the book about her quest to accept Jesus and her zeal to spread the word. I myself am Christian, and even served a two year proselytizing mission...but when I pick up a book about Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, I'm not really looking for summer-camp enthusiasm about "coming to Jesus."
Alas, that was her journey, and I respect her for it.
But incongruous cover design aside, the book was lovely and heartfelt. It wasn't super well written, but it was more about one girl's plight than it was about making beautiful literature. The only other complaint I have was the tone. The author was a Jewish Christian and made too much of the book about her quest to accept Jesus and her zeal to spread the word. I myself am Christian, and even served a two year proselytizing mission...but when I pick up a book about Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, I'm not really looking for summer-camp enthusiasm about "coming to Jesus."
Alas, that was her journey, and I respect her for it.
February 8, 2016
She tells with frightening clarity how evil can overtake a nation. As a child she didn't understand what was happening, but she felt the slights and persecution. Desperate for love and peace she found it in Jesus. Through ghettos and labor camps her faith sustains her. She writes with no hate for anyone.
November 24, 2016
I was fortunate enough to see Anita Dittman speak in person through my work. I immediately bought a copy of her book. The events of 60+ years ago move her to tears today and her passion and deep faith shine through in her writing and in her speech. She is convinced the hand of God is on her. Amazing woman.
December 22, 2023
Autobiography of Anita Dittman who was a young German Jewish girl when Hitler took over Germany. She experienced the hatred of the Jews even by people who had once been friends. She also experienced the atrocities of a concentration camp.
Excellent writing and narration.
Excellent writing and narration.
May 20, 2015
A new perspective to read of a woman's journey through the holocaust
I enjoyed this book because it was written from a Christian Jewish perspective. This woman was Jewish but believed I. Jesus as her Messiah. Rather than blaming God for the holocaust she places the blame squarely where it belongs....Satan. often when talking to Jews about Jesus they bring up the holocaust and use that as a reason to not become a believer in Christ. However this book details the life of Anita who not only survived the war's horrors but does so with her faith renewed, and intact.
There are many who do wrong and claim the name of Christ, and shame on them...but there are also many who are truly believers and were instrumental in saving countless Jewish lives.
It's not just a book about the deliverance of the Jews at the war's end, it's a book about the deliverance of us all from the bondage of sin through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. For that alone is true freedom.
I enjoyed this book because it was written from a Christian Jewish perspective. This woman was Jewish but believed I. Jesus as her Messiah. Rather than blaming God for the holocaust she places the blame squarely where it belongs....Satan. often when talking to Jews about Jesus they bring up the holocaust and use that as a reason to not become a believer in Christ. However this book details the life of Anita who not only survived the war's horrors but does so with her faith renewed, and intact.
There are many who do wrong and claim the name of Christ, and shame on them...but there are also many who are truly believers and were instrumental in saving countless Jewish lives.
It's not just a book about the deliverance of the Jews at the war's end, it's a book about the deliverance of us all from the bondage of sin through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. For that alone is true freedom.
April 4, 2014
This was such a good book. The autobiography of Anita Dittman, a half-Jewish girl growing up in Germany during the years of the Third Reich. *review coming soon*
August 13, 2021
Great book detailing God's faithfulness.
February 13, 2022
Hope for our times.
A message of hope in a world that seems to be taking the path taken in the 1930's by Germany. May we find the strength and faith of the author of this book in Christ and avoid the mistakes of the past!
A message of hope in a world that seems to be taking the path taken in the 1930's by Germany. May we find the strength and faith of the author of this book in Christ and avoid the mistakes of the past!
May 18, 2015
I've watned to read this book for some time. My obsession with World War II is no secret to anyone who knows me. I don't know why I like reading about it, but I do--even when I was little enough that it gave me nightmares, I still loved to learn about it.
This book I first heard about several years ago, while reading a book by Wendy Lawton, entitled Shadow of His Hand. It was a part of a series I liked called Daughters of Faith. I was intrigued by Anita's story and wanted to read more about it. So I flipped to the back of the book and took a look at the references. Trapped in Hitler's Hell was listed there.
I was wary of reading it for a few years (even though I very much wanted to), because the title 'Trapped in Hitler's Hell' made it seem like it would, perhaps, be a book that was very explicit in any details it gave of Anita's sufferings. I was right to worry--I won't give anything away, I will only say, this is not a children's book. Nor is it a book that I will read again soon, much as I loved it.
I did appreciate that through out the book, Anita stressed God's protection and grace in all her trials. Yes, she told details that are not for children and that I could have perhaps done without. Yes, she told her entire story and didn't sugar coat any of it. But she did so in such a way, praising God for His mercy at every turn--even when she was starving and sick--that I couldn't help but love her testimony.
This book I first heard about several years ago, while reading a book by Wendy Lawton, entitled Shadow of His Hand. It was a part of a series I liked called Daughters of Faith. I was intrigued by Anita's story and wanted to read more about it. So I flipped to the back of the book and took a look at the references. Trapped in Hitler's Hell was listed there.
I was wary of reading it for a few years (even though I very much wanted to), because the title 'Trapped in Hitler's Hell' made it seem like it would, perhaps, be a book that was very explicit in any details it gave of Anita's sufferings. I was right to worry--I won't give anything away, I will only say, this is not a children's book. Nor is it a book that I will read again soon, much as I loved it.
I did appreciate that through out the book, Anita stressed God's protection and grace in all her trials. Yes, she told details that are not for children and that I could have perhaps done without. Yes, she told her entire story and didn't sugar coat any of it. But she did so in such a way, praising God for His mercy at every turn--even when she was starving and sick--that I couldn't help but love her testimony.
July 22, 2017
Biography Worth the read!
I have listened to Anita Dittman speak a couple of times over the years. What an amazing woman she is, with a powerful testimony of God's lovingkindness in her life.
My favorite quote:
If you like The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom, you will like this book. Younger readers may like this one even more, since Anita grew up during the war, being liberated from the concentration camp at the age of 18 or 19.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is that, although it is definitely inspirational, it didn't grab ahold of me emotionally as much as Corrie Ten Boom's story. The Hiding Place, I found to be unforgettable. This book, I remember just pieces of.
This book is clean in terms of language and intimacy. I would consider it appropriate for high schoolers and above.
I have listened to Anita Dittman speak a couple of times over the years. What an amazing woman she is, with a powerful testimony of God's lovingkindness in her life.
My favorite quote:
God's people do not need to fear. God delivers. And if He does not deliver, He sustains. And if He does not sustain, He receives us into His everlasting arms - for He is sovereign! God be praised.Ms. Dittman is still alive, and it is well worth the effort to track down one of her radio interviews.
If you like The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom, you will like this book. Younger readers may like this one even more, since Anita grew up during the war, being liberated from the concentration camp at the age of 18 or 19.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is that, although it is definitely inspirational, it didn't grab ahold of me emotionally as much as Corrie Ten Boom's story. The Hiding Place, I found to be unforgettable. This book, I remember just pieces of.
This book is clean in terms of language and intimacy. I would consider it appropriate for high schoolers and above.
December 12, 2021
Words are not adequate to describe the horror of persecution wrought by Hitlers sadistic evil twisted sick mind and those that followed him. And even today, there are those that doubt the holocaust, while planning another in their heart. This book is a blessing that does not condemn or judge, but instead offers the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to all whom honestly seek him. All are welcome into God's kingdom. Ms. Dittman's courage and love for the Lord began at an early age, and strengthened her thru the most horrible of ordeals. God still works miracles. One must only open your eyes and heart to enjoy them.
March 22, 2020
I personally really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. I am a big non-fiction fan and I also find WW2 and the holocaust really intriguing. I read Anne Frank's diary and Trapped in Hitler's Hell was really similar but was also very different. They were both jewish girls during the holocaust, but they experienced very different situations, which I find so unique. If you are debating about reading this book, I think you should, because I loved it!
October 10, 2017
More than a WWII biography, this book is the testimony of a young girl that presses closer and closer to God as friends and family betrayed her, hurt her, and her own nation taunted and tormented her. It is full of many beautiful examples of how she and her mother were miraculously protected during a time when none should have survived.
September 15, 2020
just finished this book it took me a while but i loved it! it has such a great story i honestly wish i could meet Anita she is such a strong and amazing woman! After finishing i googled her, and tried to learn as much as possible about her! i do wish the book shared a bit more about her life after the war though, but that was the only downside about reading this amazing book!
August 31, 2018
Inspiring First Hand Account of Hitler’s Nazi Germany From an Unusual Perspective
What makes this account unique is that it is written from the perspective of a young Jewish female who had accepted Jesus as her savior. Persecuted as a Jew she and her mother (in the same religious space - Christian Jew) survived the horrors of Nazi Germany under Hitler’s reign of terror.
There is a sense of forgiveness rather than bitterness permeating the writers life which she carried throughout her persecution at the hands of the SS and Nazis. It produces an unexpected strain of kindness to what could easily have been an angry tirade at the injustice of the dehumanizing treatment at the hand of abjectly ignorant people.
Inspiring read for Christian believers but a story of inhumanity made more acceptable because it wasn’t filled with a desire to punish the persecutors but rather to relate the details of a tale of man’s inhumanity to man.
A cautionary tale of how evil human beings can get when their minds are warped with hatred towards a concocted enemy. Reminds me of the Antifa and Millennial attitudes towards our current President and the danger of such an unforgiving tunnel vision mindset.
In all, a page turner that was an engaging read made worthwhile by the lessons wrapped into a story of high level prejudice made national. Will capture your interest and reveal some needed lessons as you share Anita’s story of the terror of deep seated evil when you are the target.
What makes this account unique is that it is written from the perspective of a young Jewish female who had accepted Jesus as her savior. Persecuted as a Jew she and her mother (in the same religious space - Christian Jew) survived the horrors of Nazi Germany under Hitler’s reign of terror.
There is a sense of forgiveness rather than bitterness permeating the writers life which she carried throughout her persecution at the hands of the SS and Nazis. It produces an unexpected strain of kindness to what could easily have been an angry tirade at the injustice of the dehumanizing treatment at the hand of abjectly ignorant people.
Inspiring read for Christian believers but a story of inhumanity made more acceptable because it wasn’t filled with a desire to punish the persecutors but rather to relate the details of a tale of man’s inhumanity to man.
A cautionary tale of how evil human beings can get when their minds are warped with hatred towards a concocted enemy. Reminds me of the Antifa and Millennial attitudes towards our current President and the danger of such an unforgiving tunnel vision mindset.
In all, a page turner that was an engaging read made worthwhile by the lessons wrapped into a story of high level prejudice made national. Will capture your interest and reveal some needed lessons as you share Anita’s story of the terror of deep seated evil when you are the target.
April 9, 2025
There is probably only one way to nearly destroy an excellent account of a powerful testimony. It would be to endorse almost exclusively the ones who caused that suffering in the first instance.
This book had many choices, and when it comes to denomination, thousands, or better said tens of thousands of choices. The easiest choice would have been to simply leave any division or denomination out, and simply tell the story of a Christian church of an amazing Christian pastor who helped the Jews. Then indeed it would have been a truly excellent book with outstanding investigation of historical details.
But the book did not only start with a second salvation of the main actor through one of the 'greatest' of all false teachers, Billy Graham who also happened to be one of the 'greatest' mouthpieces for Catholicism in history - it went to another extreme which even leaves Graham in the shadows.
Among tens of thousands of denominations to choose from, it chose the 2 which were directly responsible for the rise of antisemitism, Lutheranism and Catholicism. I do not know which of those played a more evil role, but probably when it comes to religion, Catholicism, and when it comes to a person, Luther himself, also an Augustinian 'by trade'.
The only reason I see to have included Luther (and his religion) into this book, -and it would have been a perfect opportunity- would have been to apologize in the name of the Reformed / Lutheran Church for the Holo*aust which would probably not have existed without Luther (very hard words but we cannot ignore this well-known truth). Luther's anti-Judaistic views contributed significantly to the development of antis**itism in Germany. But to present now precisely a Lutheran as savior of those who suffered the ugly consequences of Luther's antis**itism, is ridiculous at best, it is audacious. It is the exact same scheme found in the books and movies of other popular accounts of the Holo*aust.
Now coming to Catholicism, we can say with absolute certainty, that the Hol**aust would not have existed without it. A quick look at Wikipedia reveals the following summary: "During the Middle Ages [Roman Empire 5c. AD - Renaissance 13-15c. AD], the Catholic Church institutionalized antis**itism through the creation of discriminatory laws and the establishment of the Inquisition. This led to widespread persecution of Jews, including forced conversions, expulsions, and pogroms. Jews were expelled from Catholic kingdoms, including England and Spain and many of the principalities and cities of the Holy Roman Empire and Italy."
Catholics only (and very suddenly) changed their way of walking, when the Holocaust made persecuting Jews no longer socially acceptable and suddenly dozens of heroic stories came up from Catholics, who helped Jews. What a farce, especially when considering that Catholics only half-heartedly apologized after decades, and it took the Vatican 46 years after Israel's independence to recognize them as a state (see also the podcast 'What is the real cause of Antisemitism?' by the Berean Call Podcast).
PROS
+ Superb writing style.
+ Very great display of faith.
+ Beautiful display of some Germans, who at least showed their sympathy to the Jews.
NEUTRAL
o Some of the stories seem a bit far-fetched. Everything could be perfectly true, because THEOS truly works miracles. But it is questionable that it really happened that a daughter could walk in and out of a Synagogue converted into a prison, in order to visit her mother. It is questionable that after this, she entered with friends through a tunnel into another prison, was caught there / on the way back (vague details) and only put on a black list instead of being imprisoned. It is questionable how they could flee in a train by the direct hands of Nazis, although they probably had all the same clothing and were obviously war prisoners.
CONS
- The original edition 'Angels in the Camp: A Remarkable Story of Peace in the Midst of the Holo*aust' (published by Tyndale House, 1979) is being marketed as 'A FICTIONALIZED ACCOUNT of a young Jewish girl's life in war-torn Germany where she discovers the differences IESOUS CHRISTOS makes, even in the midst of the holo*aust.'
This third edition 'Trapped in Hitler's hell' (published by Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2013) is being marketed as 'Trapped in Hitler's Hell is the TRUE ACCOUNT of holo*aust horror but also of G-d's miraculous mercy on a young girl who spent her teen-age years desperately fighting for survival ...'
How can a FICTIONALIZED ACCOUNT suddenly turn into a TRUE ACCOUNT?
- Strong promotion of Augustinian (Catholic) denominations.
"Living above us in our apartment complex was a Catholic family who invited me to attend church with them one Sunday. Mother, who recognized the same spiritual hunger within me as she had felt as a child, allowed me to go. I, too, was being exposed to Jesus in public school religion classes, which, ironically, the G-d-hating Hitler had not stopped. As I sat through the cathedral service that Sunday morning, G-d's Spirit began to move in my young life. I gasped in awe at the breathtaking stained-glass windows depicting the life of Jesus. How graphically I saw His birth, life, death, and resurrection. Jesus had to be more than a carpenter masquerading as a king. With all the religious options I had as a six-year-old, it is incredible that I could discern that Jesus truly was G-d. I did not believe in the rituals of Judaism or Catholicism, or Father's ardent atheism, or Mother's wavering practice of theosophy." [notice that she only criticizes the rituals, but highly endorses the religion]
"We were given a hot meal at a nearby Catholic day-care center that still dared show an ounce of kindness to a Jew, but I could hardly eat."
"The Christmas carols from the church steeple are telling Jesus' story, Mother!" I exclaimed with delight. "I know the words to the carol. I learned them at the Catholic day-care center. Could I sing them?"
"However, in the Lord's timing, the book did not take shape until sometime in the winter of 1977, after I had reaffirmed my faith in Jesus Christ and renewed my total commitment to Him during one of Billy Graham's Crusades on TV."
"My sincere appreciation also goes to my dear friend Dr. H. Allan Talley of Hope Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis whose care and concern for me have been a constant source of comfort and encouragement. He in turn introduced me to the talented young writer of this book Jan Markell."
This book had many choices, and when it comes to denomination, thousands, or better said tens of thousands of choices. The easiest choice would have been to simply leave any division or denomination out, and simply tell the story of a Christian church of an amazing Christian pastor who helped the Jews. Then indeed it would have been a truly excellent book with outstanding investigation of historical details.
But the book did not only start with a second salvation of the main actor through one of the 'greatest' of all false teachers, Billy Graham who also happened to be one of the 'greatest' mouthpieces for Catholicism in history - it went to another extreme which even leaves Graham in the shadows.
Among tens of thousands of denominations to choose from, it chose the 2 which were directly responsible for the rise of antisemitism, Lutheranism and Catholicism. I do not know which of those played a more evil role, but probably when it comes to religion, Catholicism, and when it comes to a person, Luther himself, also an Augustinian 'by trade'.
The only reason I see to have included Luther (and his religion) into this book, -and it would have been a perfect opportunity- would have been to apologize in the name of the Reformed / Lutheran Church for the Holo*aust which would probably not have existed without Luther (very hard words but we cannot ignore this well-known truth). Luther's anti-Judaistic views contributed significantly to the development of antis**itism in Germany. But to present now precisely a Lutheran as savior of those who suffered the ugly consequences of Luther's antis**itism, is ridiculous at best, it is audacious. It is the exact same scheme found in the books and movies of other popular accounts of the Holo*aust.
Now coming to Catholicism, we can say with absolute certainty, that the Hol**aust would not have existed without it. A quick look at Wikipedia reveals the following summary: "During the Middle Ages [Roman Empire 5c. AD - Renaissance 13-15c. AD], the Catholic Church institutionalized antis**itism through the creation of discriminatory laws and the establishment of the Inquisition. This led to widespread persecution of Jews, including forced conversions, expulsions, and pogroms. Jews were expelled from Catholic kingdoms, including England and Spain and many of the principalities and cities of the Holy Roman Empire and Italy."
Catholics only (and very suddenly) changed their way of walking, when the Holocaust made persecuting Jews no longer socially acceptable and suddenly dozens of heroic stories came up from Catholics, who helped Jews. What a farce, especially when considering that Catholics only half-heartedly apologized after decades, and it took the Vatican 46 years after Israel's independence to recognize them as a state (see also the podcast 'What is the real cause of Antisemitism?' by the Berean Call Podcast).
PROS
+ Superb writing style.
+ Very great display of faith.
+ Beautiful display of some Germans, who at least showed their sympathy to the Jews.
NEUTRAL
o Some of the stories seem a bit far-fetched. Everything could be perfectly true, because THEOS truly works miracles. But it is questionable that it really happened that a daughter could walk in and out of a Synagogue converted into a prison, in order to visit her mother. It is questionable that after this, she entered with friends through a tunnel into another prison, was caught there / on the way back (vague details) and only put on a black list instead of being imprisoned. It is questionable how they could flee in a train by the direct hands of Nazis, although they probably had all the same clothing and were obviously war prisoners.
CONS
- The original edition 'Angels in the Camp: A Remarkable Story of Peace in the Midst of the Holo*aust' (published by Tyndale House, 1979) is being marketed as 'A FICTIONALIZED ACCOUNT of a young Jewish girl's life in war-torn Germany where she discovers the differences IESOUS CHRISTOS makes, even in the midst of the holo*aust.'
This third edition 'Trapped in Hitler's hell' (published by Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2013) is being marketed as 'Trapped in Hitler's Hell is the TRUE ACCOUNT of holo*aust horror but also of G-d's miraculous mercy on a young girl who spent her teen-age years desperately fighting for survival ...'
How can a FICTIONALIZED ACCOUNT suddenly turn into a TRUE ACCOUNT?
- Strong promotion of Augustinian (Catholic) denominations.
"Living above us in our apartment complex was a Catholic family who invited me to attend church with them one Sunday. Mother, who recognized the same spiritual hunger within me as she had felt as a child, allowed me to go. I, too, was being exposed to Jesus in public school religion classes, which, ironically, the G-d-hating Hitler had not stopped. As I sat through the cathedral service that Sunday morning, G-d's Spirit began to move in my young life. I gasped in awe at the breathtaking stained-glass windows depicting the life of Jesus. How graphically I saw His birth, life, death, and resurrection. Jesus had to be more than a carpenter masquerading as a king. With all the religious options I had as a six-year-old, it is incredible that I could discern that Jesus truly was G-d. I did not believe in the rituals of Judaism or Catholicism, or Father's ardent atheism, or Mother's wavering practice of theosophy." [notice that she only criticizes the rituals, but highly endorses the religion]
"We were given a hot meal at a nearby Catholic day-care center that still dared show an ounce of kindness to a Jew, but I could hardly eat."
"The Christmas carols from the church steeple are telling Jesus' story, Mother!" I exclaimed with delight. "I know the words to the carol. I learned them at the Catholic day-care center. Could I sing them?"
"However, in the Lord's timing, the book did not take shape until sometime in the winter of 1977, after I had reaffirmed my faith in Jesus Christ and renewed my total commitment to Him during one of Billy Graham's Crusades on TV."
"My sincere appreciation also goes to my dear friend Dr. H. Allan Talley of Hope Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis whose care and concern for me have been a constant source of comfort and encouragement. He in turn introduced me to the talented young writer of this book Jan Markell."
September 5, 2022
I have read accounts of Jewish people and resistance workers in countries that were occupied by the Nazis, but I believe this is the first I've read of a Jewish family living right in Germany. Anita and her mother had some protection because of Anita's non-Jewish father and because Anita and, eventually, her mother were Christians, but life was still difficult and dangerous, and much worse lay ahead.
While books like this can often make the reader question, "What would I do if this happened to me?" the question this most brought to my mind was, "How can I be as trusting and faithful with my witness in my life right now as she was during such hard times?" Though often told to stop talking about Jesus, Anita just couldn't help herself, so great was her love for God. And no matter what bad thing happened, she would always be the first to express that God was still in charge. I do wonder about the wisdom of her tendency to always assume that God would keep her and everyone she was with safe and intact, since God does not promise earthly safety, especially during times of persecution. Not that he doesn't ever keep someone protected, alive, even healthy, against all odds, but if we believe that will always be the case and it's not, will our faith be shaken? Despite that concern, this book is worth reading for anyone interested in Holocaust accounts, especially those from a Christian worldview.
While books like this can often make the reader question, "What would I do if this happened to me?" the question this most brought to my mind was, "How can I be as trusting and faithful with my witness in my life right now as she was during such hard times?" Though often told to stop talking about Jesus, Anita just couldn't help herself, so great was her love for God. And no matter what bad thing happened, she would always be the first to express that God was still in charge. I do wonder about the wisdom of her tendency to always assume that God would keep her and everyone she was with safe and intact, since God does not promise earthly safety, especially during times of persecution. Not that he doesn't ever keep someone protected, alive, even healthy, against all odds, but if we believe that will always be the case and it's not, will our faith be shaken? Despite that concern, this book is worth reading for anyone interested in Holocaust accounts, especially those from a Christian worldview.
December 10, 2021
For anyone to imply that people of Jewish faith only suffered as much as they did because of a lack of faith in Jesus Christ, let alone someone who also survived the holocaust alongside them? What the (no pun intended) hell is going on? Where does she get the utter gall?
Around the time that she started looking down on her fellow concentration camp victims for being sad and depressed, and she sighed to herself and shook her head saying it was all because they didn’t believe in the right (according to her) deity?! The book completely lost me. I’m really offended by what I’m reading, and I’m not even Jewish.
She also mentioned how sad it was that so many unsaved souls were going to Hell. Without a single trace of awareness or a bit of irony, she spends the whole book… a book about Nazi Germany, mind you, discriminating against the Jews and acting like they deserve what they get because of their faith or lack thereof. But it’s okay, because she’s half Jewish too and she suffered, too.
I couldn’t finish it. I’m so irritated.
Around the time that she started looking down on her fellow concentration camp victims for being sad and depressed, and she sighed to herself and shook her head saying it was all because they didn’t believe in the right (according to her) deity?! The book completely lost me. I’m really offended by what I’m reading, and I’m not even Jewish.
She also mentioned how sad it was that so many unsaved souls were going to Hell. Without a single trace of awareness or a bit of irony, she spends the whole book… a book about Nazi Germany, mind you, discriminating against the Jews and acting like they deserve what they get because of their faith or lack thereof. But it’s okay, because she’s half Jewish too and she suffered, too.
I couldn’t finish it. I’m so irritated.
April 8, 2019
Engaging story of a young woman and her family's nightmare of being German and Jewish during Hitler's reign. Anita and her mother were Christian converts and Anita gives the Lord God all the credit for living through, truly hell. I am sure that I would never be able to go through what they went through and am very sure most people in the U.S. today would never last in an ordeal like this. Pray we never have to.
Books like these are so important to keep alive the truth of the holocaust. The truth of the evil that men can do. Some of that evil we are seeing crop up all over Europe and also in the U.S. We know it is rampant and we know that it is of Satan when people despise the Jewish people for no reason or for a sick ideology that does not mesh with God. We are seeing the same persecution against Christians too, and all over the world.
Praying books like this are given to young adults to read before they allow the world and society to form their opinions for them.
Books like these are so important to keep alive the truth of the holocaust. The truth of the evil that men can do. Some of that evil we are seeing crop up all over Europe and also in the U.S. We know it is rampant and we know that it is of Satan when people despise the Jewish people for no reason or for a sick ideology that does not mesh with God. We are seeing the same persecution against Christians too, and all over the world.
Praying books like this are given to young adults to read before they allow the world and society to form their opinions for them.
November 15, 2019
It’s funny how someone can tell their story, and someone else (who wasn’t there) read it and call them a liar. I read a review by Joannayz calling this woman “brainwashed zealot, a fanatic fool, arrogant, rude and insensitive.”
All of this I’m sure was said in a spirit kindness, and sensitivity. Arrogance is defined as “revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities” which describes Joannayz’s review perfectly. Where I’m from we call that a hypocrite. Anyway...I just finished reading this book and it was great! BUT if you are going to get your feelings hurt hearing a Christian Jew give her own perspective, and express her own thoughts on what it was like to live in Natzi Germany during WWII then you might want to pass. If you are a grown up, and can handle someone else having an opinion that may differ from your own then it’s a great book, and awesome read. There’s my two cents that nobody would give two cents for lol.
All of this I’m sure was said in a spirit kindness, and sensitivity. Arrogance is defined as “revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities” which describes Joannayz’s review perfectly. Where I’m from we call that a hypocrite. Anyway...I just finished reading this book and it was great! BUT if you are going to get your feelings hurt hearing a Christian Jew give her own perspective, and express her own thoughts on what it was like to live in Natzi Germany during WWII then you might want to pass. If you are a grown up, and can handle someone else having an opinion that may differ from your own then it’s a great book, and awesome read. There’s my two cents that nobody would give two cents for lol.
February 17, 2022
This book is incredible!!
I have loved Anita Dittman's story ever since I read the Daughters of the Faith "Shadow of His Hand" book about her. I really wanted to read this book - her full biography, but was hesitant. I wasn't sure how deep it was going to go. After starting it, I couldn't put it down! Each chapter tells story after story of how God was at work in her life and the lives of those around her. It was gruesome, but it was not as detailed in the pain as much as I had anticipated. I think it is appropriate for high schoolers (maybe mature middle schoolers) and up. If there is anyone in elementary school or middle school who is interested in her amazing story, I would recommend reading Daughters of the Faith "Shadow of His Hand". That also goes for anyone who might be interested in her but is not sure if they want to read the whole biography. It is a short read and will highlight her life.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would totally recommend!
I have loved Anita Dittman's story ever since I read the Daughters of the Faith "Shadow of His Hand" book about her. I really wanted to read this book - her full biography, but was hesitant. I wasn't sure how deep it was going to go. After starting it, I couldn't put it down! Each chapter tells story after story of how God was at work in her life and the lives of those around her. It was gruesome, but it was not as detailed in the pain as much as I had anticipated. I think it is appropriate for high schoolers (maybe mature middle schoolers) and up. If there is anyone in elementary school or middle school who is interested in her amazing story, I would recommend reading Daughters of the Faith "Shadow of His Hand". That also goes for anyone who might be interested in her but is not sure if they want to read the whole biography. It is a short read and will highlight her life.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would totally recommend!
April 8, 2022
Anita Dittman shares her experiences of her life during the War. Since her mother was Jewish, her father left them and they had to fend for themselves. However Anita had a strong faith in Jesus and eventually her mother came to believe in Him as well. It did seem as if God had a protecting hand over them, even while they were in work camps. Anita loved to share her faith with others. She often credited Jesus for helping them survive the War years. I was quite inspired by the life of this teenage girl.
November 16, 2020
Excellent
I couldn't put it down. How hard it is to hear what the Jews and those helping them had to go through during Hitler's horrible time in power. The lessons we can learn about love and faith from this young girl who never gave up telling others about Jesus are priceless. I highly recommend this book.
I couldn't put it down. How hard it is to hear what the Jews and those helping them had to go through during Hitler's horrible time in power. The lessons we can learn about love and faith from this young girl who never gave up telling others about Jesus are priceless. I highly recommend this book.
November 1, 2022
This book was very intriguing. It comes from a different perspective than what I've normally read around the Holocaust. Anna Dittman was a Jewish Christian, and it is very interesting to read how her experience in Nazi Germany differed from Non-Christian Jews. So many of the anecdotes she shares are just so amazing and make it very hard to put this book down. Highly recommend.
October 24, 2023
This is such an amazing book. That I am having my family and I reread it, so they can hear it and know for themselves. Anita renewed my spirit and relationship with God. He Never LEFT her and sent many angels to help her along the way. Encourage you to read it for yourself. I learned a lot of history about WW2 and the Holocaust and have a greater respect for all and what they were put through.
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