What do you think?
Rate this book
If I Survive: Nazi Germany and the Jews: 100-Year Old Lena Goldstein's Miracle Story
“If I survive.” This thought haunted Lena. Her loved ones were cruelly forced from her arms in the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland and perished in Treblinka Death Camp. This is a true story of Holocaust survival. In WW2 books, it is a searing story of human rights abuses and genocide.
The story of Nazi Germany and the Jews is a story of anti-Semitism, Nazi concentration camps, gas chambers, and World War II. The Warsaw ghetto where the Nazis had imprisoned the Jews was being emptied as Hitler’s Final Solution to murder all of European Jewry was put into action. Lena kept thinking, “It’s my turn next.” As some Jews escaped Treblinka and exposed it as being a death camp not a labour camp, young men and women in the ghetto decided to make a stand.
Lena helped in the resistance which became the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising by gathering light bulbs from empty houses which could be used for Molotov cocktails. By a miracle, she escaped the ghetto before it became an inferno. But where could she hide? When it was over and she could walk free, the tears she had held back flooded out because she was all alone and there was no one to care that she had survived and no one to go to.
Author Barbara Miller adds to Holocaust history and WW2 German history by skillfully weaving her research with Lena’s diary and interviews to bring her WW2 biography to life. Lena helped her companions in hiding to survive with her humor and compassion. She turned 100 in January 2019, and her miraculous story of survival against the odds will inspire you to not give up, no matter how dark the time or difficult the situation or cruel the people around you.
The story of Nazi Germany and the Jews is a story of anti-Semitism, Nazi concentration camps, gas chambers, and World War II. The Warsaw ghetto where the Nazis had imprisoned the Jews was being emptied as Hitler’s Final Solution to murder all of European Jewry was put into action. Lena kept thinking, “It’s my turn next.” As some Jews escaped Treblinka and exposed it as being a death camp not a labour camp, young men and women in the ghetto decided to make a stand.
Lena helped in the resistance which became the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising by gathering light bulbs from empty houses which could be used for Molotov cocktails. By a miracle, she escaped the ghetto before it became an inferno. But where could she hide? When it was over and she could walk free, the tears she had held back flooded out because she was all alone and there was no one to care that she had survived and no one to go to.
Author Barbara Miller adds to Holocaust history and WW2 German history by skillfully weaving her research with Lena’s diary and interviews to bring her WW2 biography to life. Lena helped her companions in hiding to survive with her humor and compassion. She turned 100 in January 2019, and her miraculous story of survival against the odds will inspire you to not give up, no matter how dark the time or difficult the situation or cruel the people around you.
Audible Audio
Published December 17, 2020
802 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Miller
11 books17 followersBarbara is an intriguing combination of pastor, social justice campaigner and researcher and her memoir is fascinating because of it. Passionate about people being free from the chains of oppression, her sociological training means she has a focus on changing structures in society that hold people groups back. As a pastor and psychologist, she has helped many people break free of mindsets that have prevented them reaching their full potential.
From her background in a poor working class white family in urban Australia, Barbara, with Aboriginal husband Norman, who is also a pastor, travel the world. They have a calling to heal groups from the wounds of history through the Centre for International Reconciliation and Peace they co-founded in 1998. This work has taken them to Israel, Jordan, Turkey, England, Zimbabwe, Canada, USA, PNG, Vanuatu and many other places.
Barbara has worked at the coalface of Aboriginal affairs in Australia from her involvement in the Aboriginal Tent Embassy demonstrations in Canberra in 1972 to helping the Mapoon people move back to their land in 1974, to co-founding the North Queensland Land Council with former husband Mick Miller in 1977 to being CEO of the Aboriginal Co-ordinating Council (ACC) in the 1990’s and much more. The ACC was the only statutory advisory body to the Queensland government on Aboriginal affairs at the time and represented local government Aboriginal councils who had a land base.
From someone who grew up avoiding conflict in her family of origin because of different beliefs, she seems to have put herself in the way of it confronting government policies which harmed Aboriginal people. Also she has become a professional mediator who helps others face and resolve their conflicts at work and at home. She has found her voice with the publication of her fourth solo book.
From her background in a poor working class white family in urban Australia, Barbara, with Aboriginal husband Norman, who is also a pastor, travel the world. They have a calling to heal groups from the wounds of history through the Centre for International Reconciliation and Peace they co-founded in 1998. This work has taken them to Israel, Jordan, Turkey, England, Zimbabwe, Canada, USA, PNG, Vanuatu and many other places.
Barbara has worked at the coalface of Aboriginal affairs in Australia from her involvement in the Aboriginal Tent Embassy demonstrations in Canberra in 1972 to helping the Mapoon people move back to their land in 1974, to co-founding the North Queensland Land Council with former husband Mick Miller in 1977 to being CEO of the Aboriginal Co-ordinating Council (ACC) in the 1990’s and much more. The ACC was the only statutory advisory body to the Queensland government on Aboriginal affairs at the time and represented local government Aboriginal councils who had a land base.
From someone who grew up avoiding conflict in her family of origin because of different beliefs, she seems to have put herself in the way of it confronting government policies which harmed Aboriginal people. Also she has become a professional mediator who helps others face and resolve their conflicts at work and at home. She has found her voice with the publication of her fourth solo book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 15, 2019
Lest we forget
Every individual who survived the greatest crime against humanity deserves to be heard. It is Lena's voice that should be shining through but is at times swamped by the mass of well- researched occasionally repetitive information. [Tighter editing would have helped]. But, can we ever know enough? We lucky ones have no idea what it was like to be caught in the Holocaust for one minute.
Every individual who survived the greatest crime against humanity deserves to be heard. It is Lena's voice that should be shining through but is at times swamped by the mass of well- researched occasionally repetitive information. [Tighter editing would have helped]. But, can we ever know enough? We lucky ones have no idea what it was like to be caught in the Holocaust for one minute.
March 11, 2020
Very interesting account of how the war affected Lena and her family and the hardships and horrors experienced. Some interesting facts and some dreadful facts but we must never forget the level of man's inhumanity to man.
September 4, 2019
Outstanding Memoir!!
I loved this very painful yet inspiring memoir of Lena’s life. Holocaust memories are always very painful to read. This book had many wonderful miracles told of how God brought about great outcomes for Lena and kept her living. It also shines on the truth that you do reap what you’ve sown. For every kindness given, she received kindness in return. Some call it Karma. I call it reaping what you’ve sown, as the Bible also refers to it. She endured many years of terrible trials, heartbreak, and suffering. I won’t spoil the story by telling you all she and her family went through but you will see when you read this. Each Holocaust story has many similarities while each being unique. The unspeakable degradation, atrocities and evil that Hitler and his followers put upon their fellow man is beyond belief. Yet it happened. We cannot forget! The stories must be retold and continued so that it will not be forgotten and happen again. Millions of people were brutalized and murdered. We must keep the memories and stories alive that the survivors share and not let some groups spread the lies in which they say it never happened. We must honor the dead. Lena is now 100 years old. God spared her life and she had a mission to share the truth, which she even now continues to do. She is a beautiful woman with a loving and kind heart who did not let this pain and suffering give her a bitter, hateful heart. The Lord has used her to teach not just about the Holocaust but to share with young people the evil and dangers of bullying! A remarkable woman!
Another great thing of this story is how the author interwove history into Lena’s story. I’ve read many, many books on the Holocaust and WWII, but I never have read about a couple of these historical facts and never have read such detailed accounts. The one that was a surprise to me was the Warsaw Uprising. I’d read of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, but that is a separate event from the Warsaw Uprising. Very informative. That one stands out to me but there were also a couple other things I’d not heard before. Also the SS did a few horrible things that I’d not read before either.
It is an excellent book. The author did a lot of research and shares the history in an easy to follow manner. There are parts of Lena’s diary and many quotes from her. She’s a pleasure to know. She has lived a long happy life. It is painful to read, yet there is a happy ending~although much loss~loss of family, her first love, loss of what might have been if this hadn’t have happened. It is inspiring to see how she moved forward and pressed on to embrace life!
I loved this very painful yet inspiring memoir of Lena’s life. Holocaust memories are always very painful to read. This book had many wonderful miracles told of how God brought about great outcomes for Lena and kept her living. It also shines on the truth that you do reap what you’ve sown. For every kindness given, she received kindness in return. Some call it Karma. I call it reaping what you’ve sown, as the Bible also refers to it. She endured many years of terrible trials, heartbreak, and suffering. I won’t spoil the story by telling you all she and her family went through but you will see when you read this. Each Holocaust story has many similarities while each being unique. The unspeakable degradation, atrocities and evil that Hitler and his followers put upon their fellow man is beyond belief. Yet it happened. We cannot forget! The stories must be retold and continued so that it will not be forgotten and happen again. Millions of people were brutalized and murdered. We must keep the memories and stories alive that the survivors share and not let some groups spread the lies in which they say it never happened. We must honor the dead. Lena is now 100 years old. God spared her life and she had a mission to share the truth, which she even now continues to do. She is a beautiful woman with a loving and kind heart who did not let this pain and suffering give her a bitter, hateful heart. The Lord has used her to teach not just about the Holocaust but to share with young people the evil and dangers of bullying! A remarkable woman!
Another great thing of this story is how the author interwove history into Lena’s story. I’ve read many, many books on the Holocaust and WWII, but I never have read about a couple of these historical facts and never have read such detailed accounts. The one that was a surprise to me was the Warsaw Uprising. I’d read of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, but that is a separate event from the Warsaw Uprising. Very informative. That one stands out to me but there were also a couple other things I’d not heard before. Also the SS did a few horrible things that I’d not read before either.
It is an excellent book. The author did a lot of research and shares the history in an easy to follow manner. There are parts of Lena’s diary and many quotes from her. She’s a pleasure to know. She has lived a long happy life. It is painful to read, yet there is a happy ending~although much loss~loss of family, her first love, loss of what might have been if this hadn’t have happened. It is inspiring to see how she moved forward and pressed on to embrace life!
February 13, 2020
Hardship like never before.
We must never forget. That these horrible times were even allowed to occur is so terrible. Should be a must read for all.
We must never forget. That these horrible times were even allowed to occur is so terrible. Should be a must read for all.
January 13, 2019
Touching and real
The memoir from a survivor of holocaust “Lena” was perfectly documented in this book. Real pictures from real war and real people. The Holocaust story has been fully explained in many books and movies but from a real survivor of war who experienced hunger, the pain of second-class citizenship, discrimination and desperate struggling to survive looks more tangible. I could feel the pain, since I also lived in war. I could feel the loss of loved ones and seeking for a shelter to keep ones warm and safe. She explained the frustration of being discriminated for her religion of being Jewish: “There were things to kill dignity like an armband with a Jewish star on it that we had to wear”. The Aryan side of safer place for those who are not Jewish and death camp for those who are tagged as Jewish. On the other hand, even in war miracles happen and some little hopes like what Lena’s father found: “a little bit of Soup” and a sense of humor which let her survive. You laugh and try to enjoy laughing with family in tough time when you don’t know if you can see the next day. “ Lena must have had an incredible sense of humor to be able to make them laugh regularly when they were going through such a tough time, not knowing when and how it would end”.
The memoir from a survivor of holocaust “Lena” was perfectly documented in this book. Real pictures from real war and real people. The Holocaust story has been fully explained in many books and movies but from a real survivor of war who experienced hunger, the pain of second-class citizenship, discrimination and desperate struggling to survive looks more tangible. I could feel the pain, since I also lived in war. I could feel the loss of loved ones and seeking for a shelter to keep ones warm and safe. She explained the frustration of being discriminated for her religion of being Jewish: “There were things to kill dignity like an armband with a Jewish star on it that we had to wear”. The Aryan side of safer place for those who are not Jewish and death camp for those who are tagged as Jewish. On the other hand, even in war miracles happen and some little hopes like what Lena’s father found: “a little bit of Soup” and a sense of humor which let her survive. You laugh and try to enjoy laughing with family in tough time when you don’t know if you can see the next day. “ Lena must have had an incredible sense of humor to be able to make them laugh regularly when they were going through such a tough time, not knowing when and how it would end”.
January 15, 2019
This is an interesting, academic presentation of one of our terrible moments in history, as seen through the eyes of a Holocaust survivor who turned 100 years old this year. It is heart-breaking to be reminded about what we are capable of doing to each other, but equally, our capacity to rise above the deepest tragedy is inspiring. The author conducted many interviews and turned these into a readable format, together with photographs that make the story more poignant to the reader. If you’re studying this period, or if you’re just interested in it, I would recommend this book as excellent, factual input.
June 21, 2019
IF I survive: Nazi Germany and the Jews is by Barbara Milner. This book is about Lena Goldstein who at the age of 100 is still giving talks about her life under the Nazi regime. As one of two survivors from her family, she is compelled to tell their stories so that they are not forgotten. The book tells her story of her youth and how she came to be in the Warsaw ghetto. Here, she ultimately became involved in the Warsaw Uprising. She spares none of the horror of her time during the Holocaust. The book is devastating to read and yet it is uplifting as we see the victims beginning to fight back with what little they had. The book is great to read although it is disheartening.
April 22, 2021
Everyone should read this story!
I was shocked at the resilience Lena had to survive... my heart broke for her, knowing that what happened to her and her family are true events. I can’t imagine surviving the Evil that became her life, it inconceivable to me, that people were forced to flee from their homes attempting to survive in an environment that was beyond understandable. Families separated and children left alone. I can’t believe this happened and basically no one helped..
The history of the Holocaust must never be forgotten... it could happen again. The world is full of Hitlers.
I was shocked at the resilience Lena had to survive... my heart broke for her, knowing that what happened to her and her family are true events. I can’t imagine surviving the Evil that became her life, it inconceivable to me, that people were forced to flee from their homes attempting to survive in an environment that was beyond understandable. Families separated and children left alone. I can’t believe this happened and basically no one helped..
The history of the Holocaust must never be forgotten... it could happen again. The world is full of Hitlers.
January 14, 2019
This book is a powerful story of one woman’s survival through the atrocities of the holocaust. It is an inspiring true story of a Polish Jewish woman and how she made it through the horrific years of Nazi occupation in her homeland. Delving into the history surrounding the events of the holocaust in Poland and throughout Europe, the book sheds light on the experiences of those who actually lived through it. It is moving and heartbreaking and enlightening—a well written and meticulously researched book that is not to be missed.
January 12, 2019
Truly inspiring story of a Holocaust survivor, Lena Goldstein, told by a brilliant author. I hope these horrors never have to happen again and wish books like these were made to be read in schools. Learning from the past ensures it won't happen in the future. At times, I had to put the book down and walk away from reading the horrors that happened, but I came back to it because its a story that needs to be read.
October 25, 2019
Very courageous woman
Very harrowing account of living in the Warsaw ghetto and surviving Warsaw as a whole. It was nice to have the author's account of historical events surrounding the story as Lena didn't know her surroundings during her struggle for survival considering the dehumanization of Jews at the hands of the German war machine.
Very harrowing account of living in the Warsaw ghetto and surviving Warsaw as a whole. It was nice to have the author's account of historical events surrounding the story as Lena didn't know her surroundings during her struggle for survival considering the dehumanization of Jews at the hands of the German war machine.
January 14, 2019
Never again
Never again.
That's all I could come up with after reading the heart-wrenching stories. Humans can be so kind or so cruel to one another. It is our choice. Best make our choice wisely.
Never again.
Never again.
That's all I could come up with after reading the heart-wrenching stories. Humans can be so kind or so cruel to one another. It is our choice. Best make our choice wisely.
Never again.
January 18, 2019
Powerful story
Like the many other stories of the holocaust that have come out in recent years, Lena's memories are heart-wrenching. Her tale is told not only as a history but also as encouragement to young people to reject bullying in every way - an excellent takeaway!
Like the many other stories of the holocaust that have come out in recent years, Lena's memories are heart-wrenching. Her tale is told not only as a history but also as encouragement to young people to reject bullying in every way - an excellent takeaway!
February 11, 2019
Very informative
This was definitely a 5 star book! Lots of detail, information and not like other holocaust books. Lenas memory was very sharp! This is one memoir I will read again!
This was definitely a 5 star book! Lots of detail, information and not like other holocaust books. Lenas memory was very sharp! This is one memoir I will read again!
September 12, 2019
Most informative
One of the most informative of all the books I have read on the Holocaust. Personal experiences as well as informative on the whole horror. A very brave woman and also leads a active life.
One of the most informative of all the books I have read on the Holocaust. Personal experiences as well as informative on the whole horror. A very brave woman and also leads a active life.
November 20, 2020
Lena’s personal story of her experiences hiding in Warsaw during the years of the Holocaust encased by a brief history of what was occurring in Poland at the time. Lena’s story, like those of every survivor, is compelling and miraculous. Simplistic history, but works in this context.
November 28, 2020
A fantastic in depth book about one woman's survival methods during WW II. It is a brutal story of survival and death. Anyone who reads this book, should never forget what evils happened. This should be required reading for all highschool and college students.
May 4, 2019
This book
It was a great read. I would recommend it to anyone. The writer was able to describe everything in great detail
It was a great read. I would recommend it to anyone. The writer was able to describe everything in great detail
November 26, 2019
Excellent
Thorough understanding of the Holocaust. Well presented. You feel personally involved with Lena Goldstein.keeps your interest without the feeling of horror!
Thorough understanding of the Holocaust. Well presented. You feel personally involved with Lena Goldstein.keeps your interest without the feeling of horror!
December 21, 2019
I REALLY LIKE THIS BOOK.🤙
September 19, 2020
Humbling and Brilliant
This is one of the best explained books on the Holocaust I've ever read. Such a touching story. I am in awe of this womans bravery and will to survive.
This is one of the best explained books on the Holocaust I've ever read. Such a touching story. I am in awe of this womans bravery and will to survive.
January 13, 2021
Amazing that she survived. But all the stories of survival are amazing.
December 16, 2024
At first I thought the faintly academic tone of this book made it difficult to relate to, but then I decided that, given the atrocities it relates, it was a very good thing the book struck a dispassionate note rather than went for strong emotional impact.
At 100 years of age, Lena tallied the miracles that led to her survival during the years of Nazi occupation of Poland. She saw it was a miracle she was not killed at Treblinka death camp; a miracle she didn't die in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising; a miracle that two German guards simply let her out of the Ghetto when so many others were shot trying to escape;a miracle that, because her father had shared his starvation rations with an old man, she was given a bathroom to hide in with his family; a miracle that the Germans did not find the hiding place for 18 months; a miracle that, as they left, a Jew disguised as a peasant offered them his bunker in the canals below Warsaw; a miracle that she and others were able to survive on food stolen from empty houses; a miracle that a chance meeting with a Russian Jewish soldier who happened to be stationed in an obscure town in Siberia opened the way for a reunion with her lost sister who had been sent to that same remote town.
At 100 years of age, Lena tallied the miracles that led to her survival during the years of Nazi occupation of Poland. She saw it was a miracle she was not killed at Treblinka death camp; a miracle she didn't die in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising; a miracle that two German guards simply let her out of the Ghetto when so many others were shot trying to escape;a miracle that, because her father had shared his starvation rations with an old man, she was given a bathroom to hide in with his family; a miracle that the Germans did not find the hiding place for 18 months; a miracle that, as they left, a Jew disguised as a peasant offered them his bunker in the canals below Warsaw; a miracle that she and others were able to survive on food stolen from empty houses; a miracle that a chance meeting with a Russian Jewish soldier who happened to be stationed in an obscure town in Siberia opened the way for a reunion with her lost sister who had been sent to that same remote town.
Read
June 20, 2020Reading Holocaust memoirs is a tough assignment. You make it to the end but it sticks with you like something stuck between your teeth and it hurts. Once you know something you can't "unknow" it so you carry around the stories in your head, but thank goodness you did not live them. Imagine what it was like to live them and then surprisingly survive, but with PTSD of the most profound nature.
How do you live with it? Many did not.
And then you find out how many and which governments did their utmost to see to it that you died instead of preventing it which they easily could have done. How does that make you feel? where then do you decide to live when no one wants you? And, no one wants to know your story, no one believes it anyway, and they think you can just get on with it. Or they have taken over your family home and tell you to go away or they will kill you. some homecoming. At least Lena found a home in Australia and was able to build a life and was finally able to speak about her experiences.
How do you live with it? Many did not.
And then you find out how many and which governments did their utmost to see to it that you died instead of preventing it which they easily could have done. How does that make you feel? where then do you decide to live when no one wants you? And, no one wants to know your story, no one believes it anyway, and they think you can just get on with it. Or they have taken over your family home and tell you to go away or they will kill you. some homecoming. At least Lena found a home in Australia and was able to build a life and was finally able to speak about her experiences.
January 20, 2023
Barbara Miller has done that again. Historian and researcher par excellence, Miller is also a sensitive and profound writer who has a rare ability to feel all the hurts and injustices as if her own. "If I Survive" is not just another story of a person who survived the Holocaust. This is a narrative both inspirational and painful, an example of courage, defiance, and strength. This is a book that should be in every library that has a World World II collection, every person's bookshelf who is interested in not only the 20th century history but in moral examples that history has to offer. Irene Shaland, Author of "The Dao of Being Jewish and Other Stories: Seeking Jewish Narrative All Over the World" and "Shaland's Jewish Travel Guide to Malta and Corsica."
September 1, 2020
Against all odds
I believe in miracles and Lena has had many miracles.
It's obvious to me that her story which is an inspiration to many is a legacy filled with inspiration.
I am a trauma survivor and suffer from PTSD.
When I read a story of survival and tenacity I realize that I have also been given many obstacles.
It's my challenge to overcome and not allow myself to be victimized.
Strong women empower others and enable us to look at trauma as a stepping stone rather than a death sentence
I believe in miracles and Lena has had many miracles.
It's obvious to me that her story which is an inspiration to many is a legacy filled with inspiration.
I am a trauma survivor and suffer from PTSD.
When I read a story of survival and tenacity I realize that I have also been given many obstacles.
It's my challenge to overcome and not allow myself to be victimized.
Strong women empower others and enable us to look at trauma as a stepping stone rather than a death sentence
May 4, 2022
Not a memoir!
This is a hard read, mainly due to the fact that only 1/3 of this book is actually about Lena Goldstein and the rest is a timeline of the atrocities done to the polish Jewish community and what they faced. Hard to read and even harder to stomach. Saddening to see the difficulties and hatred brought on by so many. I applaud this woman for sharing her story and what I did learn of her survival was a large mixture of determination as well as good deeds returning the favour. I hope some people can learn from this.
This is a hard read, mainly due to the fact that only 1/3 of this book is actually about Lena Goldstein and the rest is a timeline of the atrocities done to the polish Jewish community and what they faced. Hard to read and even harder to stomach. Saddening to see the difficulties and hatred brought on by so many. I applaud this woman for sharing her story and what I did learn of her survival was a large mixture of determination as well as good deeds returning the favour. I hope some people can learn from this.
September 15, 2020
Very Enlightening On the Holocoaust
Should be required reading along with American and World History in American Public Schools for a generation of young Americans who have no clue what a Nazi concentration camp and the holocaust were really like and who don’t seem to appreciate the meaning of the Freedom they have.
Should be required reading along with American and World History in American Public Schools for a generation of young Americans who have no clue what a Nazi concentration camp and the holocaust were really like and who don’t seem to appreciate the meaning of the Freedom they have.
May 25, 2024
Never forget!
This is a story of a survivor of one of the worst chapters of history. We all need to remember all those who died during this horrendous chapter of the 1940s and never ever forget the atrocities that lost so many lives. WE ARE ALL EQUAL IN GOD'S EYES AND WE NEED TO "NEVER FORGET "
This is a story of a survivor of one of the worst chapters of history. We all need to remember all those who died during this horrendous chapter of the 1940s and never ever forget the atrocities that lost so many lives. WE ARE ALL EQUAL IN GOD'S EYES AND WE NEED TO "NEVER FORGET "
May 14, 2020
This a true story from a Holocaust survivor. It’s difficult to read at many times of atrocities that these people endured from a person who lived to tell about it. I’m glad I took the time to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews