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Anything But His Soul: A Jewish Holocaust Survivor Memoir
Meeting his brother in Auschwitz, he understood that they are all aloneA young boy’s world falls apart! He can trust no one and does not know what his tomorrow holds or if he will live to see it.
Poland 1944, Mjetek finds himself in Auschwitz after taking part in Zionist underground activities trying to fight against the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. He meets his brother and understands that their entire family has been massacred and that their days are numbered. Mjetek decides to not give up and says he is a blacksmith, though he has never worked with metal. At work in one of the factories, a melted piece of iron falls and burns him. He manages to go back to the camp and his brother takes care of him, selling his golden tooth for medical supplies. Staying in the “clinic” was supposed to be the end of Mjetek but this is actually what saves him. When his brother is marched to his death and they have to say their final goodbye.
Mjetek’s story of survival is marked with small miracles, determination and unbelievable bravery. This memoir will leave you breathless and heartbroken, yet, inspired.
Poland 1944, Mjetek finds himself in Auschwitz after taking part in Zionist underground activities trying to fight against the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. He meets his brother and understands that their entire family has been massacred and that their days are numbered. Mjetek decides to not give up and says he is a blacksmith, though he has never worked with metal. At work in one of the factories, a melted piece of iron falls and burns him. He manages to go back to the camp and his brother takes care of him, selling his golden tooth for medical supplies. Staying in the “clinic” was supposed to be the end of Mjetek but this is actually what saves him. When his brother is marched to his death and they have to say their final goodbye.
Mjetek’s story of survival is marked with small miracles, determination and unbelievable bravery. This memoir will leave you breathless and heartbroken, yet, inspired.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2019
94 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 2, 2019
This is the story of Mjetek Bomberg’s survival of World War II. Mjetek grew up in Poland and watched as the antisemitism blazed through his home country. He relates how him and his family found themselves in the ghetto then send to the concentration camps. Mjetek was separated from his family but when he got to Auschwitz he meets his brother and learns that the rest of his family have been killed. But that meeting was short lived as they were separated and his brother was killed. But an accident that sent him to the hospital is what ended up saving him.
I am a strong advocate for reading stories from the Holocaust because I feel that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Plus we have an obligation to the survivor’s to keep their memories even as horrible as they were. This can be hard initially since most survivors don’t want to talk about what they lived through.
Mjetek is one of those survivors that didn’t talk about his time but left tapes for his grandchildren. His granddaughter has put his story together and created a heartbreaking but wonderful memorial for her grandfather. But the story is not based on just his time in the concentration camps. His story goes on to talk about how the Jewish were prosecuted even after World War II.
We also learn of how Mjetek tried to get to Israel and how he met his wife in Cyprus. He goes on to become a wrestling coach and was part of the Munich Olympic where 11 members of the Israeli team were murdered. Mjetek definitely lived quite the life and I feel honored to read about it.
I strongly recommend checking out Anything But His Soul. This is one of those books that needs to be read so we don’t forget the horrors that happened during World War II and afterwards.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I am a strong advocate for reading stories from the Holocaust because I feel that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Plus we have an obligation to the survivor’s to keep their memories even as horrible as they were. This can be hard initially since most survivors don’t want to talk about what they lived through.
Mjetek is one of those survivors that didn’t talk about his time but left tapes for his grandchildren. His granddaughter has put his story together and created a heartbreaking but wonderful memorial for her grandfather. But the story is not based on just his time in the concentration camps. His story goes on to talk about how the Jewish were prosecuted even after World War II.
We also learn of how Mjetek tried to get to Israel and how he met his wife in Cyprus. He goes on to become a wrestling coach and was part of the Munich Olympic where 11 members of the Israeli team were murdered. Mjetek definitely lived quite the life and I feel honored to read about it.
I strongly recommend checking out Anything But His Soul. This is one of those books that needs to be read so we don’t forget the horrors that happened during World War II and afterwards.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
July 15, 2019
This short book relates the story of Mjetek Bomberg's life during WWII. Mjetek and his family are Jews living in Poland when German troops invade their homeland. The horrors of family separations, terrors and horrendous living conditions both in the Ghetto and later in the Concentration Camps is told from his viewpoint.
I am glad that Mjetek's grandson was able to compile his story and publish it. I truly believe that if we do not remember the horrors of the past, we are destined to relive them. That being said, I would have liked a little more passion in the writing. Most of the book is told in a very reserved manner and the reader doesn't truly feel the struggles that these Holocaust survivors endured.
I did enjoy the fact that this book not only told of Mjetek's time in Auschwitz, but also added more to his story after his release. Most books set in this era are just about the time before the Camps and the time in the Camps, so I found this "after" part interesting.
I am glad that Mjetek's grandson was able to compile his story and publish it. I truly believe that if we do not remember the horrors of the past, we are destined to relive them. That being said, I would have liked a little more passion in the writing. Most of the book is told in a very reserved manner and the reader doesn't truly feel the struggles that these Holocaust survivors endured.
I did enjoy the fact that this book not only told of Mjetek's time in Auschwitz, but also added more to his story after his release. Most books set in this era are just about the time before the Camps and the time in the Camps, so I found this "after" part interesting.
July 16, 2021
I couldn't put this book down.
Everything is so descriptive so it feels like it's happening as you're reading the book.
A real eye opener to the atrocities what people went through. Very well written.
Everything is so descriptive so it feels like it's happening as you're reading the book.
A real eye opener to the atrocities what people went through. Very well written.
March 10, 2020
very good.. not my favorite genre but this one did make me tear up in a couple of spots.. well written and really explained a lot. i felt like i learned a lot and am glad i read this.
February 17, 2021
I love memoirs, and I especially love memoirs from survivors of the Holocaust! This was an awesome little read that fulfills a 2019 12-Literary Passport Reading Challenge (#9 - POLAND).
Mjetek Bomberg’s story is a personal account of his amazing survival during World War II. Although he mentions his family, he can't tell their stories because he was separated from them early on and doesn't know their story of how they perished. You will find a picture of him on the last page of the book, and a few other pictures, of his brother and a few friends, inside the book. He found himself, along with the rest of his family and friends, behind the wall in the ghetto at Warsaw just after the Germans arrived, and later sent to Auschwitz concentration camp with his brother. There were not only Jews in these camps. There were also Germans, called “political Germans”, who refused to pick up arms against the Jews. Mjetek’s survival at this camp was anything short of a miracle. This would be the last time he would see his brother. The German invasion cost Mjetek his entire family and all of his friends.
Even after the war, I was surprised to read that even the Polish had such hate for the Jews. The Polish were lying and building up hate against the Jews, and setting them up to be prosecuted, raiding their businesses and continued to torment them. When Mjetek decided to help save a few Jews against the orders of his boss, he had to run for his life and literally leave the country. During this time, most Jews were heading towards Israel by way of secret camps along the way and then stacked tight in the bottom of ships headed to Israel. Here, Mjetek finally found peace, a place to raise his new family.
Mjetek Bomberg’s story is a personal account of his amazing survival during World War II. Although he mentions his family, he can't tell their stories because he was separated from them early on and doesn't know their story of how they perished. You will find a picture of him on the last page of the book, and a few other pictures, of his brother and a few friends, inside the book. He found himself, along with the rest of his family and friends, behind the wall in the ghetto at Warsaw just after the Germans arrived, and later sent to Auschwitz concentration camp with his brother. There were not only Jews in these camps. There were also Germans, called “political Germans”, who refused to pick up arms against the Jews. Mjetek’s survival at this camp was anything short of a miracle. This would be the last time he would see his brother. The German invasion cost Mjetek his entire family and all of his friends.
Even after the war, I was surprised to read that even the Polish had such hate for the Jews. The Polish were lying and building up hate against the Jews, and setting them up to be prosecuted, raiding their businesses and continued to torment them. When Mjetek decided to help save a few Jews against the orders of his boss, he had to run for his life and literally leave the country. During this time, most Jews were heading towards Israel by way of secret camps along the way and then stacked tight in the bottom of ships headed to Israel. Here, Mjetek finally found peace, a place to raise his new family.
March 7, 2019
A remarkable contribution to the memory of a Holocaust survivor
Aviva Hershko has allowed the world to enter the life of grandfather Moshe Mjetek Bomberg through his tapes of his life and experience during the Holocaust and afterward by transferring the spoken remembrances to the written word. The result – a hauntingly sensitive story of the Holocaust that reminds us of the agony and transformed lives of the survivors.
Born almost one hundred years ago, in 1920, Poland, Mjetek survived the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto, the Osrowitz camp and the Auschwitz concentration camp to eventually join the Polish Security Service, gradually making his way to Cyprus and finally to his longed for home in Israel. After arriving in Israel with his wife he worked as a wrestling coach and a referee and took part in the Munich Olympics, where 11 of the Israeli team members were murdered. Mjetek and Sara’s children gave him five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Though there are many fine books about the Holocaust, this book of actual related experiences reveals not only an insider’s point of view, but also many aspects of life in Poland before, during and after the Holocaust. The innumerable harrowing confrontations with not only the camps but also the many permutations of the manner in which Mjetek suffered Nazi regimentation, together with the support then loss of his brother, signals a man of immense courage and determination whose goals were always held as a torch to survive and reach his life in Israel.
We are indebted to the author for bringing this extraordinary history to light. This is a profoundly moving – and important – book. Recommended.
Aviva Hershko has allowed the world to enter the life of grandfather Moshe Mjetek Bomberg through his tapes of his life and experience during the Holocaust and afterward by transferring the spoken remembrances to the written word. The result – a hauntingly sensitive story of the Holocaust that reminds us of the agony and transformed lives of the survivors.
Born almost one hundred years ago, in 1920, Poland, Mjetek survived the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto, the Osrowitz camp and the Auschwitz concentration camp to eventually join the Polish Security Service, gradually making his way to Cyprus and finally to his longed for home in Israel. After arriving in Israel with his wife he worked as a wrestling coach and a referee and took part in the Munich Olympics, where 11 of the Israeli team members were murdered. Mjetek and Sara’s children gave him five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Though there are many fine books about the Holocaust, this book of actual related experiences reveals not only an insider’s point of view, but also many aspects of life in Poland before, during and after the Holocaust. The innumerable harrowing confrontations with not only the camps but also the many permutations of the manner in which Mjetek suffered Nazi regimentation, together with the support then loss of his brother, signals a man of immense courage and determination whose goals were always held as a torch to survive and reach his life in Israel.
We are indebted to the author for bringing this extraordinary history to light. This is a profoundly moving – and important – book. Recommended.
January 15, 2019
A heart-rending and thought-provoking read...
Each Holocaust survivor has a unique and individual story. However, these survivor’s stories didn’t end in 1945. They continue through to the present day. Their testimonies provide us with an understanding of how the events of the Holocaust have shaped their lives and are an ongoing testimony to the strength of the human spirit.
Anything But His Soul by Moshe (Mjetek) Bomberg is a powerful and inspirational story about two brothers reunited in a death camp only to be separated again. It was a heart-rending and thought-provoking read that will leave you unexpectedly feeling like a better person for having read it.
Highly recommended.
Each Holocaust survivor has a unique and individual story. However, these survivor’s stories didn’t end in 1945. They continue through to the present day. Their testimonies provide us with an understanding of how the events of the Holocaust have shaped their lives and are an ongoing testimony to the strength of the human spirit.
Anything But His Soul by Moshe (Mjetek) Bomberg is a powerful and inspirational story about two brothers reunited in a death camp only to be separated again. It was a heart-rending and thought-provoking read that will leave you unexpectedly feeling like a better person for having read it.
Highly recommended.
May 29, 2019
Answers to many of my questions.
A five star review because it deserves ten stars. Very well written, a page-turner with a great deal of specifics. As a Catholic raised in America I always wondered how how people survived and wondered about "after" the war. Sadly, Anti-Semitism is "alive and well" around the world. And getting worse! It is the educated that will ban racism, religious hate and quiet the ignorant. This book does a great job describing Anti-Semitism and the ignorance that it grows from.
This book is not mundane. It is loaded with information and ways that the Jews of yesteryear continued to live.
Such hatred and ignorance needs to be stopped by all and I recommend this book to be read by everyone and used as a "Reader" in junior high and high schools.
A five star review because it deserves ten stars. Very well written, a page-turner with a great deal of specifics. As a Catholic raised in America I always wondered how how people survived and wondered about "after" the war. Sadly, Anti-Semitism is "alive and well" around the world. And getting worse! It is the educated that will ban racism, religious hate and quiet the ignorant. This book does a great job describing Anti-Semitism and the ignorance that it grows from.
This book is not mundane. It is loaded with information and ways that the Jews of yesteryear continued to live.
Such hatred and ignorance needs to be stopped by all and I recommend this book to be read by everyone and used as a "Reader" in junior high and high schools.
May 23, 2019
A Jewish Survivor
I read many of the stories because I worry that someday the world will "forget" the horrors of the holocaust. I found Mjetek's story strangely uplifting in spite of the sadness that moved me to tears.
We owe it to both the survivors and those who were murdered by the nazi regime to make sure that they and their families are NEVER FORGOTTEN. We must teach our children, grandchildren and future generations the horrible truth of what happened to European Jews at the hands of the nazi's.
I read many of the stories because I worry that someday the world will "forget" the horrors of the holocaust. I found Mjetek's story strangely uplifting in spite of the sadness that moved me to tears.
We owe it to both the survivors and those who were murdered by the nazi regime to make sure that they and their families are NEVER FORGOTTEN. We must teach our children, grandchildren and future generations the horrible truth of what happened to European Jews at the hands of the nazi's.
April 14, 2020
I rarely read memoirs, biographies, or autobiographies but there are a few that catch my attention. This one was one of them. I enjoyed reading it...though it was an emotional read. I can’t imagine all the horror the author saw and experienced during the holocaust. It’s amazing that he survived with so much hope after all he witnessed how evil men can be. I am glad he was able to share his harrowing experiences with us. I would recommend this book to others who enjoy reading memoirs or to those to who enjoy history.
April 21, 2019
True Book
A very interesting book about one man's journey through the Holocaust and after.
He finally was able to emigrate to Israel,where he lived with his wife and raised two children.
This book Will be hard to read at times,because it puts you right there,but it will sure make you count your blessings,I know it did me.
A very interesting book about one man's journey through the Holocaust and after.
He finally was able to emigrate to Israel,where he lived with his wife and raised two children.
This book Will be hard to read at times,because it puts you right there,but it will sure make you count your blessings,I know it did me.
October 13, 2019
A very sincere and well written book.
I enjoyed this book very much. I read a lot of Holocaust survivor stories and found this to be very descriptive and among the best. I read it straight through in a few hours and wished it were longer. I gave it the highest rating because of the sincerity of the writer. Thankyou
I enjoyed this book very much. I read a lot of Holocaust survivor stories and found this to be very descriptive and among the best. I read it straight through in a few hours and wished it were longer. I gave it the highest rating because of the sincerity of the writer. Thankyou
October 20, 2019
Anything But His Soul
A powerful written novel that had me turning each page til the very end.
About a young man whose life goes through the most horrific time in World War 2. Everything will change in just a flash of an eye, all that matters is that he survives and tells the story of what happened to him, his brother and sister Jews.
A powerful written novel that had me turning each page til the very end.
About a young man whose life goes through the most horrific time in World War 2. Everything will change in just a flash of an eye, all that matters is that he survives and tells the story of what happened to him, his brother and sister Jews.
March 2, 2020
Amazing biography of a remarkable and almost unbelievable life. Had this been written as fiction it would seem insane as it’s unimaginable but as a biographical account, it is extraordinary in every way and a perfect description of a survivor. Whether it be fate, luck or random coincidence - this is a true testament to it all.
March 20, 2019
Review of Anything but His Soul
This memoir was moving. The author’s voice was sincere, while he wrote of his difficulties with touching restraint. The reader could imagine much between the lines.
This memoir was moving. The author’s voice was sincere, while he wrote of his difficulties with touching restraint. The reader could imagine much between the lines.
May 1, 2019
First-Hand Account of Holocaust
This was an interesting account of one man’s journey through the holocaust. Books like this will never let us forget the suffering during that period of time.
This was an interesting account of one man’s journey through the holocaust. Books like this will never let us forget the suffering during that period of time.
May 2, 2019
Hits highlights
Related a little dispassionately. Good for those who prefer retelling of events minus much of the but-wrenching emotion. Yet, heartbreak not so well disguised. Is Mjetek still alive? Another survival miracle!I
Related a little dispassionately. Good for those who prefer retelling of events minus much of the but-wrenching emotion. Yet, heartbreak not so well disguised. Is Mjetek still alive? Another survival miracle!I
May 20, 2019
A story of horror and ultimate survival.
For such a short book , it was packed with information. I only missed not hearing more of the author's family life before and after the Shoah. Despite that, one can only marvel at how he was able to survive. Very well written.
For such a short book , it was packed with information. I only missed not hearing more of the author's family life before and after the Shoah. Despite that, one can only marvel at how he was able to survive. Very well written.
May 30, 2019
Incredible
The author shared a very personal aspect of his life. I think he kept back his emotion much better than I would have been able too. I recommend this personal story. It is rare to hear from male survivors especially the hardships they faced to start over.
The author shared a very personal aspect of his life. I think he kept back his emotion much better than I would have been able too. I recommend this personal story. It is rare to hear from male survivors especially the hardships they faced to start over.
October 18, 2020
Survivor
Its hard to understand how humans can be so cruel to other humans. Mjeteks suffering at the hands of the Germans is hard to imagine, but his strength of character pulled him through.
Its hard to understand how humans can be so cruel to other humans. Mjeteks suffering at the hands of the Germans is hard to imagine, but his strength of character pulled him through.
November 4, 2020
He survived
I liked this book because it showed the resilience of Mjetek to survive many struggles, his devotion to his family and the will to live. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a very inspirational story.
I liked this book because it showed the resilience of Mjetek to survive many struggles, his devotion to his family and the will to live. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a very inspirational story.
November 13, 2020
A personal memoir of a Jewish man’s loss of family and eventual escape from German captors at the end of WWII. Then his struggle back to look for surviving family and friends. Still more anti-Domitian by Pole and his escape to Greece and Israel. Worth reading a first person account.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2019
Great read
Wonderful book It is so unbelievable the atrocities these people had to endure but also inspiring. Their strength ,endurap and faith is remarkable
Wonderful book It is so unbelievable the atrocities these people had to endure but also inspiring. Their strength ,endurap and faith is remarkable
April 6, 2019
Great book !
Historical , sad , well written book . Brave man who endured more than anyone should have to , these stories of these atrocities need to be told
Historical , sad , well written book . Brave man who endured more than anyone should have to , these stories of these atrocities need to be told
April 13, 2019
Moving, interesting account, well written
Heartbreaking story of survivors of this terrible period of history. Well written and hard to put down. The world should never forget
Heartbreaking story of survivors of this terrible period of history. Well written and hard to put down. The world should never forget
April 26, 2019
Great read
This was an uplifting holocaust memoir. Rich descriptions help tell this story and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
This was an uplifting holocaust memoir. Rich descriptions help tell this story and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
May 4, 2019
WWII Memories
So many today do not believe things that happen during WWII. I find it heart breaking but also .edu ational
So many today do not believe things that happen during WWII. I find it heart breaking but also .edu ational
July 1, 2019
Excellent!
Very well written and interesting book on the plight of Polish Jews and the story of the author during WWII. Highly recommend this book
Very well written and interesting book on the plight of Polish Jews and the story of the author during WWII. Highly recommend this book
October 13, 2019
Open honest
Account of survival of world war 2 The author lightly brushes over the horror he endured but somehow this makes this a better account
Account of survival of world war 2 The author lightly brushes over the horror he endured but somehow this makes this a better account
October 15, 2020
A very down-to-earth personal account of surviving the holocaust. A solid 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews