Jewish Survivor Norbert Bikales Testimony Part 1 | USC Shoah Foundation

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  • Опубліковано 26 січ 2025

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  • @gregor74gm61
    @gregor74gm61 Рік тому +29

    I don’t want to sound improper or selfish, but I learn more historical facts listening such kind of life stories than any books I have read in schools and in my life so far. This is great job brining all these records from tapes to YT, that whole world can have access to. All the best to Mr Norbert and his family, and Shoah organization.

  • @wendyhannaford7696
    @wendyhannaford7696 2 роки тому +34

    Oh I just adore him, how wonderful to listen to him tell about what happened! I am so thankful he shared this part of his life with us! Intelligent, wonderful personality and he remembers so many details, and also to have some photos that survived! I hope he had a wonderful life after the War, so glad he survived and his Mother got him out of Poland

    • @saradastrickman6406
      @saradastrickman6406 Рік тому +2

      He had an absolutely Fantastic life after the war! My grandparents were close friends of his... fascinating man

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 Рік тому +2

      I can confirm -- they had a fantastic life, on the outside. The weight of their childhoods was never full lifted, however, and there was, and is, some deep seated fears and resentments that have followed them and come out at odd times.

  • @josebarberena9564
    @josebarberena9564 4 роки тому +57

    In all the interviews I've had the honor to watch, I have not seen ONE interviewee who has not been a humble, wonderful human being more than willing to tell their stories which would make a great book every single time. All of them are examples of courage and lovers of life and an inspiration to us who really see the value of their story which they present as a gift the opportunity to not only learn about the microcosmos of their individual lives within a scheme of the most brutal event the world has ever witnessed but also the wonderful opportunity to a change in perspective in the way we sometimes view life and our own hardships. To me they are not victims. They are victorious people. I really appreciate the availability of these videos and I recommend them to anyone I know who will, like me, appreciate them. Thank you.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 3 роки тому +8

      Thank you for your kind words, Jose, from Norbert's son. Norbert is 92 and still in good spirits!

    • @brittanydehaan9019
      @brittanydehaan9019 Рік тому +1

      @@eddybikales7398 Please if he is still living tell your father how much I appreciated and enjoyed his story.
      I love his sense of humor and his determination.
      And bless his parents for letting him go. What a brave selfless act. I have 2 children, my daughter is 9, and I cannot imagine this pain. But it saved his life. That is true love.
      Thank him for sharing. It was very moving for me.

  • @dianahamilton4883
    @dianahamilton4883 Рік тому +11

    He's such an articulate, intelligent and pleasant man. Thank you Norbert for your testimony, God bless you.

  • @bonniehanson1105
    @bonniehanson1105 6 років тому +128

    If Mr, Bakalis has passed, it is now 2019....I want his children to know that even with his harrowing story, I smiled so much with his telling of the good stories. A wonderful man.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 3 роки тому +47

      Thank you so very much Bonnie. I'm happy to say my father is 92 and still going strong! Very kind of you to share these sentiments.

    • @Imagoodn
      @Imagoodn 3 роки тому +15

      @@eddybikales7398 Thank you for letting us know. Wishing your father, all who love him, and all whom he loves good health, safety, and peace. ✌🏼💪🏼🙏🏼

    • @karendiane
      @karendiane 3 роки тому +13

      @@eddybikales7398 - thank you for answering and letting us know that your dad, age 92 still alive. I am reading your reply here in January 2022. My heart is breaking imaging being only 10 years old and seeing your parents on earth for the last time :(

    • @ljm1094
      @ljm1094 3 роки тому +9

      I am happy to know that your father lived a long life, and shared his fascinating story! Sending love and respect from Bermuda. What an exceptional man!

    • @CCaraway
      @CCaraway 2 роки тому +9

      @@eddybikales7398 I hope he is still living life to the fullest and enjoying every day.
      This was the best interview I have ever had the pleasure of watching.

  • @pliny8308
    @pliny8308 2 роки тому +9

    Mr. Bikalis is a man with great social skills, a lovely smile, and a positive attitude who made friends wherever he went. People like that are more likely to survive, as are people who are intelligent and brave, which Mr. Bikales is. It was a privilege to listen to his story.

  • @PaulSanxhez
    @PaulSanxhez 5 місяців тому +2

    What a generous-hearted individual. I became emotional as he talked about saying farewell to his parents. 😢

  • @jeanhenderson1277
    @jeanhenderson1277 2 роки тому +17

    Such a kind caring gentleman with an infectious smile, as horrible his young life was I was enthralled listening to his testimony I’m praying he’s in good health and wish both he and his wife a happy anniversary next month xx

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 Рік тому +3

      He's still kicking. 72 years married! Thank you for your kind words!

    • @jeanhenderson1277
      @jeanhenderson1277 Рік тому

      @@eddybikales7398 thank you for letting me know x

    • @fada7903
      @fada7903 Рік тому

      @@eddybikales7398 What a blessing! Delighted to hear Mr. Bikales is living a good life. Wishing him and his family much happiness and love.

  • @Fitzfarmlaois
    @Fitzfarmlaois Рік тому +4

    Fantastic man ❤ deeply hurt , but so positive and warm. A genuine good human. Amazing story mr Bakalis . Love from Ireland

  • @suellenandrews8024
    @suellenandrews8024 3 роки тому +15

    So happy to hear that such a lovely, humorous man is still alive. Wishing you more happy years with your cherished family Mr. Bakalis.

  • @shaunalea823
    @shaunalea823 4 роки тому +28

    Such a lovely man i believe his parents would be proud of the man he turned out to be. Thankyou sir for sharing your testimony, much respect, love, and appreciation to you.

  • @believergurl5423
    @believergurl5423 2 роки тому +6

    What a wonderful, honorable man. I am blessed to find this video and get to know him via this medium. I pray you and your family are blessed.

  • @anitaclarke7085
    @anitaclarke7085 6 років тому +33

    A very handsome guy .. love your smile and eyes ! Thank you for telling your story ! Much love and peace to you !

  • @lambchop1960
    @lambchop1960 Рік тому +7

    What a wonderful man. A blessing.

  • @kusskuss111
    @kusskuss111 2 роки тому +13

    Omg what a story. Thank u for sharing. Love the twinkle in his eyes. I cried i laughed and i have so much respect for who he is and the choices he made. Never taking the easy way out. ❤️❤️❤️

  • @gs-xx8uv
    @gs-xx8uv 4 роки тому +16

    What an intelligent, articulate and charming man.

  • @MichelleSchneidmann-no2gl
    @MichelleSchneidmann-no2gl Рік тому +2

    I am the daughter of Holocaust
    Surveyors from Belgium 🇧🇪. Thanks for letting the world know

  • @louisemurray2461
    @louisemurray2461 5 років тому +41

    "I Was 10yrs old,That was the last time I saw My Parents" So many Brave Parents trusting their children to Fate to save them! X Thousands of Them! X Their Final Sacrifices! Unbelievable! Should Never Be Forgotten!

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 3 роки тому +6

      Thank you Louise! From his son. He's still doing great at 92!

    • @ЮляТитова-б4я
      @ЮляТитова-б4я Рік тому

      @@eddybikales7398wow! lucky you to have such a fantastic father! God bless you and your family!

  • @valpurves45
    @valpurves45 8 років тому +28

    lovely lovely man. resourceful and extremely brave.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 3 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much Valerie. From Norbert's son, Eddy. He's 92 and still smiling.

  • @phyllisfleming7821
    @phyllisfleming7821 3 роки тому +9

    I could listen to his stories for a long time!! What a gracious inspiring man.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому +1

      Thank you Phyllis, from his son, Eddy. He's now 93, I'll read him this comment!

  • @suomisirkus6654
    @suomisirkus6654 Рік тому +1

    What a story. Thank you for sharing this survivor testimony. I had tears in my eyes in parts of it, but he also made me smile. Greetings from Finland to you and your family.

  • @gaillamont9134
    @gaillamont9134 2 роки тому +6

    This is such an interesting story . One of the best ! It’s hard to imagine all you went through at such a young age . Very touching and emotional . I can’t imagine what your parents went through waving good bye through the train window . You were so young , but it was your mothers courage to send you on a journey that was life saving , but you managed to dodge many situations that could have been fatal . After seeing the pics on part 2 , I was so very happy to hear your brother survived ! I can’t imagine the emotion you must have felt seeing him after the war . I once worked for a Dutch gentleman , a very nice man and he and his wife shared their stories about the war and how they suffered . They had to steal bread in order to survive or they would have starved to death . He could never forgive the Germans either. They emigrated to Canada and had a very successful business . It’s nice to see that you saw some humour along the way , I give you credit , it has a way of getting us through some really difficult times. Kudos to you on a very successful life , marriage , and children . ❤️

  • @news4usunshine
    @news4usunshine 11 років тому +17

    Thanks for sharing your story Norbert. What an amazing life you have led, what an outstanding person you are, and how proud you should be of how you made the most of your opportunities. Your children are so fortunate to have had you for a father. I wish I had been even half that lucky.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому +2

      We're very fortunate (myself and my sister). Thank you for the kind comments. I'm sorry for whatever difficulties you endured.

    • @cecilialiebenfelss8827
      @cecilialiebenfelss8827 Рік тому

      What a brave man and with a smile .I hope he had afterwards a good life. Thank you for the for that testimony.Blessings for him and his family.😊

  • @jayelliott564
    @jayelliott564 3 роки тому +9

    Such a pleasant man. It was a pleasure to listen to him! God bless him.

  • @morilabelle7106
    @morilabelle7106 6 років тому +18

    What a wonderful gentleman, God Bless him

  • @sailimulgaonkar5715
    @sailimulgaonkar5715 3 роки тому +8

    His parents are sure proud of him, smiling from the heaven! Such a wonderful personality. I love his smile .

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому +2

      Such a lovely thing to say! Thank you Saili. I'll read him this comment! He's now 93, my Mom is 90!

    • @Yyyyyy5
      @Yyyyyy5 2 роки тому

      @@eddybikales7398 I hope your father knows his message is important and that younger people are still listening.

  • @daivageeveerapen7337
    @daivageeveerapen7337 Рік тому +1

    Mr Norbert Bikales gives the impression to be very emotionally powerful.
    The story is told at ease..

  • @margaretroselle8610
    @margaretroselle8610 3 місяці тому

    Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful testimony! Watching with much interest from New Zealand.

  • @charlesparrish2831
    @charlesparrish2831 2 роки тому +7

    Eddie I’m sure you are very proud of your father.His life story should be a book for sure.

  • @dorotagrodzka4742
    @dorotagrodzka4742 Рік тому +3

    Mr. Bakalis and the family, thank you so much for sharing your story, it was was very touching and heartbreaking 💔. Sending love and blessings to all.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 Рік тому +2

      I will let him know. He's my Dad, now 94. Thank you for your kind words.

    • @carolblair5514
      @carolblair5514 Рік тому

      ​@@eddybikales7398 you must be very proud of him 💖

  • @robbie_
    @robbie_ 5 років тому +18

    What a lovely, interesting man.

  • @theresabraddock9310
    @theresabraddock9310 Рік тому +2

    so many honest stories of innocence during trying times. another interviewer who kept stoic and emotionless and unpleasantly stopped a lighter childhood memory. Im so glad he could recall fun times and remain humorous amongst the ironic circumstances. 90% of these interviewrs wouldve been made Kapos in the camps for sure

  • @cherylmccarthy2932
    @cherylmccarthy2932 4 роки тому +4

    I have just completed watching Mr. Bikales’s testimony and am blessed to have had this opportunity. It is now November 22, 2020 and I don’t know if Mr. Bikales is still living but I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you so very much for sharing your testimony with me. You are a blessing Mr. Bikales and an inspiration sir. I also want to commend the interviewer for her gentle non obtrusive interview skills.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому +3

      His is still very much alive at age 93, and I will read him this lovely comments. Thank you! Eddy, his son

  • @sineadmolloy4055
    @sineadmolloy4055 2 роки тому +2

    Gorgeous interview

  • @monikastak
    @monikastak Рік тому +1

    BRILLIANT man. Reminds me alot of Richard Gere WITH HIS HANDSOME LOOKS. SO VERY SORRY ABOUT THE FAMILY he lost. May he find some peace in his ♥

  • @harrywilson404
    @harrywilson404 4 роки тому +8

    Wonderful story teller. A great perspe6on on life, must have been fun to be around!

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому +1

      Still is! Age 93. Thank you for your kind comments. From his son, Eddy.

    • @GermanAGPM
      @GermanAGPM Рік тому

      Please tell him again! What an amazing standard from an intellectual and moral point of view. What a pleasure to listen to him. Loved the balance of humbleness and pride in narrating all he has accomplished. Just another proof of his intelligence, along with the sense of humour. Greetings from Spain

  • @kikcta
    @kikcta 11 років тому +13

    what a wonderful man

  • @pliny8308
    @pliny8308 2 роки тому +5

    The Swiss treat all foreigners without a lot of money like dirt. I'm Italian, and post war they sought Italian labor but in the 60s they had a whole political party which was anti-Italian, like the Know Nothings in the the U.S. in the 19th century. I was in Basel in the mid 70s and it was still going on among certain people. The postmaster screamed at me in a post office bkz I asked for help in Italian. Of course, Italian is one of the 3 national languages of Switzerland, but this was German Switzerland.

  • @StephenGrew
    @StephenGrew 4 роки тому +9

    What some people have endured is extraordinary.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому +4

      And after it was over, he thrived! Still does today at age 93! Thank you, from his son.

    • @StephenGrew
      @StephenGrew 2 роки тому

      @@eddybikales7398 Wonderful!!

  • @sineadmolloy4055
    @sineadmolloy4055 2 роки тому +4

    O my gosh....what a lovely man

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому +1

      Thank you! I'm his son and will read him your comment! He's now 94 and going strong.

  • @AaronOBryan60
    @AaronOBryan60 3 роки тому +2

    During watching his testimony, I looked him up..a accomplished man…Thank God he gave his testimony..

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому

      Thank you for your comment and looking him up! I'll read it to him. He's now 93, my Mom is 90.

    • @16mimimo
      @16mimimo Рік тому

      @@eddybikales7398 your dad totally captured me with his testimony, what a man!!!!! Be proud and cherish. Love from Hungary.

  • @AaronOBryan60
    @AaronOBryan60 3 роки тому +5

    He has such a kind face….

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому +2

      Thank you, from his son, Eddy. I'll read him this! Age 93 now.

    • @AaronOBryan60
      @AaronOBryan60 2 роки тому +1

      @@eddybikales7398 …I’m honored…Thank him greatly for sharing his story…He seems like a very kind and strong man…My best to you all..

  • @31Shanell
    @31Shanell Рік тому

    One of the few to have innocence shone through. To grow up and not be bitter or angry in his telling. Beautiful soul! Thank you for sharing your life and losses and how to keep your heart alive and humor.

    • @davanmani556
      @davanmani556 Рік тому

      I think his honesty comes through. I think that’s the whole point in these documentaries.

  • @melissapollom427
    @melissapollom427 3 місяці тому

    Mr. Bakalis was so interesting I was rivited to his story. What a life he led from age 10. You can tell the interviewer was riveted to his story. I'm so glad he told it to the workd.

  • @debbief9861
    @debbief9861 Рік тому

    What an amazing story. These videos are incredible.

  • @enjoythemoment6596
    @enjoythemoment6596 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are most definitely a courageous, handsomely bright man of whom your parents will be proud of.

  • @SusanKincaid-ri3sm
    @SusanKincaid-ri3sm Рік тому

    He is a very nice man, with a wonderful sense of humor. He had be through so much in his childhood.

  • @charlesparrish2831
    @charlesparrish2831 2 роки тому +6

    Eddie Bikales your father is a great man!Please tell him Charles Parrish thanks him for this testimony.God bless him and you🙏Let us never ever forget🙏🙏🙏

  • @chineainguanzo6341
    @chineainguanzo6341 2 роки тому +5

    I simpatize with the courage of Jewish people ,I get mad when I hear person's who have not suffered 1% of what the Nazis did to Jewish families by the millions.the talk about their suffering all the time .their is no comparison !

  • @148ESTHER
    @148ESTHER 6 років тому +30

    The interviewers were probably given a line of questions which they took literally instead of being somewhat creative. After listening to dozens of these testimonies, I almost wish they would let the survivors tell their stories without being interrupted. Those stories are too precious to be distracted by sometimes irrelevant questions or interruption. Also the lack of empathy in the tone of the interviewers is choking.

    • @lexinoel7
      @lexinoel7 6 років тому +9

      148ESTHER the thing that irks me is interrupting to ask how to spell names and asking to repeat names over and over again..retain the information haha it’s being recorded so chill! This interviewer didn’t do it that much with mr. Norbert but other interviews can get tedious with that.

    • @louisemurray2461
      @louisemurray2461 5 років тому +3

      I do believe that many interviewes asked questions that were psychologically asked for in a certain way to bring forth memories that were buried many decades ago! So Well done to not truly retraumatise these witnesses ! I only hope that later atrocities from around the world are dealt with in this manner! This happened! In an Era that not many of Us remember! But should Never be Forgotten!

    • @Mitzi1221
      @Mitzi1221 3 роки тому +1

      @@lexinoel7 agree

    • @bleacherz7503
      @bleacherz7503 3 роки тому

      That seems to be the case

  • @StephenGrew
    @StephenGrew 3 роки тому +5

    Interesting that, that people treat the poor and unfortunate as somehow inferior, and some people still do. How circumstances can radically change for anyone, however prosperous one might be. This fact is a fundamental of Life, it's worth seriously keeping in mind! My grandfather always, said, there's always someone worst off than yourself.

  • @greatmusicfan57
    @greatmusicfan57 Рік тому

    WOW..What a great story. Everyone of these stories could be a movie! From a horrible time to TRIUMPH! God Bless these brave people...all of them.💕🙏🇺🇸🕎

  • @charlesparrish2831
    @charlesparrish2831 2 роки тому +3

    God Bless you Mr Bakalis🙏🙏🙏

  • @raycortopassi4030
    @raycortopassi4030 8 років тому +15

    What a fascinating life story. A very tragic childhood but he eventually found happiness and success. Norbert est un homme très sympathique avec un bon sens de l'humour. Il raconte ses experiences d'une façon très interessante. Il devrait écrire ses mémoires. Thank you for sharing your life story.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому

      Merci beaucoup! From his son, Eddy. He's 93 now.

  • @PaulSanxhez
    @PaulSanxhez День тому

    This is my 3rd time seeing this. Awesome person

  • @RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS
    @RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS 3 роки тому +2

    What a wonderful positive man.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому

      Thank you Ramona! I'm his son, Eddy. He's 93, I'll read him this!

  • @JenniferJones-Cartier
    @JenniferJones-Cartier Рік тому

    I was so hoping to see pictures

  • @krisinla
    @krisinla 4 роки тому +4

    What a pleasant person... may he rest in peace.

    • @Yyyyyy5
      @Yyyyyy5 2 роки тому +2

      He’s still alive and well.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 Рік тому +2

      Reports of his death have been highly exaggerated.

  • @esmevanzyl7198
    @esmevanzyl7198 11 місяців тому

    What an absolute gentleman. All respect to you Mr Bikales. My humble apologies that you had to suffer so emensly at the hand of evil doers

  • @romanavav6063
    @romanavav6063 Рік тому +2

    Such a nice man...

  • @shivani41
    @shivani41 4 роки тому +2

    He could be, with the mother he describes, my twin. And he so far hasn't said it, as I pause so often to revel in his subtlety of wit, but naturellement, mama probably caused the family feuds with Mr. Bikales' father's sister, etc. Through unspeakable experiences, still this amazing man wins over a heart instantaneously, from his loving humor. A dream more than any dream, that of love.

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому

      Thank you so much! I will read him this, he's now 93. - Eddy, his son

  • @zachary9294
    @zachary9294 Рік тому

    Excellent.

  • @carlagoncalves531
    @carlagoncalves531 6 років тому +5

    Where is part 2

    • @USCShoahFoundation
      @USCShoahFoundation  6 років тому +4

      Hello, Carla! Part 2 can be found at ua-cam.com/video/6SmmiSEGUNE/v-deo.html.

  • @StephenGrew
    @StephenGrew 3 роки тому +3

    That's so brilliant, Des escargot avec Di vin rouge, formidables!!

  • @StephenGrew
    @StephenGrew 3 роки тому +3

    Lovely bloke

  • @cindyseverson2917
    @cindyseverson2917 3 місяці тому +1

    These people who interview seem like they just read from the paper and don't really hear. They have no sense of humor! This guy has a sense of humor, she totally missed it. 😮

  • @Mitzi1221
    @Mitzi1221 3 роки тому +7

    Good looking. Charming. My my

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 2 роки тому +4

      I'll read him all these comments (he's 93), but this will undoubtedly be his favorite! Thank you from his son, Eddy.

  • @DonnaMM6361
    @DonnaMM6361 Рік тому +1

    He reminds me of Dustin Hoffman.

  • @tkammon2211
    @tkammon2211 4 роки тому +5

    Lovely man. The recorder was abrupt to the point of being rude.

  • @janiesmys461
    @janiesmys461 Рік тому +3

    I love his heart. So positive though he was in hell.

  • @DeniseLaFranceCDNpainter
    @DeniseLaFranceCDNpainter Рік тому

    If William Baldwin, Dustin Hoffman and Richard Feynman had a baby, he'd look like *_this_* incredible man.

  • @carlagoncalves531
    @carlagoncalves531 6 років тому +8

    Rude interviewer ! Interrupting and don't let Norbert to tell more details worst of all I seen.

  • @MrsKastell
    @MrsKastell Рік тому +2

    And so handsome.

  • @ronpeters-k9m
    @ronpeters-k9m 10 місяців тому

    LIARS !!!

  • @lloydkennedy8023
    @lloydkennedy8023 3 роки тому

    The quizzical floor untypically include because ankle muhly burn about a afraid christopher. selfish, festive waitress

  • @terveron
    @terveron 5 років тому

    A very vivid way of telling his story.
    I'm sorry to say that there's something not convincing on what he says: lots of details which make the whole a bit difficult to believe on the contrary of what happens by the testimonies of other survivors I've watched here. I hope I am wrong though and just mislead by his artistical way of putting his story. In that case I owe you a big apology Mr. Bikales!

    • @yourgirlme9163
      @yourgirlme9163 3 роки тому +6

      yes you do!

    • @eddybikales7398
      @eddybikales7398 3 роки тому +8

      Not sure what you saw in there, but I'm his son and I can confirm his story -- because I have met over the course of my lifetimes many others who have been witnesses to his story and have had their own stories. Anyone who survived has a LOT of luck, as he did.

    • @riobrasilsambashowssambist1453
      @riobrasilsambashowssambist1453 2 роки тому +1

      The children survivors were mainly the ones through the kinder transport, just like Dr. Ruth Westheimer, if you listen to the other surviving children. If you look it up, this is a common story where the parents sent their kids to orphanages in Switzerland, England, France, while the parents got killed.

  • @Eatmeat424
    @Eatmeat424 2 роки тому +4

    My great grandparents were from Austra Hungry. A lot of people say, oh so you're Chezoslovan. I always say, no, I'm Austra Hungarian. There is a distinction there.

  • @JenniferJones-Cartier
    @JenniferJones-Cartier Рік тому +2

    What a lovely man