Holocaust Survivor Frank Shurman Testimony | USC Shoah Foundation

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 29 січ 2009
  • This testimony from Jewish survivor, Frank Shurman, is from USC Shoah Foundation's Visual History Archive and is also featured in Echoes & Reflections: A Multimedia Curriculum on the Holocaust. For more information, visit: www.echoesandreflections.org
    Learn more about USC Shoah Foundation: sfi.usc.edu/
    SUBSCRIBE: ua-cam.com/users/USCShoahFou...
    #USCShoahFoundation #StrongerThanHate #Survivor
    Connect with USC Shoah Foundation:
    Facebook: / uscsfi
    Twitter: / uscshoahfdn
    Instagram: / uscshoahfoundation
    IWitness: iwitness.usc.edu/SFI/
    Website: sfi.usc.edu/
    About USC Shoah Foundation:
    USC Shoah Foundation - The Institute for Visual History and Education develops
    empathy, understanding and respect through testimony, using its Visual History Archive of more than 55,000 video testimonies, academic programs and partnerships across USC and 170 universities, and award-winning IWitness education program. USC Shoah Foundation’s interactive programming, research and materials are accessed in museums and universities, cited by government leaders and NGOs, and taught in classrooms around the world. Now in its third decade, USC Shoah Foundation reaches millions of people on six continents from its home at the University of Southern California.
    Copyright USC Shoah Foundation - The Institute for Visual History and Education

КОМЕНТАРІ • 855

  • @cnrmoose
    @cnrmoose 2 роки тому +72

    What a beautiful man and family. Thank you to the folks that captured this testimony. This was 4 hours well spent.

  • @dr.barrycohn5461
    @dr.barrycohn5461 3 роки тому +173

    This gentleman is full of humanity and bravery. He was truly a gift to the world.

    • @charlesbalcher173
      @charlesbalcher173 3 роки тому +12

      Amazing and courageous individual. Proud to have known his story.

  • @davefk
    @davefk 2 роки тому +35

    What a humble amazing man. A wise decent human being, qualities missing in the world of today. He died three years later. RIP Mr. Schurmann.

  • @chenry1279
    @chenry1279 4 роки тому +426

    I have listened to hundreds of survivor testimonies, but Frank's has stayed with me like no other. His clarity of thought, humility and honesty is such a gift to the historical record. Grateful for his willingness to share!

  • @AR-cw4he
    @AR-cw4he Рік тому +24

    I have no words but just a deep, deep emotional pain feeling in my heart. What a brave humble blessed loving man. I really feel it’s time our world teens learn & understand what our world really means, Thank You Sir

  • @angiermon
    @angiermon Рік тому +21

    I cannot believe he’s 81! He looks like a man in his 50s. He seems like a wonderful man and I hope the rest of his days were spent happily.

  • @shubarose44
    @shubarose44 3 роки тому +129

    Frank is such a wonderful communicator, brave, wise soul.

  • @constancewalsh3646
    @constancewalsh3646 Рік тому +13

    My companions these winter evenings are the survivors of the WWII concentration camps. I cannot wait for the end of my day to put everything away and listen, my heart welling up with love, tears, laughter, awe. I am not Jewish. This man's elegance and respect for himself and others brings me to tears.

  • @lynnsmith4
    @lynnsmith4 3 роки тому +325

    Im not through watching this yet...but what has struck me so far is how deeply..how profoundly...the smallest kindnesses shown to him has affected him even after all these many years. It makes me want to be a better person.

    • @emmyelijah7395
      @emmyelijah7395 3 роки тому +26

      I noticed this too. It was a small act of kindness that made him weep. It is a valuable lesson.

    • @touraneindanke
      @touraneindanke 3 роки тому +13

      Thanks 🙏🏽
      I could not describe it better (English not my first lingo)
      After all what passed he is still not cold or hateful.
      Could not watch this in one sitting also.
      This testimony is so valuable so strong

    • @JB-pd3ir
      @JB-pd3ir 2 роки тому +19

      @@emmyelijah7395 And you never know that person who did the kindness may have been depressed or at times have felt their life was not sucessful but had no idea their influence on this man. This shows we never know our importance in this world. Everyone can have a positive effect on this world (even if it is a simple act of kindness).

    • @jacquelinea3358
      @jacquelinea3358 2 роки тому +8

      I deeply appreciate this gentleman's testimony. He clearly suffered and demonstrated several instances of courage. But I think if he had been kept in concentration camps for one or more years, like many other unfortunate people, he would have stopped speaking brashly to the SS and capos. He would have had to keep quiet to survive. And I say that with the utmost respect for Mr. Shurman and his father.

    • @jacquelineoutlaw3252
      @jacquelineoutlaw3252 2 роки тому +10

      A very wonderful man who made it through a horrible hell. He is very sincere as he shares his wonderful testimony to be played over for decades and hopefully beyond. He experienced the worst of humanity obviously and came through intact on the other side. He described more hate than any human should ever have to endure. Such unbridled evil forced upon him and millions of others by rogue cruel forces of deviant subhumans running amok. The hate they used against him was intended to drill darkness into his heart and settle there, break him. But he deflected it, albeit, didn't absolutely process it because that would be an impossible feat. I get the impression he needed to cry endlessly. As I watched his testimony, I felt he had never taken the opportunity to weep for days and nights as needed to purge and release. Such agony and grief forced upon him and many others left there to fester. But he didn't seem to hate anyone. He was such a strong wonderful soul and a force to reckon with when the evil ones tried to break him. We can't allow evil atrocities to happen again, we must stare it down! Look what they did to the innocents, by their brutal stone cold viciousness leaving great amounts of suffering and total destruction in their wake. It's difficult to accept such evil exist in others and amongst humans. The evil he described and experienced was completely inhumane! God Bless his soul. ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡~~ RIP Hero Frank Shurman.♡♡

  • @zethandrews3860
    @zethandrews3860 3 роки тому +103

    "What I learned from my father was his lack of fear and that you don't cave in to this kind of injustice in the light of fear"... I wish this attitude was taught to everyone... the world would be less corrupt if it was.

    • @michaelreese6828
      @michaelreese6828 2 роки тому +3

      Bravery can't be taught. You either have it or you don't. Most people never find out how they would react under life or death circumstances though.

    • @Jane.Doe.
      @Jane.Doe. 2 роки тому +1

      @@michaelreese6828
      I love your comment.
      Short and powerful...
      You're absolutely spot on.
      There is literally *no way*
      that any of us can predict how they will behave, feel, do, think.....in a heinous situation of life or death.
      Absolutely no way until you're already in it.
      Even then, I feel that one would still be.... making it up as they navigate through each phase.
      A terrifying thing to ponder.
      🙏
      What an incredibly strong man. Very very strong mentally as well as physically.
      With high intellect as well as a solid sense of himself.
      It's difficult for me to listen to him, my heart has this heavy pressure on it, filling with such a deep sadness and anger at the same time.
      That there are people in this world who to this day, continue to deny that the Holocaust ever happened, straight out refusing the fact in all of their ignorance... and perhaps fear, is beyond comprehension.

    • @sacrificethestupid462
      @sacrificethestupid462 2 роки тому +2

      Bravery is taught though. It’s taught by your parents and your culture. Why do you think Japanese were so willing to die in WW2 for their country? It’s because of their culture. Why do you think Fritz was able to speak his mind when under pressure? You think it’s a coincidence that his father happened to have the same disposition?

  • @ln8601
    @ln8601 3 роки тому +128

    May this testimony be a stark warning, and his memory be a blessing.

    • @marilyndonald9174
      @marilyndonald9174 2 роки тому +2

      A precious man prays a precious prayer. I wish the whole world would hear this testimony.

    • @ambercarson8904
      @ambercarson8904 2 роки тому

      @@marilyndonald9174violence glkggxgyxyxv uclv ff cx$pp p

    • @thernly
      @thernly 2 роки тому

      A warning about Adolf Hitler or Elkhart, Indiana?

  • @marqetteliz
    @marqetteliz Рік тому +20

    Clearly an extraordinary human. May his memory be a blessing.

  • @djholliday4413
    @djholliday4413 3 роки тому +62

    I have studied WWII & the Holocaust for many years. I have listened to countless survivor testimonies. Mr. Shurman's touched my heart. Receiving sponsorship by a stranger, to come to the US, brought me to tears. I hope that I would do the same, to help my fellow man. We must teach this history to the new generations. We must never forget.
    God bless America, the UK, Israel and her allies, forever.
    🇺🇸 🌍 🇬🇧 ❤ 🇮🇱

    • @lrc9304
      @lrc9304 3 роки тому +1

      🤮🤮🤮

    • @BaskiHighT
      @BaskiHighT 2 роки тому +2

      @DJ Holliday , First part.. yes. Blessing countries ..no. Ww2 was not the only war fought in history. You can't just choose parts you like or that match your belief system whenever you feel like it to write your own history. There's good and bad in every country, in every civilization, in every person.

    • @jennifer226
      @jennifer226 2 роки тому +1

      Amen! I agree.
      Very sweet man; touching testimony.

    • @elsamarie4963
      @elsamarie4963 Рік тому

      Amen

  • @pamcarson1180
    @pamcarson1180 2 роки тому +13

    Never wanted to hug a person more. The strength of the survivors just always amazes me.

  • @celestryalcelestryal6690
    @celestryalcelestryal6690 2 роки тому +22

    All four of my grandparents left Germany to come to the USA right before the war. They were not Jewish but they could not take part in something so horrendous. I want to thank you for this recording of your story. I pray my note finds you and yours happy and healthy. Thank you too for the distinction between Germans and Nazis. God Bless.

  • @Intellectualwarrior11
    @Intellectualwarrior11 3 роки тому +137

    I'm so happy you came to America thank you for enriching our planet and our country Fritz. You left a better place for the people who came behind you. Your humanity is staggering and the lucidity with which you describe the most hellish of conditions to the seemingly mundane. I feel honored that I found you and to the interviewee, great work, in particular when he seemed to be entranced in great darkness by the harbinger of the memory, you walked him out with a pertinent question.

    • @enzomangolini6295
      @enzomangolini6295 2 роки тому +10

      I Enzo Mangolini thank from the bottom of my heart and soul Frank Shermann and his wonderful family.I am humbled by his story and among tears I fear for this country and all americans.

    • @sacrificethestupid462
      @sacrificethestupid462 2 роки тому

      If you didn’t live in USA and all you did was watch the news you would think USA was on the verge of civil war, but in reality the news just finds the most ridiculous people to feature because it generates more clicks.
      The way they generate revenue off outrage is the probably the greatest risk to creating another environment like this

    • @laurenjohnson2577
      @laurenjohnson2577 2 роки тому +2

      Loved your response.....took my feeling & put them into words

  • @mithrilsilver575
    @mithrilsilver575 3 роки тому +14

    I've had some horrible times in my life I'd be ashamed to even speak about, but when I see him get choked up I feel his pain is way deeper than mine by far. Makes me assess my life and thank God for all the things I have that I don't even deserve.

    • @S1mcard
      @S1mcard 3 роки тому +2

      How do you know you don't deserve them ?

  • @winwin817
    @winwin817 2 роки тому +15

    I have never been so moved by someone I don't know. Frank's story was unexpected and I never my seat. His gratitude is unparalleled. I could have listened to him for 3 more hours. I'm so sorry he is gone, but grateful I found him. His family must be so proud.

  • @spilloq1983
    @spilloq1983 3 роки тому +30

    Im Italian, my grandfather was one Partigiano, in prison for 7 years, walking back home from Poland borderline to Italy. Every time I see this video, my nonno come back on my memories. I grow up on my gr.fa. knees listening story close to this one's, close to the unreal... But unfortunately genuine and horrifying.
    Hope your God walk next to you nonno, and carefully listening to your story and provide you a never-ending crowd. Miss u

  • @pamelabeaton6667
    @pamelabeaton6667 Рік тому +6

    I am watching this today 9-2- 2022. You are 93 years old now. You were 81 at the time of this testimony given. There are no words to express, I have studied this history for years. And now even more as this world has become darker and more sinister, God help us all. I am in much worry today that these atrocities are upon us all. Things are so bad when you are part of this system of things. However, there has been much good I have studied to help me and share with others that is important to know. I have never forgotten and hold so precious because now it's happening world wide.

    • @Vikki_G_
      @Vikki_G_ Рік тому

      This was originally recorded in 1996.

    • @anjali0808
      @anjali0808 Рік тому

      He passed away on Sept 30, 1999. 2.5 yrs after this recording.

  • @echo-qe4gw
    @echo-qe4gw 3 роки тому +73

    What a wonderful man. So brave and with the highest integrity. I was crying through most of this interview.

  • @aymebergen6759
    @aymebergen6759 3 роки тому +87

    I’m so grateful to this man for sharing his story. Cried my way through the whole interview. I hope this gentleman, and others who’ve shared their testimonies, know what a profound difference they’ve made by doing so.

  • @Donley76
    @Donley76 Рік тому +17

    These interviews are amazing. I'm so grateful these memories have documented.

  • @debclosser2815
    @debclosser2815 5 років тому +261

    This wonderful strong man cries...not while telling of the horrendous things he endured, but when an act of kindness was bestowed on him and his family.
    I cannot begin to imagine telling someone that a stranger handed me a sandwich and a cup of coffee and break down in tears. Not because I was starving, as I'm sure he was, but because someone showed him an act of kindness . God bless everyone who helped free these wonderful people. 😇
    And my heartfelt thanks for the Jews who shared their horrible experiences with us to make sure this never happens again !!

    • @bucksnort7361
      @bucksnort7361 3 роки тому +1

      Are seaways

    • @brianbelton3605
      @brianbelton3605 3 роки тому +7

      So well said. This whole thing breaks my heart. And there is no way out of the pain, except to endure the small part part, the very minuscule part, felt by us, & our brothers & sisters & grandparents, and parents, and it makes me sick. Still, to this day. We cannot go wrong again

    • @rescuepetsrule6842
      @rescuepetsrule6842 3 роки тому +1

      @@bucksnort7361 what?

    • @rescuepetsrule6842
      @rescuepetsrule6842 3 роки тому +1

      @@jordstarr7115 What junk are you leaving here? Show some respect-what, are you a 3 yr. old?

    • @fahimabemberry9756
      @fahimabemberry9756 3 роки тому +1

      Deep😭

  • @carmenburnham1088
    @carmenburnham1088 3 роки тому +42

    He is one of the only ones who cried. This had to be very healing for him to tell his story. Writing book is one thing but talking it out is so good. These survivors are so inspirational to me. What they endured. He does not look in his 80’s.

    • @phillamoore157
      @phillamoore157 Рік тому +3

      A lot of them get emotional at some point. The most emotional Holocaust interview I’ve seen was of Ernest Lobet. It’s part of the USC Shoah series. His story is incredible, also because he’s the Jew who traded uniforms with a British soldier, so the British soldier could witness what was happening in the Jewish side of the barracks, vs the soldier side. The book is called The Man who broke into Auschwitz (or something very close to that.). Lobet will have you in tears….

    • @webleypug
      @webleypug Рік тому +1

      Another emotional & riveting testimony is that of Helen Croft.

    • @leahnewyork
      @leahnewyork Рік тому +1

      ​@@phillamoore157 Thank you for for the recommendations.

  • @meletx6533
    @meletx6533 Рік тому +7

    Mr. Shurman's story was so compelling and well-told. I was sorry to learn he passed away only a couple of years after this video was made. So sorry that his books were never published. I would have loved to read them. What a wonderful family he has for his legacy.

  • @bohns3
    @bohns3 3 роки тому +75

    Mr. Shurman, I want to thank you for your testimony of your experiences it was obvious it wasn't easy. I am an American and I think all Americans today should watch this entire video. You were a very brave man and you father as well. Thank you so much for sharing this painful part of your life. I would like to think this would never happen again but in 2020 I'm not sure. You are a very brave man.

    • @coypu2005
      @coypu2005 3 роки тому +2

      Do not politicize this man. His story transcends time and space.

    • @gabriellepundsack3048
      @gabriellepundsack3048 3 роки тому +5

      @@coypu2005 It's not being political, it's LEARNING from the past. If you actually talked to a survivor, as I have, they warn you about political things. Please learn something from this man, you're missing the point.

    • @doribellan
      @doribellan 3 роки тому +3

      @@gabriellepundsack3048 yes, please learn from this man. In your own reply here, there is absence of humility. “If you have actually talked to a survivor as I have...” You know nothing of this other man, but immediately went to a level of ego that these survivors would never reach. The immediate argument against him also shows the problem today... nazis, among others things, could not accept other points of view, becoming fascist to block those views. Be careful, really learn from him.

    • @gabriellepundsack3048
      @gabriellepundsack3048 3 роки тому +3

      @@doribellan I never said I am anything like the survivors. I'll never be so heroic. I was simply telling Trumps Side Piece that these things are often political. If you listen to the first part only, he says political many times. So calm down.

    • @doribellan
      @doribellan 3 роки тому +4

      @@gabriellepundsack3048 you said, “it’s not being political, it’s LEARNING from the past,” then went on with points I’ve already made. You didn’t say “these things are often political,” but quite the opposite. You’re missing the point. If you would like to walk back on your words now, cool, but my post only called out the hypocrisy in yours, for the sake of the original person. It’s ok to disagree with others, just remain civil while doing so.

  • @Zezeguizee
    @Zezeguizee 3 роки тому +9

    I watched a lot of Jewish survivors testimonies but Frank Shurmann’s is the one which shaked me the most. What a beautiful soul. So full of humanity and kindness despite the hardship he went threw. Thank you for telling us your story and may your memory live forever.

  • @fairlyvague82
    @fairlyvague82 4 роки тому +148

    Rest eternally in peace Sir, reunited with your beautiful Mother and all your family. A truly remarkable human.

    • @jeffreymonahan6826
      @jeffreymonahan6826 3 роки тому +2

      Could he be alive still ?

    • @fairlyvague82
      @fairlyvague82 3 роки тому +9

      Jeffrey Monahan He passed away in September of 1999

    • @fairlyvague82
      @fairlyvague82 3 роки тому +20

      Jeffrey Monahan You’re very welcome 😊 According to a report in The Chicago Tribune from the time, he had been fighting kidney cancer for 6 months when he sadly passed away, which was just 3 years after this interview. If you search his name there’s quite a lot of information out there about him and his family and the post-war years. He seemed such a lovely, gentle soul. I’m sure his family must be so proud looking back 😊

    • @celestryalcelestryal6690
      @celestryalcelestryal6690 2 роки тому +2

      @@fairlyvague82 What an amazing human being. I am only sorry that I did not have a chance to tell him myself but that is my own selfishness as he has his rightful place in heaven as all angels do.

    • @fairlyvague82
      @fairlyvague82 2 роки тому

      @@celestryalcelestryal6690 ❤️

  • @sonitafry2169
    @sonitafry2169 5 років тому +179

    I watched this with great interest.
    From all the ones i watched this gentleman has reflected very well on pre war,war and after war periodes.
    He is very clear in making people understand.
    My father and his parents and siblings went through the war in the Netherlands and they are Jewish.
    Grew up with this and it was very hard for them to talk about it.
    My grandparents and father passed away so a part of this history is gone with them.
    Thank you sir for telling your story

    • @conniegrider7842
      @conniegrider7842 2 роки тому +4

      This is a wonderful man A decent and compassionate man he has a lot to say and we should listen and learn

  • @carolreid5405
    @carolreid5405 3 роки тому +17

    I truly appreciate everyone involved in bringing a light to shine on a very dark part of our history.
    The interviewer asks sensitive yet subtle important questions and demonstrates a patience, waiting for answers, never interrupts.
    Well done.

  • @marquisevirginie
    @marquisevirginie 3 роки тому +35

    sir you have my greatest respect

  • @louisebailey3057
    @louisebailey3057 3 роки тому +26

    Praise God for this incredible testimony! A true story of love, strength and forgiveness!

  • @laurengilland2794
    @laurengilland2794 3 роки тому +56

    Wow! What a remarkable man. I appreciated his vulnerability and honesty. This is by far one of the best survivor videos I've been privileged to watch.

  • @meggy8868
    @meggy8868 5 років тому +133

    Great moving testimony. One of the best. Historically valuable

  • @4cornernan
    @4cornernan Рік тому +5

    I believe that these testimonies may be more important today than when they were recorded. How very inspiring. It is so important to see the steps from ordinary citizen to mass murderer. The one similarity in many of these people seems to be their incredible ability to conquer horrific traumas with kindness and love rather than hate. This is the greatest lesson of all.

  • @mousekander2232
    @mousekander2232 3 роки тому +200

    He looks amazing for his 80s!

    • @unnamedchannel1237
      @unnamedchannel1237 3 роки тому +15

      I look his age and I am pushing 40

    • @RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS
      @RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS 3 роки тому +25

      24 years ago... how time flies. This January would be his 104th birthday. I’m so glad they started to interview survivors.

    • @annajones1396
      @annajones1396 3 роки тому +16

      @@GuyUWishUWere you obviously have no soul. Don't desecrate this testimony.

    • @GuyUWishUWere
      @GuyUWishUWere 3 роки тому +1

      @@annajones1396 yeah, that's rational.

    • @annajones1396
      @annajones1396 3 роки тому +13

      @@GuyUWishUWere so sad that you lack empathy. I would be ashamed to show such ignorance.

  • @kennydemers8952
    @kennydemers8952 3 роки тому +16

    As someone who studied the English language in hopes of a profession in teaching it, I must admit that the raw beauty in his expression through words are unparalleled by any bilingual interviewee. The fact that he sculpted this interview with passion, and his dedication to learn the medium in which to present to the broader audience is astounding.

  • @johnforeman634
    @johnforeman634 5 місяців тому +1

    I have never in my life heard a story like this. It’s just unbelievable. The twists and turns that happened to him, and for him to live through it? This guy is incredible.

  • @jujubean54ify
    @jujubean54ify Рік тому +5

    Frank Shurman was a true mensch and a wonderful human being; so articulate and so honest about his life.
    His testimony had me in tears many times.
    I want his children and grandchildren to know that they are descendants of a giant among men.

  • @KYCyn1066
    @KYCyn1066 3 роки тому +8

    Thank you Mrs. Hamilton for not failing another human being. And for taking a chance to save four lives.

  • @margaretgibbens5761
    @margaretgibbens5761 3 роки тому +47

    Oh my these survivors look so beautiful in spite of the living hell they went through. They don't even look their age! God is good. I'm so sorry for their (our) losses.

    • @margaretgibbens5761
      @margaretgibbens5761 3 роки тому +3

      They are the Chosen ones.

    • @ceciliaalvarez773
      @ceciliaalvarez773 3 роки тому +7

      @Eddie Alexander O’Reilly u really have to be one ignorant person to truly believe that. You’re ridiculous.

    • @amandaford864
      @amandaford864 3 роки тому +3

      @Eddie Alexander O’Reilly you’ve got to be kidding right otherwise you’re incredibly ignorant and short sighted

    • @Chadhogan111
      @Chadhogan111 3 роки тому +2

      "god is good" wow

    • @karenlasslett5731
      @karenlasslett5731 3 роки тому

      @@Chadhogan111 You're breathing aren't you ?

  • @justmethinkn
    @justmethinkn 3 роки тому +24

    It stands out, to me, that he picked the work of building cement roads when he was in England, waiting to go to America, because "I didn't know how tough I had to be to survive in America". He picked the toughest thing he could find! What amazing heart! What an amazing testimony to just how great the human spirit can be.

  • @tcareccia
    @tcareccia 3 роки тому +47

    I love this man.
    “The things that you are being taught, are not quite right. I took this attitude wherever I could.” Sir, I will do the same!! I will absolutely do the same. Thank you for putting it so simply, brilliant man.

  • @pamelaraposo3953
    @pamelaraposo3953 2 роки тому +7

    this man. bless him. breaking my heart to know what he and so many others went through. we as human beings need to do better.

  • @catherinehazur7336
    @catherinehazur7336 3 роки тому +28

    So much can be learned from each one of these survivors' stories. I am so glad that such deeply reflective interviews were collected from these individuals of that generation. Mr Schurman's is full of great detail and insight. Pure gold. Really really deep.

    • @valor101arise
      @valor101arise 2 роки тому +1

      I believe these are most crucial to hear now

  • @dougstyles5091
    @dougstyles5091 3 роки тому +33

    What a wonderful man. Acts of kindness tend to stick in our memories,and restore hope. Even in the worst type of situations. Rest easy good sir. You are an important part of history that will never be forgotten.

  • @mesenteria
    @mesenteria 3 роки тому +11

    I watched this video six weeks earlier than this day of commenting, and had marked it as one that I would have to watch at least one more time. It is so compelling, his emotion and his story. By now, I have watched at least forty such videos. This one, the one of Joshua Kaufman, and the one of Kristine Keren, are almost without parallel. But the one who stands out is Dr. Livia Bitton Jackson who literally carried her own mother, when Livia was only 14, all the way from Auschwitz to Augsburg. You can find a recent video of her being interviewed. Amazing what people can do when they feel compelled to do something.
    I was sorry to learn, when I googled it, that this lovely gentleman passed only three years after this interview from kidney cancer.

  • @albertnicomar9444
    @albertnicomar9444 2 роки тому +7

    There are so many things to think about and learn from Frank's story.
    I'm truly grateful that he shared his Humanity through his testimony !

  • @johnweinberger128
    @johnweinberger128 2 роки тому +8

    I feel like I've been on a remarkable journey for the last nearly 4 hours. I had to go all the way watch the whole story. Riveting does not come close to describing this wonderful man's experiences. I feel like I've received an education after watching this.

  • @donreid501
    @donreid501 Рік тому +1

    My heart ached as I listened to this sweet man’s story. He talked about growing up in Hildesheim, a cloistered town roughly 20 miles from Hannover. My father was a bomber pilot in WW2 and his plane was shot down over Hannover in December 1944. He hid out on the banks of the Leine River for a week before being captured and interned at a nearby POW camp (Stalag Luft 11B). Mr Schurmann and my father were each selflessly fighting the Nazis, one as a POW interrogator and the other as a POW, a stone’s throw from Frank’s hometown.

  • @kll1597
    @kll1597 3 роки тому +27

    An astounding man, the very epitome of strength and love.

  • @carlagoncalves531
    @carlagoncalves531 6 років тому +92

    truly amazing! I can only imagine the resilience necessary to this man...and the fact that a random american stranger on Holiday could help him and his family like that its mind blowing. Its a shame we didn't spoke more about their parents and sister after in the "american chapter" I would like to know more how about his fathers life here in america...anyway. Thanks for everything Frank .

  • @jojersey4081
    @jojersey4081 2 роки тому +3

    This is my second time watching his testimony. I'm taken aback by his intelligence, kindness, and yet still so sensitive and humble. It's a pleasure to see such a worldly scholar speak.

  • @margaretgibbens5761
    @margaretgibbens5761 3 роки тому +10

    The immense gratitude that Frank Shurman has for the kindnesses he was shown, is so touching!

  • @jontillo9979
    @jontillo9979 3 роки тому +22

    As Hemmingway said the way a story is told means everything to either the listener or the reader. Mr. Shurman is riveting telling his life even now.

  • @denisey4287
    @denisey4287 3 роки тому +10

    What an extraordinary, humble, gracious man! His testimony is so very powerful and should be a must for students to learn from.

  •  3 роки тому +7

    What a "Mensch"; No self-pity........ he provides great insights....

  • @annalapoint7156
    @annalapoint7156 2 роки тому +3

    Have learned so much from this interview! What a precious man!
    Certainly doesn't look in his 80's! May he rest in peace!

  • @raes306
    @raes306 3 роки тому +7

    What a complete treasure this man is

  • @shaantoor3329
    @shaantoor3329 3 роки тому +18

    Fantastic testimony. I listened to it over the course of 4 days and found it to be very worthwhile. Thank you for sharing your deeply personal story.

  • @justnicole7983
    @justnicole7983 5 років тому +63

    You give me hope. Beautiful.

  • @hollybuehler6575
    @hollybuehler6575 3 роки тому +12

    We must never forget. God bless all of these people.

  • @diamondhair11
    @diamondhair11 3 роки тому +13

    This is by far the best interview/ true telling of a mans life with all it's wonders and horrors, I have ever watched. I would have loved to have met Mr. Frank Shurman. He could have taught all of us something. It is so very hard in life to differentiate between the "Bad" and the "good" in a people.
    I am part Jewish, but mostly German (along with other things). I have read every book I can find on the Holocaust. I have read every book on any survivors I can find. Many years ago when I was a teenager, doing a paper on the Holocaust ,I could not fathom that a people could have done the things the Germans did. Germans meaning the evil ones who did these evil things. I had to read and read and read to get it into my head that there is true evil in this world. When we see it we need to fight against it, not go along. Thank you Mr. Frank Shurman for being a voice for those who couldn't be a voice, because theirs ended too early. Thank you so much.
    What a lovely man he was.

  • @coypu2005
    @coypu2005 3 роки тому +4

    This man does not look 81 years old. So beautiful 🥰. I was riveted to his story- he is an amazing storyteller. RIP wonderful man. 🙏. I appreciate every single word he spoke. And his honesty. God Bless him.

    • @coypu2005
      @coypu2005 3 роки тому +2

      @Count Vulvagour

  • @kotielombard4706
    @kotielombard4706 2 роки тому +4

    What a man! He remind me of my father. His loved ones are truly blessed. May his memory be a blessing

  • @mukirimuchene2759
    @mukirimuchene2759 3 роки тому +8

    His brain is superb he can remember almost everything, what a wonderful man!

  • @meggy8868
    @meggy8868 3 роки тому +44

    Interviewer did a good job. She was not intrusive. You should listen to others.

    • @valentingarciaable
      @valentingarciaable 3 роки тому +1

      She kept interrupting him with dumb questions... Just when he was about to say something interesting... Even though all he said was interesting... She kept interrupting him with dumb questions.

  • @raisingbarssince1978
    @raisingbarssince1978 2 роки тому +3

    What an angel of a human being, greetings from Hildesheim.

  • @stewiegriffin2143
    @stewiegriffin2143 3 роки тому +8

    The importance of these interviews cannot be understated. Thanks to all the people who took this on.

  • @rosarebello1557
    @rosarebello1557 3 роки тому +37

    I think it is very important to listen now, September 2020, such a testimony! And be aware of all the similarities of the movements that start being initiated in the world just now, specially in North America! And I wonder why and how is it possible that humanity don't keep memory of its own history... And starts over and over again the same mistakes 😪

    • @rosarebello1557
      @rosarebello1557 3 роки тому +4

      I think it is very important to listen now, September 2020, such a testimony! And be aware of all the similarities of the movements that start being initiated in the world just now! And I wonder why and how is it possible that humanity don't keep memory of its own history... And starts over and over again the same mistake 😪

    • @Liamthewaldo
      @Liamthewaldo 3 роки тому +12

      I agree especially what black lives matter are doing
      Just like the nazis thinking they were superior
      Why BLM has to be stopped

    • @jessicagish4686
      @jessicagish4686 3 роки тому +8

      Exactly right...history seems like it's about to repeat itself!!! BLM n Antifa must be stopped!!!! It's long past overdue on STOPPING!!!

    • @clc7763
      @clc7763 3 роки тому +7

      @@rosarebello1557 not just blm it's the demoncrats

    • @brucefulper4204
      @brucefulper4204 3 роки тому

      Because way too many of us are still pure cavemen

  • @dianapbresinger1998
    @dianapbresinger1998 Рік тому +4

    What a remarkable man! May he and all those who helped him and his family be forever blessed.

  • @darladawn1111
    @darladawn1111 4 роки тому +35

    Thank you sir for sharing your heartwrenching story with us. I am so very sorry for your pain. Such a beautiful man you are. 🙏🏽❤💔❤

  • @conniespiteri7623
    @conniespiteri7623 3 роки тому +7

    This interview has to be the best I have viewed....Frank what you endured and the pain you went through nobody could ever imagine unless your a Holocaust survivor. You a beautiful person and a wonderful gentleman. Watching your testimony bought a lot of saddens and tears...how you must have hurt. You are free now and they are memories to be told..thank you for sharing testimony. Do they have a movie of this......stay well enjoy a full and healthy life....Beautiful family.

  • @paulvanhelmond3104
    @paulvanhelmond3104 2 роки тому +2

    I have watched several testimonies and all of them are powerful and important. Frank’s testimony is special. Clearly he was a very wise and gentle man. As his daughter said, ‘he was not bitter’!

  • @lorebeth
    @lorebeth Рік тому +2

    My second time through, and I doubt it’s my last. What an amazing story. Frank had to have been a uniquely gifted person, something so very special about him. His humor, intelligence, his heart - he is a true treasure and inspiration. Words fail to express the honor it is to be given the privilege of hearing firsthand testimonies of Holocaust survivors. Thank you so much to Mr. Spielberg and everyone else who made the recording and sharing of these incredible historical accounts a reality.

  • @benjaminterrell2221
    @benjaminterrell2221 3 роки тому +9

    Thank you Frank for sharing with us. I feel I have gone with you through a tiny bit of your journey.
    Through this I feel my heart has opened to the pain you have experienced, I have also been able to release my own pain through listening to your experience. I have learned how to positively deal with difficult and painful people and situations. I am empowered with your strength of making your life better and building a future. I will express this to my children.

  • @valentingarciaable
    @valentingarciaable 3 роки тому +5

    And I wanted this interview to continue for hours and hours.., and hours

  • @Djhikes63
    @Djhikes63 2 роки тому +3

    Beyond any doubt, this is one of the most remarkable testimonials from a most remarkable man. I am honored to have watched this. I am deeply moved and formidably changed by it. Thank you Mr. Shurman, thank you.

  • @patriciabeyer8029
    @patriciabeyer8029 4 місяці тому

    😢 My Dad was in the Canadian Army at the time.
    Kindness is meaningful. Be blessed sir. ❤❤

  • @diannehalliday2165
    @diannehalliday2165 Рік тому +2

    What an extraordinary man. Thank you Frank for you generosity in sharing your story, your prayer was one of the best, real and meaningful prayers I have even heard. Your prayer showed me that people can have a relationship with God no matter heir “religion”.

  • @deborahboardman7641
    @deborahboardman7641 3 роки тому +44

    He really only cries when he talks about someone being kind, or an act of kindness 😢

    • @belindahawkins4083
      @belindahawkins4083 3 роки тому +2

      Exactly 😥

    • @sikemo9432
      @sikemo9432 3 роки тому +1

      I noticed that too. I suppose you lower your expectations and it impresses one when people show kindness. It's so hard not to become bitter and paranoid and doubt other people's motivation, which ruins your life and not the perpetrators' in the end: like the guy who got out of the death row because he was innocent and drank himself to death!

    • @jts400hp
      @jts400hp 3 роки тому +1

      I've noticed as I've gotten older (I'm 54) that if something is going to make me get misty eyed its ALWAYS an act of kindness

    • @misiasert1348
      @misiasert1348 3 роки тому

      @@jts400hp yes! Always & only.

    • @misiasert1348
      @misiasert1348 3 роки тому

      @@sikemo9432 abuse is such that to survive you learn to think ahead, which is why when the god of small things appear,it overwhelms

  • @Robin31716
    @Robin31716 2 роки тому +2

    Of all the testimonies if listened to this Mr Frank was by far the most moving with his strength and compassion for human kind to not be bitter and taking the life he was dealt and turning it into positivity. Thank you because I have ptsd from abuse and have been trying not to be bitter over my life time. I really needed to hear this. It gives me strength and encouragement to look toward the good in people and circumstances. Again Thank You

  • @valentingarciaable
    @valentingarciaable 3 роки тому +8

    This woman that interviews him would interrupt with sometimes the dumbest questions... When he was on his way to say something interesting. And it was disturbing...yet... He ! . Was awesome and this is well worth watching ! Very emotional story.

  • @charleswilcher6158
    @charleswilcher6158 3 роки тому +6

    Mr Shurman is a courageous man...such a brave gentleman..to face such horror..he could have easily threw himself on the electric fence..there would have been no shame in that....he was in hell...I myself admire him for his resolve..great testimony!!!

  • @noreenwhiting9530
    @noreenwhiting9530 2 роки тому +4

    This This man is one of my favorite testimonials.. He's so beautiful, he's a, gorgeous soul of a man. Not saying that the hundreds of others are not... As a man he he just touched me more as a mother of boys... Bless him and all the others he speaks for and the horrific holocaust victims

  • @hammer8551
    @hammer8551 3 роки тому +9

    What a man,thank you for telling your so moving story, i feel so humble listening to this man

  • @WhooTAZ
    @WhooTAZ 3 роки тому +25

    Time after time, God looked out for him and his family to make it to America before the horrible Holocaust. One of the top most interesting Testimonies I've listened to.

    • @ajkalwaysneedsmoreinfo.576
      @ajkalwaysneedsmoreinfo.576 3 роки тому +4

      Yes definitely Interesting and horrific at the same time but why would God have been looking out for him and not the other millions that died due to that war.

    • @MrPaultopp
      @MrPaultopp 3 роки тому +2

      He survived because he was strong

    • @martiakatz8442
      @martiakatz8442 2 роки тому

      @@MrPaultopp He survived because he had a kind sponsor and a lot of good luck.

    • @blahblog4322
      @blahblog4322 2 місяці тому

      It was all luck and situation whether you survived

  • @jacy717
    @jacy717 3 роки тому +4

    What a beautiful person. Cried along with him. He’s in my heart.

  • @rosannegrimball4970
    @rosannegrimball4970 3 роки тому +3

    This gentleman has the most beautiful soul. What a resounding testimony.

  • @4june9140
    @4june9140 3 роки тому +5

    This is beautiful but its making me cry. I am not Jewish but over the years specially in my business life I have dealt with Jewish people. The Kindness I was shown was amazing. I never had bad debts because of the advice I was given. I was also given orders for things I felt they didn't really need at times.

  •  3 роки тому +5

    What a wonderful man!

  • @lucindarountree5073
    @lucindarountree5073 3 роки тому +3

    Thank you for sharing this horrific nightmare. We must never forget.

  • @irishgamedog1511
    @irishgamedog1511 3 роки тому +20

    Wow! Thank you for sharing this interview.
    I shed tears a few times while listening to this gentleman’s life story.

  • @doreendaykin6693
    @doreendaykin6693 3 роки тому +4

    This man is amazing. Gratitude, honour & respect.for sharing his history, knowledge, wisdom & courage. I wii never ever forget his words, wisdoms & insights. 🙏❣️

  • @jodiutley7292
    @jodiutley7292 Рік тому +3

    My heart goes out to you for having to endure such horror, and all of the other losses of family members you had the strength somehow to go on. You are inspiring to all.

  • @anniechrisbendy6000
    @anniechrisbendy6000 2 роки тому +4

    THIS SHOULD BE SHOWN TO SCHOOL KIDS ....a truely monumental testiment💜

  • @OscarFrosty
    @OscarFrosty 3 роки тому +7

    Thank you Frank for sharing your story. Powerful.

  • @bethlynadams9559
    @bethlynadams9559 Рік тому +1

    Such a tender and grateful heart.

  • @valerieloney5346
    @valerieloney5346 2 роки тому +3

    One of the best testimony’s I have heard. Such a strong man.