By Simon Wiesenthal
 | I first heard of Sammy Rosenbaum in 1965, when a Mrs. Rawicz from Rabka came into my office in Vienna to testify at a War Crimes trial
10 Comments Posted
Rabka:
2004-'Rabka is a small but nice town located near the mountains in southern Poland.There is also a train musuem that displays old trains, it is worth a visit!'(a Virtual Tourist.com visitor).
1930's (Jewish.Gen,Inc)-'In the 1930's the town had a Jewish population of 120 families (about 500 souls)..The town's synagogue and Bet-Midrash drew many worshippers for prayer and for study sessions..In 1929 a Tarbut Hebrew School was founded, and it soon became the center for the Jewish young people..A local library was opened in 1930'..did you go there, Sammy?-and why does it matter anyway, now?-but it does, it does..'Notices were given to the townspeople by means of a drum, which summoned everyone to come out and listen to the herald..'
1942: you said Kaddish for your family and-having no one to do it for you-for yourself. You-as so many others-turned to G-d before your murder.
2004-'Rabka is a small but nice town located near the mountains in southern Poland..'
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Over the years I've read about so many people, your people, Sammy, who, during the Holocaust, kept their dignity and their love for G-d. I don't know why, at some point, I singled out one person to represent all these holy people, but I did, and that person is you. And so I want to say to you, to this small-in-statue-only person, that on this 60th Holocaust Remembrance Day I will say Psalms.
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Sammy's story broke my heart, as did that of the many other beautiful people my father Wilhelm and his brother Hermann Oder a callously murdered at Rabka.
I could not give my life for Sammy, for I was not there. Today however I would gladly give my life for any Jew...
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I read this story some years ago to my philosophy class , lit two candles and played a tape of a Rabbi saying Kaddish. We had each been asked to present a paper on why G-d allows evil. I thought this was a crazy question. Who knows why G-d allows this? Actually the question angered and upset me because it suggested we could know such a thing and because I saw this approach as a waste of time. I thought a good question was how we can stop evil. So I told me story, lit my candles and played my tape. I was glad my classmates cried. Maybe they will stop evil from happening. Maybe.
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Nowadays we see more and more antisemitism coming from the trash of the web. The message of this story gives us courage to point to the devil and say loud its name. We have to show our enemies that we are not afraid of their dirty antisemitic propaganda and our faith and self-respect are stronger than ever.
I wish Sammy's story would be tought in every school because it can give children a lesson on humanity and respect.
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I am jewish as well I have an answer for you as to why G-D allows Evil.
I beleive that it is to root out those who are not worthy of the end prize. to bring to light the wolves in sheeps clothing. I also think that it is not G-D who allows evil it is us that allows it. We have a choice of sticking with the lord through thick and thin or just taking the easy option.So I beleive that it sadense G-D that it happens and he will protect those who belive in him from the horrors of the evil doers. And those of us who know he is there for us will be rewarded for our un dying love and respect for him.
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Thank you Anonymous for addressing me and my comment. I read and thought about what you said.
And yes, I also believe that we have the choice of sticking with G-d. Sticking with G-d is what really matters. Sammy stuck with G-d. We can turn to G-d whatever happens and I believe this makes a big difference.
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it brought tears and a prayer for the dead
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I will never forget this story. I am Catholic and quite Orthodox Catholic. The suffering that went on in this war, to end all wars, was so horrific that not one word can be uttered of it and I am reduced to bitter tears. How can man do this to man? I do not understand why God would allow this to happen. It was the darkest evil ever inflicted on any race in the history of man and yet I know God gives us free will, asks us to choose, then He watches... All should take the time to look at Him and give praise and to ALWAYS KNOW THAT HE WATCHES... I am hopefully going back to a contemplative order of sisters soon and I want you to know that from behind the 20 foot wall of my choice. I will say a special prayer for all my Jewish brothers and sisters and especially for all the souls caught up in that unforgettable horror. God Bless you all on your most important feast day. May God send His Love and bless you all abundantly Always.
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i am confused, why would he light two for each?
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