If Only Night Would Not Come- The Story of Aliza Landau

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2021-01-12に共有

Aliza Landau was born in 1938 in Lodz, Poland. Her family - parents, Melech and Ruth Goldman, and brother Rishek, resided in Ruda Pabianicka, a suburb of the city. After the Germans entered Poland, her parents decided that Aliza's father would go into hiding. Aliza, her mother and brother were sent to the Lodz Ghetto, but were able to escape and join her father shortly afterwards. This marked the beginning of four years of wandering across Poland for the family, hiding in different locations, assisted by Polish peasants. The family was almost caught several times, and at one point was forced to escape to a nearby forest. After several days without food, her mother left the forest in search of sustenance but did not return. Aliza's brother died of starvation and she and her father were found by a German patrol. They were taken, together with several other people, to a makeshift killing pit. Her father was killed but Aliza survived unharmed. She waited for the night to come, crawled out of the pit and escaped to a nearby village. She was six years old. In the village she was taken in by a Ukrainian couple who took care of her until the region was liberated. Her mother, who had also survived in hiding after being severely injured, was able to find her after the war had ended. They moved to Israel in 1948. Aliza married Yossi Landau and had three children. She worked as a kindergarten teacher. Today she lectures on the subject of the Holocaust and accompanies Israel Police and security forces delegations as well as Israeli high-schools to Poland.

コメント (21)

@thinkinoutloud.1 3年前

The soldier that carried and locked eyes with her chose her as his target and purposely aimed away from her. The spirit of God was with her.
@kitthecat6543 3年前

What an amazing selfless man her father was. Just wow. Her parents are exactly what parents should be, so selfless and loving!
@nancymontgomery8897 3年前

As WWII's surviving Jews die off, it is critically important to preserve their testimonies. Aliza's first-hand account will provide future generations with education and inspiration. Personally, I am in awe of what that little girl endured. My heart breaks for her suffering, but rejoices in her eventual triumph. Am I right to assume that the young Nazi soldier purposely avoided shooting her? If so, I hope his spark of humanity was never discovered by his fellow Nazis.
@ravikhan5945 3年前

What a brave and courageous child she was and what a strong woman she then became. Her father would be proud.
@kitthecat6543 3年前

Her father was an amazing man and father. He really held it down for them. Wow. So sad he didn't make it.
@velvetbees 3年前

So fascinating, I couldn't even move from my chair. Aliza was saved for a special purpose. To tell her story. What a lovely and courageous soul.
@3aashdale 3年前

This was a remarkable story. Just heartbreaking. What strength and love the father showed. And that poor child crawling toward barking dogs. I’m so glad that mother and daughter were reunited. Am Yisrael Chai 🇮🇱
@mindrolling24 3年前

Humanity must NEVER forget or whitewash the evils of the past. Bless all those who speak the truth and remind us that genocide is still happening in the world today and no one is safe.
@Automedon2 3年前

It is almost unfathomable what children of was suffer, not just this horrific genocide, but children in all war involved countries. How much fear is a child able to endure? How can it not affect them deeply for the rest of their lives. When we complain about our 'childhood traumas' we are often talking about a bully in school, not being hunted down by adult me with murder on their minds. God bless this lady and all the innocent souls who have suffered because of human cruelty.
@paula3280 3年前

What a sad but poignant film. Today's world doesn't know the ravages of war and what people had to go through just to survive. Your story is gutwrenching but also uplifting. Thank you for sharing your story♥
@burgcomputer3063 3年前

Dear Aliza, thank you for sharing your story. I,m deeply moved by it and I admire you for your strenght and love.
@puca7908 3年前

I cannot even express words. May Hashem keep you Aliza, and your children.
@ReligionOfSacrifice 3年前

Lucky girl to still have her mother afterwards, but a sad tale nonetheless. We of today have so much to be thankful for.
@WendyLopezGazquez 3年前

I just absorbed every word. This is so important and such a heartbreaking but at the same time heartwarming story. Thank you!
@trixiejones8472 3年前

I'm so glad you survived the horrific cruel events of that time and happy that you raised your family brave lady.
@vivianwilliams6344 3年前

Your an amazing lady. It's a miracle your mother was able to find you when the war was over - thank goodness you two were able to reunite. I'm so sorry for all that happened and your loss. You've done wonderful things with your life. You are a blessing. May your father and brother's memories be a blessing. Please take care and stay safe. Vivian
@bridgetttubbs9959 3年前

I can’t even imagine. Thank you for telling your story the world must not ever forget. Ever
@stellayates4227 3年前

What an emotional story of courage and resilience that will stay in your memory.
@kellyolsen-tetrault9974 3年前

My dear fine lady, I so wish to give you a hug. Your story , your time moved me beyond belief. I want to hold you as the child you were.I want to caress your hair. I want to tell you, you are loved. I want to tell you, you are safe now. Now when night comes, don't listen for the dogs anymore. Look into the night sky and see your family among the stars. And when they twinkle, that is their kisses floating to you.
@LeahBrooksJeremiahGardens 3年前

Such a compelling, beautiful, and tragic story. An amazing woman who is stronger than I could ever be.