Joseph Rebhun Knihy

The harrowing tale centers on Joseph and Marie Rebhun, who endured unimaginable horrors during the Nazi invasion of Poland and the subsequent years of war. Joseph narrowly escaped deportation to Auschwitz, while Marie survived twelve death camps in the Baltic states. Their paths eventually crossed after the war, leading to their marriage and new life in the United States. This narrative highlights their incredible resilience and the enduring spirit of survival amidst the darkest times in history.

The narrative explores Joseph Rebhun's journey as a Holocaust survivor, delving into the profound question of survival amidst catastrophe. It examines the factors that contribute to why certain individuals endure harrowing experiences while others succumb, offering insights into resilience, human spirit, and the complexities of fate during dire circumstances. Through Rebhun's reflections, the book seeks to uncover the deeper meanings behind survival and the choices made in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The book delves into the Holocaust, examining its profound impact on Jewish identity and morality. It argues that the tragedy compels both Jews and Germans, as well as broader society, to reassess their moral frameworks. The author emphasizes the need for Christianity to reconnect with the core teachings of Jesus, suggesting that this reflection is essential for understanding the moral implications of the Holocaust and fostering reconciliation.

Set against the backdrop of prewar Poland, the narrative unfolds through the lives of four generations, exploring themes of migration and resilience. As the characters navigate the challenges of war and displacement, their journey leads them to the United States, highlighting the enduring impact of history on personal identities and family legacies. The story intricately weaves together cultural heritage and the quest for belonging in a new land.

Leap to Life: Triumph Over Nazi Evil is a gripping account of Joseph Rebhun's youth in Poland from 1939 to 1945, during the Nazi invasion. As a 22-year-old Jew in the Przemysl ghetto, Rebhun witnessed horrific atrocities and faced the imminent threat of being sent to a concentration camp. To protect his elderly parents, he built a hidden bunker where they lived for nearly a year until discovered by the Nazis. His father was shot, and he and his mother were captured for transport to Auschwitz. Rebhun, always prepared with a concealed kitchen knife, was brutally beaten when it was found, yet he and his mother managed to escape from a moving cattle car after he used his pocket knife to create an opening, miraculously surviving a hail of bullets with only a minor injury. In the aftermath of losing his parents, Rebhun battled hunger and despair while hiding in the forest. He achieved what he called the "greatest miracle" by outsmarting the Gestapo to obtain a Kennkarte, an identification card that falsely identified him as a Roman Catholic Pole. This card allowed him to evade capture until liberation in 1945. This poignant autobiography serves as a testament to resilience and faith, enriched with family photos that Rebhun risked his life to keep.