Two survivors. Two countries. One shared legacy of resilience.

In this powerful short film, Holocaust survivors George Freuden and Joe Schwarz recount their childhood experiences during World War II. Freuden, born in Czechoslovakia in 1930, was forced into a brickworks and later deported to Auschwitz. He survived by lying about his age and was ultimately liberated by Russian forces on January 15, 1945.

Schwarz, born in Budapest in 1932, was hidden in a monastery that was later attacked by the Nazis. He survived the Budapest Ghetto and was liberated by American soldiers on April 11, 1945. Joe reflects on the humanity that saved his life — and the importance of standing up for others in times of injustice.

This short documentary is a testament to courage, the kindness of strangers, and the strength of two boys who lived to tell their story.

Produced for the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Holocaust Remembrance event by AD Media.
Directed and produced by Sarita Gold.
Director of Photography and Editor: Agostino Marcello.