George Sternfeld, born in Warsaw in 1939, survived the Holocaust not in the camps, but in the icy forests of Soviet Siberia. In this powerful short film, George recounts how his mother risked everything to smuggle him and his siblings across a river under gunfire to escape the Nazis. Deported to a labour camp in Siberia, the family endured years of starvation, bitter cold, and fear.

In 1942, his sister was born — nicknamed “the sunshine in Siberia” — offering the family precious extra rations and a symbol of hope. After the war, they discovered they were the only survivors of their once-large extended family.

George and his family emigrated to Australia and rebuilt their lives. His extraordinary journey is captured in his memoir, Chocolate to Anzac Biscuits, which traces his survival, identity, and belonging across continents. Today, George continues to volunteer at the Sydney Jewish Museum, sharing his story with the next generation.

This short documentary captures the lesser-known Holocaust experience of Soviet exile, the strength of family, and the power of storytelling to preserve truth.

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.