“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” - The Talmud

This is a little different from my usual choice in books however some may or may not know that I do like to try and read different stories of Auschwitz and the Holocaust in general. Mostly because I believe that it should never be forgotten and in reading peoples personal accounts of those atrocities, we won’t ever forget.

Leen’s story is not only of his time in Auschwitz but his life beforehand, as a professional boxer. I found this account very interesting and it was the first account I have read so far that has clearly shown me the gradual progression of the Nazi’s way of thinking and how that slowly encroaches upon the Jewish community.

This account is very factual and whilst of course Leen loses several family members there are few entries around his feelings on those matters nor of his witness to countless horrific things he encounters throughout his time in Auschwitz. I found this more hard hitting than the accounts I have read where we see the prisoners mourn the loss of family and friends and also relaying the trauma of what was done.

He is getting a job done - and the job is to keep people alive the best he can. And to do so he is relying upon his boxing skills, the favour that brings him and his ‘organisation’. You will come to know what is meant by ‘organisation’ when you read this fantasticly inspiring book.

It goes to show that, no matter your circumstances, you must keep your humanity - as this is what keeps not only you alive but allows you to keeps those around you alive.

Thank you to Leen for the lives you saved.

“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” - The Talmud

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