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Robbie Waisman, Paris, France, 1946, after Liberation

Robbie's story was part of the exhibit Open Hearts Closed Doors and is featured in the Open Hearts Closed Doors Educational Website and a Discovery Kit.

Pre-War Life
I was born in 1931 in Skarszysko, Poland, a very tight-knit community. I was the youngest of six children, with four older brothers and one sister. My parents were religious. I remember the Sabbath as a very special time when my father would tell us stories of the great Rabbis and the stories of Sholom Aleichem. I was very pampered and felt that everything revolved around me. My early memories are full of warmth and love.

My only regret is that I do not have any photographs of my family. I am always envious of people who have a picture of their parents.

After Hitler’s rise to power, I remember my parents’ discussions. They were frightened and could not believe the situation that was developing around us. My father believed that Germany was the epitome of civilization and was not capable of atrocities.