Feb 12 2025 64 mins
What would you do if your survival depended on the kindness of strangers and the secrecy of a chicken coop?
In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg sits down with Suzanne Schneider, a Holocaust survivor and educator, to explore her harrowing yet inspiring journey of survival during one of history's darkest periods. Born in 1937 in what was then Poland, Suzanne recounts how her life was turned upside down after the German occupation.
With heartfelt storytelling, she narrates her family's struggle to hide and survive against all odds, including her time spent in a chicken coop, and the bravery of those who risked their lives to save hers. Despite the trials of her youth, Suzanne mastered five languages and has shared her story worldwide to educate others about the Holocaust.
This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering history.
What to expect in this episode:
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Suzanne’s Early Life in Poland: A glimpse into her childhood before World War II.
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Nazi Occupation & Polish Jews: The devastating impact of Nazi rule on Jewish families.
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First Memories of War: How Suzanne’s life changed overnight with the outbreak of WWII.
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Life in the Ghetto: The struggle for survival after escaping to the ghetto.
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Hiding & Surviving: A Polish family’s heroic efforts to save Suzanne and her loved ones.
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Liberation & New Challenges: The Russian army’s arrival and the struggles that followed.
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Journey to America: Suzanne’s post-war travels through multiple countries seeking safety.
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Reconnecting with Heroes: Visiting Poland and the descendants of those who saved her life.
Key Actionable Takeaways:
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Preserve History: Support initiatives that preserve historical records and personal accounts to ensure future generations learn from the past.
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Advocacy for Human Rights: Building expertise in human rights law can protect against future atrocities.
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Community Support: Firms and businesses can engage in pro bono work that supports Holocaust survivors and their descendants.
As we navigate contemporary issues, we hope this episode encourages you to advocate for justice and humanity in the law industry and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to The Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!
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Resources:
- Learn more about HIAS & donate: https://hias.org
- Visit Yad Vashem - The Holocaust Remembrance Center: https://www.yadvashem.org
This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.