My Family's Survival: The true story of how the Shwartz family escaped the Nazis and survived the Holocaust
by Aviva Gat
GermanyAdded on January 12, 2026
Description
For the Shwartz family, survival was the only option. Their will to live, and a bit of luck, kept the family safe during the Holocaust, bringing them across Eastern Europe all the way to Israel.In 1937, the Shwartz family lived a calm life in their small village in Poland. Fifteen-year-old Rachel liked to sing and go out dancing at a local night club, while her older brother David was busy running a farm and raising a family with his wife Hinda. But all that changed when the war reached Butla.First, the Russians came and kicked them out of their house. Then, the Nazis came to cart them off. But the Shwartz family resisted. David decided that no matter what, his family would not be taken captive. Instead, he snuck his family out of their village, through a large forest, and into Hungary, a place that was supposed to be safe. But that didn’t last long. Again the Shwartz family found themselves on the run, escaping prison, Nazis, and bombings.My Family’s Survival is the incredible true story of how the Shwartz family survived the Holocaust. It is a powerful tale of one family’s triumph during history’s darkest moments.Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and We Were the Lucky Ones will enjoy this riveting saga where hope prevails.
Reader Reviews
What sets one family apart from another? Why does one family remain intact while others perish? Is it God reaching in to save a select few? This is a true, harrowing, nail biting, full of suspense story of one family's escape from certain death. Multiple escapes from the clutches of evil. A multitude of borders crossed between countries. Children growing up before their time, adult decisions made while still young; war changes everything and everyone. Lasting marks that can't be erased that shap
~ r e v i e w ~•I think every Holocaust story that I read leaves me with a new sense of shock and this was the case with My Family's Survival too. Even after reading countless books revolving around the Second World War, I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that such inhumane hatred existed between people. I feel heartbroken to see millions of families destroyed, their very existence wiped clean, bringing their community's number to just a few hundreds. Aviva makes this story intimate by
Important, worthwhile read, portraying the true story of Ms. Gat's family surviving the Holocaust, as Polish Jews. A perspective not as frequently told, this miraculous tale explains how her family flees throughout the war, living based on luck and generous people. To me, it's amazing that they made it, divine intervention/luck was truly on this family's side. I am so appreciative that Ms. Gat wrote this book to share and spread this story. Highly recommend.I received a free digital ARC copy of
