2023 First Person with Holocaust Survivor Nat Shaffir

Five-year-old Nat Shaffir stood in shock as the local priest his family had known for years led Romanian soldiers to their doorstep in November 1942. The priest pointed to the family and made plain his betrayal: “These are Jews.” The soldiers gave Nat's family four hours to load a few belongings into a wagon, before forcing them to leave their farm and move to Iași-a city with strict anti-Jewish laws.
Watch to learn how young Nat managed to obtain extra bread and kerosene for his family and kept a solemn promise to his father to protect his mother and sisters.
Hear Holocaust survivor Nat Shaffir’s experiences in his own words recorded on August 16, 2023. First Person is a monthly, hour-long discussion with a Holocaust survivor that is made possible through generous support from the Louis Franklin Smith Foundation.

[@cherylrgreenwald]

As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, I watch/listen to as many first-person accounts as possible. Thank you for sharing your story and for your immense courage and wisdom.

[@franceslock1662]

Nat’s closing comment “When you stay neutral it only benefits the perpetrator, not the victim,” and advice to speak up encourages. It’s easier to be passive and accept unjust treatment. Speaking up is work that takes preparation, persistence, determination, and the willingness to be unpopular.

[@margaretroselle8610]

It is wonderful to hear this lovely man’s testimony. Thank you, Sir, from an appreciative viewer in New Zealand.

[@barbsmart7373]

Thankyou so very much Sir for sharing your experiences with the world. Thankyou to the United States Holocaust Museum. It is people like you, Sir, and all the other holocaust survivors, who have changed my life completely. I appreciate so much, everything I have, and every kindness a see. This has made my life a very joyful one. I listen to as many survivors as I can, because I look up to them very very much. Everyone around me knows that I am very engaged, learning about history. I pass on to others how important this history and understanding of people is. This unbelievably widespread treatment of such beautiful human beings will always remain incomprehensible and very sickening to me, but I keep trying, and also making sure that I understand the perpetrators somehow, and preparing my self by way of awareness and courage, so that I am strong, humane and compassionate enough to take risks for others if I ever face the opportunity to. Thankyou, and much love from New Zealand for this extraordinary interview! I spend a lot of time thinking about givers and takers as well. It is such an important thing to understand clearly. I won't forget your mother and father and what happened to the family. From New Zealand.

[@gonefishing167]

Thank you Mr Shaffir for your testimony. They are so important to the world but must cause so much pain in the retelling. We must not forget how brave these people were - and still are. Most made good lives for themselves under stress and fatigue , but they did it. We must hope and pray that the world learns otherwise the world is doomed! 🙏🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

[@janyd9441]

Watching/listening from Canada.

[@deborahhirshfieldi8708]

Thank you

[@glenweisberg1992]

Thank you Nat, you are a great inspiration and remarkable man.

[@idazakin2589]

What an inspiration and a gem!

[@rsbkug3981]

Hi from nyc

[@tanyaogrady2240]

The true nature of people will always be revealed given the opportunity. I hope Karma came to that Priest and sorted him out! Thank you Nat, I hope you got to live a happy fulfilled life 💜

[@yesm2302]

The holy priest’s behavior is very telling and needs no commentary. May Hashem remember his deeds for judgement

[@user-nh6mx3nb7f]

Some people are soo evil 😢😢😢 my heart breaks 💔 I can't even imagine what those poor people felt as they went through such horrors 😢😢😢😢

[@gonefishing167]

I’m only a little way in but ‘hi’ from Australia. Country South Australia actually 🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

[@robertrobnett1143]

I'm not sure if this feeds to the chat but aloha from Honolulu, Hawaii USA

[@rsbkug3981]

How is it possible for survivors to forgive the nazis. I lost no one. I’m from nyc and I can’t forgive them

[@user-nh6mx3nb7f]

I had a bad feeling about that priest from the beginning of the story. He and the rest of the evil people will have to answer to God and he will serve judgment and vengeance!!!

[@luciavinci8595]

Italia