“I had to cut off my feelings” | Rena Bernstein on Psychological Trauma | USC Shoah Foundation

"In order to survive, I had to cut my feelings off completely. It was intolerable and impossible to go on living with the kind of feelings I was feeling. Terror, abandonment… […] In order to survive, I had to cut off my feelings and live a fantasy, which is what I did.”
At the age of 4, Holocaust survivor Rena Bernstein was separated from her parents, who sent her to hide in a remote wood in Poland. Rena’s powerful testimony delves into the immediate and permanent psychological consequences of war and genocide.
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#renabernstein #bellletstalkday #mentalhealth #psychological #holocaust

[@Liz333Rab]

She became an articulate adult despite being alone and hardly speaking during her crucial, formative years.

[@meowtotheworld4801]

Her dad was a doctor. The children of professionals are at a huge advantage when it comes to language acquisition.

[@Liz333Rab]

@@meowtotheworld4801 It occurred to me that by not speaking much to her, the man & woman weren’t necessarily being cruel; they were protecting her from learning things that she might repeat to the wrong people, such as the soldiers that came to their cabin.

[@chrisblevins755]

I've watched this brave woman's testimony a few times before. She was so veryvyoung, yet so brave. She was in the worst situation as a child, and I'm glad she had the forest, and her imagination to help her stay safe. This woman is amazing, I hope she knows how many people have watched this, and how her life has inspired, given strength to others. She's so strong.

[@kaybyrnes5944]

What a beautiful woman. A reminder of the generational affect war has on us, especially the children. God help us as man continues to create wars.

[@nancyfiala7673]

😊

[@wladimirzandt4085]

​@@nancyfiala7673❤❤

[@wladimirzandt4085]

​@@nancyfiala7673❤❤

[@lynette3151]

She was sick and dirty and ignored. I'm so sorry you had such a horrible childhood.

[@pegasus5287]

This woman's story has stayed with me since I first listened awhile back. I was so moved by it, I pray for her and all the other beautiful survivors every day. This is an amazing story of survival. Beautiful yet so heartbreaking at the same time. Thank you for sharing this

[@uaeio]

This is just horrifying, how all of this had happened in Europe. Rena’s family was saved by Poles, just like part (only three persons) of my father’s family, close to 70 persons were murdered by Germans, and this number is related only to these with my last name… This testimony is priceless. At the end of her story I was crying, from empathy and from self pity.. “I was a weed in the polish forest” - she said. Thanks God there was polish forest and some good polish people.

[@mikeappleget482]

This is by far my favorite testimony and I’m only 1/3 the way through. So enlightening hearing her recall her perceptions of this horror from a child’s point of view. And she is absolutely gorgeous - and so down to earth and sincere! She radiates beauty & strength.

[@purenkool2011]

I concur.🥺

[@etm567]

an incredibly beautiful woman! But what does that count for? It is an accident of birth, but so was being Jewish, in those days.

[@kenduffy5397]

Stunningly beautiful amazing woman!

[@purenkool2011]

This story deserves a book and a movie!❤❤❤

[@angelaonthego]

Her granddaughter is unbelievably smart and also very sweet. Its very hopeful. t took 2 generation to filter out the PTSD. We should remember that-even if we’re lost and our lives are a shambles, maybe it’s still possible to create something good.

[@voyaristika5673]

I've listened to many Shoah testimonies, and I'm so amazed at how virtually all of them survived to "create something good." It truly boggles my mind. Incredible.

[@sheilacabrera3986]

Her aunt probably kept telling her she wasn't her aunt bc you can't trust a child not to give something away, NOT bc children are devious, or clueless, but bc they are beautiful, innocent children she may have been trying to not just protect herself, but her niece as well.

[@hollystiener16]

I am sure she realizes this. SHe was asked how she felt at the time and that was what she was conveying.

[@sheilacabrera3986]

@@hollystiener16 Good point.

[@kimmancha4314]

She reminds me of Meryl Streep. I could see Meryl portraying this woman's story. Amazing she has come out so strong and optimistic for her future. To find a love in your 50s after 4 decades of trauma, to be determined to find help to move beyond the trauma through her therapist and other things mentioned are beyond inspiring.

[@vickieadams6648]

True she does favor Streep. To me, I would say Joan Crawford (eye brows)

[@Pamsterdam75]

@@vickieadams6648 More Joan Crawford in her younger years - she's a brave and beautiful woman.

[@averayugen7802]

Riveting. Shattering. Stop violence everywhere NOW! That said... she is a role for a younger Meryl Streep, amazing stunning astonishing beauty of face and movement! Meryl would have loved playing her, they are absolute sisters.

[@Highlander9740]

She is more beautiful inside and out than Meryl Streep.

[@lollypop2413]

This recollection is sooo important to me. My polish mother was same age and lived in same locality by the sound of it. Mother became orphaned and sent to siberia at 4yrs old by russians. Mother was too traumatised to retell. So this would have been going on around my mother as a child. The only thing she told me was mothers were crazy because their children were killed. Thank you for this memory. My mother recollected running in the wild bush as a child in Zimbabwe ...chasing butterflies in bare feet. They both escaped under Gods hand...He was never far away

[@LS-ek1fd]

She was born in the same year and month as my Mom. Somehow this makes her life story feel closer to me.She is beautiful like my Mom too.

[@lollypop2413]

Ine too...in same area but orphaned by russians and taken to siberia. Mother was polish

[@Kittykatkw2000]

She cuts herself no slack and lives with such regret but yet her family speaks of a person that she doesn't even realize is herself. What an amazing story of survival and courage. Thank you Rena for sharing so openly.

[@tchefunkta]

Ms. Bernstein is MAGNIFICENT. She so so beautifully recounts her story of utter terror and survival. Her description of her symptoms of complex PTSD and the challenges of living with her parents with profound PTSD were heartbreaking and most instructive. The interviewer was shockingly horrible-she literally cut off Ms. Bernstein’s powerful testimony numerous and her tone deafness to the tremendous trauma Ms. Bernstein experienced was appalling. I hope that this was the only interview she conducted.

[@johnpangburn5367]

Wow! It is amazing she is sane. How horrible.

[@listenhearmenow]

A comment was made about the coldness of the interviewer. Understand how she feels but all the interviews are run in this way. If the interviewer breaks down it becomes all about her feelings and takes attention away from the subject. Her questions guided this woman and at times saved her from her own overwhelming memories. She is trying to establish a time line so it becomes a coherent history. She does go back to pick up the loose threads later on in the interview. This woman remains traumatized and needed this outpouring and a listening ear to talk to. Just that much and no more. The interviewer listened well and asked all the right questions and gently guided her, any sign of sympathy and she would have shut down. I was also a traumatized child, and the only people I could talk to about it much later in life were those who knew how to listen from a respectful distance without being intrusive. All I needed to hear was: I’m sorry that happened to you. And that was enough.

[@moirapettifr7127]

I thought the interviewer did a good job. There were so many emotions to wade through.

[@tinahochstetler2189]

I thought the interviewer did good. Some people find it very helpful to pour out their heart and al their trauma, and that's what this interview let her do. Others can't talk about the trauma they may have experienced in their life. It seems that Rena is one that needed to finally be heard and to get her story out.

[@skippingstones2023]

This interviewer is doing precisely what she should. It is not her role to become emotional. She is a guide and guiding very well.

[@kathleenmckenzie6261]

At one time I had a friend who was the daughter of Holocaust survivors. Her parents survived the camps, met and married after liberation and my friend was born after they arrived in the USA. I think I now have some very small glimmer of understanding of her childhood and why it was so different and difficult.

[@amandaa2119]

She looks so young. Thank you for sharing her story. I'm so sorry for everything all of these survivors had to endure. 🥺🥺🥺

[@suzyvegalicious5646]

Exactly what I was thinking. Very young.

[@katarinasvensson9801]

Yes I thought it must have been something wrong since she looks like a young women I never thought she could have been born before the war. She is wery beautiful.

[@herediafamily]

This was filmed in the 90’s, so she was still pretty young 💕. I can’t imagine the strength it takes to share what she is sharing.

[@wanderinggeri8477]

@@herediafamily this was filmed in 1998. She was 60. Remarkable.

[@laurenanderson7330]

@@wanderinggeri8477yeah I had to do the maths because I thought no way is she 60 😅

[@lioraz3701]

I could listen to Rena speak for hours. Her story is extremely touching and so full of longing for something out of reach. She's of my parents' generation and I'm also Jewish, so I found her story very meaningful in a personal way. Also, her descriptions of her time alone in the forest are described so evocatively, from a child's eye view, that one can almost picture it, feel it.

[@relax2dream164]

This woman has the soul of an artist. I hope she can take the time to connect with that side of herself again some day. Such a tragic story from a most horrendous and shameful time in history.

[@Raminakai]

Thank- you Lovely Lady, Rena for sharing your story. Not that anything can be compared, but what you shared about those feelings of not belonging, feeling disconnected, detached, I am certain many children traumatized at a young age, can relate, at least on some level. And we honor your experience and soul. I worked for many years with adults with special abilities myself. Somehow, I could relate to the non-verbal people. And also find great joy in artistic express, color. Music. Healing to us! Thank- you for your honesty. Thank- you for mentioning the effects of multi-generational trauma. Amen 🙏 Shalom 🕊

[@marthacastro9162]

April 7th 1938????? She looks so young! One can only have admiration for her!

[@adielstephenson2929]

She was only 60 here.

[@winros]

@@adielstephenson2929 this video is round 28 years old! I've been watching her since 5:30 this morning she is very intriguing! I could be friends with her! ✌🏻

[@adielstephenson2929]

@@winros She's dead now, sadly.

[@winros]

@@adielstephenson2929 I figured perhaps she would be... I loved her story I love the way she was holding her granddaughter! Between you me, I'm 30 minutes late for work! I was just so intrigued with her I had to finish watching the rest of the video! So what my patient needed heart surgery they can wait an extra 30 minutes 🤣 just kidding! ✌🏻✌🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@themoose70]

This is among the most compelling videos/stories i have ever seen. Wow Ms. Bernstein is perhaps the most self-aware person I have heard. What a true inspiration of expression, compassion and inner strength. She has given a gift to the world!

[@gloriakourounis6976]

A very sad story but by the grace of God she endured it all. She reminds of Rima the girl who lived in the forest of Green Mansions, a novel I read many years ago. BRAVO Rena! You are a pillar of strength to many who are oppressed, isolated and lonely. I send you love❤.

[@miketomlin6040]

Show some respect!! No God nonsense!

[@miketomlin6040]

@@gloriakourounis6976 God/s are archaic, protozoan constructs. They remove one from reality. Here the reality that millions of people were killed by a Populist/Fascist form of governance.

[@martinayari3529]

God didn't do anything to help her!!! He allowed it to happen in the first place!

[@deborahliveli6510]

You can tell how traumatized this lady still is. How terrible for her to have those kinds of memories. Poor soul 😢

[@harrynking777]

Blessed are those poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

[@debrapaulino918]

Yes but she had the forest. The hut might have been a tiny back room in the city she could not leave. The forest saved her. They didn't abuse her. She had food. Strong lady.

[@chenry1279]

​@@harrynking777 Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit." Rena is not poor in spirit (contrite/penitent) but broken in spirit. The Bible teaches that God wants to bind up the brokenhearted and restore what the locust have stolen. He has the power to redeem and to turn mysteriously what was intended for evil into something life giving. All themes from the Hebrew Scriptures, like from Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Joel, David, Noah...

[@harrynking777]

That is your interpretation and you may well be correct. However, I'm not sure if there is much if any differnce in what I said.

[@joybernard7813]

You have a lot to look forward to. You have a Messiah, Jesus, who wants you and can give you a healing of memories and all the healing and restoration you need.

[@claudiasoare2299]

She is one of the lucky one to still have her parents and the possibility to go to US….God bless her!

[@MrsPicklesIsHome]

Oh yes. So very lucky.

[@chuckbus]

I love the photographs at the end of your story Rena, brava for staying alive!

[@robertafierro5592]

I'm in awe of anyone who had the strength to survive this frightening era.

[@Katy_Bug89]

I am so terribly sorry. I cannot begin to know how painful all of this was for you. Never in my life have I heard something so sad. I am so glad you survived and that you are able to relay your account to the world. Thank God you survived.

[@hinaynihorvath3926]

😖😭

[@shawnmcquillan3874]

My heart aches for this little girl…. My heart aches…. Never forget what was done to these ppl… we must stay vigilant that history not be repeated…. Guard our freedom… don’t take it for granted

[@MySnaz]

On top of this courageous woman’s testimony, she brings to understanding the way trauma affects a child. In ways you may not realize.

[@andreaschreck653]

Thank you so much for uploading the videos and thank you for sharing your memorys. I think its sometimes difficult to go back in those cruel bad times. The story touched me very deeply. This is history not told by historians but from those who suffered it.

[@lyricalaska]

I had a dear friend, Helena Schreck. She was from Hungary and perhaps born in 1932 or so. She lived in Detroit, Michigan. I wish I had spoken with her at length. Your last name reminded me of her.

[@kathykiernan2]

I think Rena describes the sentiment that second-generation survivors had it worse than their parents because their parents had a Before, whereas they only had an After.

[@chenry1279]

That's a profound observation. Comparing the second-generation with a child survivor. It's all about attachment or insecure attachment, "lasting negative effects and whether the event(s) caused them to lose their sense of either Order (the world makes sense), Justice (justice is available), or Self Value (knowing that they are a person of value), or all three." Quote from Shonna Ingram

[@annalisavajda252]

Well yes and maybe many children of baby boomers had parents with ptsd too and so they learn some of that hyper vigilance and anxiety and how to cope or not with stress. She may be more stressed while having to talk about it than in her regular day to day life. Some people think talking about trauma is helpful I don't think that's always true it just reopens old wounds for some.

[@katharineharrison9091]

Epigenetics has proven that trauma is passed down through the genes. So the trauma was felt as a child survivor and passed to her children.

[@wanderinggeri8477]

In what way is she a “second-generation survivor? She was born in 1938 and was in Europe during the Holocaust.

[@chenry1279]

@wanderinggeri8477 She is like a second generation survivor because she didn't have a before trauma life. But you're right, she's bona fide first generation.

[@ritamedina-molina8550]

You are an amazing person Renia..I hope you might find your peace in an afterlife where there is no cruelty just peace and the scent of a beautiful forest...may your soul find everlasting happiness..this world is too cruel for a delicate soul like you.

[@ginaf2103]

Such a beautiful and articulate woman. ⚘️😥

[@karenbonnici6204]

This lady is a very strong woman, always fighting to make sense of a life that was traumatic beyond anything I have ever imagined. It's unimaginable. May the rest of her life be peaceful and rewarding. Prayers.

[@debrapaulino918]

The younger son has especially benefitted by the interview. He struggled to express feelings much like her. This interview has helped him to realize he hasn't connected well with himself or with her.

[@laurenanderson7330]

How do you know this?

[@BasiaEDP]

In current day, there are still some people in Poland still don’t have bathrooms with running water - she is very lucky to have good people to help her.

[@kambrose1549]

Janek and Magda were really brave to shelter the little girl

[@sweetvictory5643]

They did it because Rena's mother paid them very well. As Rena said before the war her parents lived very comfortably. That Polish couple was poor and by sheltering Rena they were generously rewarded. Money talks.

[@janetblanc7658]

How awful that her mother couldn't relate to her changed child. She should have been so grateful that her baby survived but who can judge people who were all so traumatized.

[@karinberryman2009]

Nobody was normal after such chaos, sustained terror, dysfunction so that they were in such a state of regression they were like children. After the war all those who had escaped had to talk about their experiences, what they’d seen, who they’d lost. That was psychotherapy.

[@janetblanc7658]

@@karinberryman2009 ❤️

[@waitaminute2015]

You don't know that her mother wasn't grateful. Not everyone can express themselves the same. Often people laugh at funerals, for example. Keeping it all in is a protective instinct sometimes. After so much trauma, it might feel like bad luck to be happy, as if you'd jinx something if you said it out loud. Emotional reactions feel dangerous. Best to just remain vigilant and militant.

[@janetblanc7658]

@@waitaminute2015 oh dear, I have to admit I laughed hysterically at my mother's funeral. It was a wholly nervous reaction as I loved my mother and was broken hearted. It was VERY embarrassing.

[@BeckBeckGo]

Who indeed….

[@pcote001]

I must thank Rena and her family for telling us their story. It seems that learning the incredible experiences of one person provides a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the enormity of this crime than is possible by a recitation of statistics, as horrific as they are.

[@mariayfarris7710]

I've listened to your story twice, so moved by your experience. Your forest as you describe it was your saving grace. Mother nature, the forest and stream cuddled you as best she could. You survived. Bless your heart, thank you for sharing your heart felt story. Your forest picture behind you speaks volumes. Beautiful!

[@MrsPicklesIsHome]

This was filmed in 1998 when she was 60 years old. Someone said she had since died.

[@sherigraham3873]

Rena your experiences were harsh and your ability to go into yourself and escape the ignoring and non-communicative strangers you lived with as a very young child are a study in the human ability to cope. Thankyou for sharing your remarkable experience! You are so amazing and beautiful ❤️

[@kassidymiller3223]

What an elegant and composed lady

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

Classy, smart, and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@connieforonda3983]

As i listen to her, she makes me cry.. How cruel those years were ...And how she fluently describes her feelings and situations... At 4 years old , she was an intelligent, imaginative , resourceful brave little girl. ( i describe in the present .. )Makes me SO SAD... I CAN'T HELP BUT CRY.. GOD...

[@alicemcduff3416]

The way she finally laughs and smiles when she mentioned her last husband Vlad ☺️

[@sandywuerch]

I feel this younger son is really holding back and should just speak his mind and let it out.

[@YaakovBuchner]

This was such an amazing blessing to me. I pray they're doing well.

[@fleurkus]

Such a beautiful woman with the saddest childhood . Thanks for telling your story.

[@fada7903]

It is hard to even imagine the suffering during those years, specially for children. I understood her parents did their best to save her life and their decision to hide her in freedom (while themselves were into a horrible "prison") shows the much they love her, how precious she is for them. Life is a blessing, no matter what, and we should do our best to fight the temptation of feeling sorry for ourselves and for being alive.

[@MatMat-qi2rd]

This interview truly touched and moved me. This lovely woman has almost a magical way of expressing herself and sharing. The tragedy of war. I hope she could / can find some piece of mind. Moving...

[@ArtingFromScratch]

She wrote a book called BITTER FREEDOM with her mother and I believe is still alive

[@alicemcduff3416]

Thank you for this information!

[@katriel8693]

I notice the painting of the forest behind her

[@alicemcduff3416]

Me too!

[@kathleenlang3747]

That interviewer actually interrupted and changed the subject at times! The interviewer was fairly abrupt and rather tonelessly rude at times. But how poetic this woman is as she remembers the wild lost child-woman she had to become!

[@taryntimms3787]

The interviewer was awful

[@raycortopassi4030]

Most of these interviewers for the USC Shoah foundation are not very good. They come across very cold and interrogate rather than interview these survivors. They should have received some type of training to acquire basic interviewing skills.

[@alicemcduff3416]

Totally agree. Most of those interviewers are awful!

[@magda_madej_perez]

Agree. Don't like the interviewer at all.

[@nancycrabtree6312]

The tendency toward life, the struggle to live is such a God-given innate quality. The fact that Rena didn’t give up is the greatest miracle of all. She got no help at all and that she never sought therapy for so long is frustratingly sad. The tragedy being passed on to the next generation is very sad beyond description. (I also think the interviewer is rather robotic.) Her life finally has gotten better, which is a relief. It’s finally a story of triumph. Rena is a beautiful lady who doesn’t look at all her age.

[@lemongate4869]

Some years ago, I had a Polish neighbour who had spent most of WW2 in a concentration camp as a child in Siberia. Although she was not Jewish, there were Jewish prisoners in the camp. When she was about 14, she and her sister and her parents escaped the camp. But, unfortunately, her parents were shot and killed while escaping. She and her sister made their way to Poland and reunited with their brother. She migrated to make a new life for herself, married and had children. But by the time she had become my neighbour, as an elderly women, the trauma of spending basically her entire childhood iin a concentration camp, the trauma of watching her parents being murdered, the trauma of escape and evasion and fighting for survival in the wild, had taken a tremendous toll on her. I have nothing but absolute respect and compassiion for all these survivors of a life most horrid.

[@maggieadams8600]

Another amazing woman's story moves and inspires us. Such lovely families, people traumatised by war; thank you for sharing them with us, they speak to our hearts!

[@cynthiasundberg980]

Inspiring, impressive... An absolute joy mixed with a broken heart to watch and comprehend. Still,... I can not comprehend but I would love to hear hours and hours of her stories. Also, of all the interviews that I watch, this INTERVIEWER sounds the most warm, respectful and kind.

[@stephaniesnape6787]

This is such visceral, harrowing testimony. Thank you Rena for your testimony. It is so important to highlight the enduring trauma caused by such extreme childhood events. I am so in awe of Rena’s journey and determination to heal her trauma.

[@gailbrown4124]

How gracious Rena is. Thank you for telling your story. I was enthralled listening to Rena, even imagining the forest and being that little girl. Abandonment issues never go away. Bless her soul.

[@hoobyhoo]

Another sad, yet unbelievable example of the human spirit and survival. She's a wonder, for sure. This is trauma beyond even the victim's comprehension.

[@Xestra37490]

I think it’s very important we hear about it, speaking about it although it’s not that many survivors left we should have documentary shown in schools. If we don’t, history repeat itself. We as human we tend to ignore or things that happened in the past is seen as long time ago It’ll not happen again. We’ve to establish strong values to human life and kindness and compassion. Today’s society is seen this values as weakness we’re in a wrong path. Thank You 🙏🏼 for your testimony.

[@deeptir5557]

She was left with random men yet not sexually abused is a miracle. 🤦🏽‍♀️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@claudiasoare2299]

Pervert people were a rare find than! Born in 59 and I could say also that as a kid or later in life I never heard things happened to kids in my country….

[@mlonardoxu]

Yes definitely and she was in danger in the forest too

[@daveniaful]

Poles are not Russians.

[@katarinasvensson9801]

Yes and she must have been a true beauty back then I mean she is gorgeus now

[@howardarmstrong2009]

No m

[@mylesmcswiney4991]

That memory in the forest where Rena describes the beauty of the meadow flowers while all around was death and destruction is so powerful

[@vampoftrance]

The painting is exactly how I imagined her forest hut.

[@mandycooke8445]

Such a beautiful lady. I have a daughter and she now has a daughter that is four. I can’t imagine the heartache of having to give her to strangers to keep her alive. So incredibly sad.

[@BMarPiano]

Oh, my. This was so moving. Hard to put into words. What this beautiful, kind woman went through was so horrific. I’m grateful to her and her family for being so open. Her account of the devastating events of her early life was both eloquent and heartbreaking. I will be thinking about this for a long time. Thank you for sharing this and other stories so that we will never forget.

[@wanderinggeri8477]

She’s 60 years old! She looks amazing for 60!

[@MySnaz]

She looks barely 40

[@michelleseratte9730]

The person who conducted the interview showed no feelings, no emotion whatsoever. Ms Bernstein was wonderful.

[@E-Kat]

This was an interrogation, not an interview. Complete lack of connection with the answers, no empathy. Poor Rena.

[@debrapaulino918]

She is or was beautiful. Her hair is perfect and exactly what I imagine for mine. She is articulate and sophisticated. A woman to know. I too love the forest. I understand her.

[@deecawford]

She is one strong woman. It’s as if her parents were hurt so bad that they couldn’t even talk to her about it. They could talk with other adults but she had no one. I know her precious parents loved her, look what they did to keep her safe.

[@lisaleonzis5303]

This is the most profound story of survival. Her youngest son. Loves nature.. she past down her childhood friendly forest 🌳 nature nurture 🌲🌿☘️🍀🍃🍄🌺🍁🪷🌾🎋🌳🌸🌼🌻🍂🌱🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

[@Faithful10415]

This was so gripping. So impactful. What a remarkable woman. What struck me the most was how she went from someone who felt nothing, who felt disconnected from the world and people no matter what age or situation to her sons and daughter-in-law describing her as warm and caring and compassionate. She didn’t allow the horror to define her. She sought healing and found it. As I listened to the story of her suffering, of her world and the suffering they endured I just have to believe that someday ultimate justice will be meted out by a just God Who gave men free will to decide what kind of humans they would be. As a Gentile Christian I am ashamed and appalled at the treatment they received at the hands of their Gentile neighbors. Not to mention the utter evil and despicable unspeakable treatment at the hands of the sadistic and reprobate Nazis. Each man will stand before God and give an account for their lives. No one escapes eternal judgement and the ultimate destination of their willful choices whether righteous or evil. Thank you for sharing these powerful powerful stories.

[@carolineh8605]

The only time I heard joy in her voice was when she spoke about her husband. I hope they lived a good many years together after this interview.

[@adrianavandermerwe2536]

This was profound, had such a connection with her and her story. Amasing woman

[@sunflowerroark5170]

I believe she can't get past the pain enough to appreciate her life being saved.

[@AnarchistPoop]

It's interesting how people with similar experiences are able to tell things from a more positive and grateful point of view because they were older, and able to understand better what was happening. She was a toddler, and could only understand emotions and instincts, and thus, her imaginery of this dark silent overwatchers, the cold distant mother, etc. Speaks of how differently children perceive the world.

[@NINA-mq2vu]

Her accounts of the war started with horror but the vid ended with a giggle and hug wit her lovely son. That really mad me cry. What a beautiful and smart woman. And I’m so sorry that you had to go through a traumatic experience at a young age.

[@KenjiMapes]

Rena is a warm, articulate, smart & regal woman. Despite childhood traumas & a byzantine early life that saw her bounce around & beset my multiple obstacles she is surprisingly grounded & not bitter. She is an open book & self-deprecating which I think were coping mechanisms for her. Many times she mentioned how mentally unwell she was for a protracted period which is a testament to her self-awareness & openness. She is a pretty lady as well. Despite having gone through many traumas & witnessing horrors through WW2 she has endured through it & triumphed. She has refused to stay a self-pitying victim when she basically had license too. Despite suffering multiple trials & tribulations beyond just WW2 traumas she is very well adjusted. She is quite impressive. Listening to her speak about her memories & experiences is captivating. It’s fascinating & captivating to hear about the unique personal experience of a Holocaust & WW2 survivor. It’s important we keep these conversations for posterity. This was 30 years ago in 1994 which is crazy! How time flies. Perhaps Rena is still alive. She was probably around 60 here. Hopefully she is still around enjoying her family.

[@ptrunk1]

Thank you, Rena, for your clarity. I appreciate how hard you've worked in therapy to be able to tell a story full of self-knowledge and insight into human nature. You've inspired me to be stronger myself.

[@janpierzchala2004]

Józef Zwonarz wraz z żoną Franciszką odznaczeni medalem Sprawiedliwy Wśród Narodów Świata w 1967r.

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

Nothing approaches these extraordinary heartbreaking accounts. My whole perception of humanity has taken a deeply profounding level of collapse. Thank you dear hosts & dear Rena for these profound sharings. Its likely the scene she clearly describes as the forest she imagined her parents were hiding within, is the scene portrayed in the painting hanging behind her. My guess is that Rena is the artist.Thank you dear Rena for your profound generous honesty, your bravery to retouch these memories so eloquently. You are a part of me now. Sincerely Canyon

[@naomiaa2989]

Rena wow what an amazing resilient person you are and thank you for sharing this. I am always happy to listen to you and care so much about you.

[@T_WC123]

Ms Bernstein gave us a great gift of sharing her story.

[@janthorpe9577]

She is so beautiful.

[@ashleym.9682]

That’s what I keep thinking! And also curious as to just how beautiful she must have been through her years.

[@cynthiasundberg980]

This interview is excellent and so very sensitive. So much was retrieved, released and respected as this beautiful woman was given an excellent opportunity to share her experience s... so richly. GREAT INTERVIEW, GREAT INTERVIEWER!!!

[@cmactrail]

I did things that I'm not proud of when i was a teenager, not terrible things. But it is crazy to me what people can do to other human beings because of their ethnicity or color.

[@alicemcduff3416]

... or even their vaccination status....

[@annetteloquercio3174]

@Alice McDuff 💯⭕️❗️.... ..yesss , over the years I've often had that very same thought ...& as I've seen/ heard many accounts of the imperialist ' leaders' ..ie; stalin, lenin etccc , and what they did to ppl in their country and beyond... Ppl reporting of that time said , " we never thought anything as so much hatred and wbat was happening would ever have been done by another human being ." I remembered thinking , alll the things I've seen/ heard , , personally- since '20 , I would've never thought the same amendments would also be stripped and mandates now in place are the norm .

[@calken546]

WOW She doesn't look 60!!

[@a.c528]

What? I thought she was 40

[@Itme]

These are older videos. Many of these witnessed are dead. These stories are their legacy. May we remember

[@guymoe81]

This was filmed in 98 so I'm guessing she's about 85 today if she's alive.

[@mariadiantherese9663]

This woman is precious. So grateful for her generosity of spirit to share from her heart how she overcame it all.

[@danalley6381]

Interesting how the younger son, a songwriter, had such difficulty putting his thoughts into words. Yet, he had no problem describing himself as such a patient, supportive, and admiring child of Rena.

[@rosaliecarter-kretz8228]

Thank you Rena for sharing your life, you truly are an inspiration.🌻

[@amiematthews6469]

I somehow carry with me, this brave woman’s story in my heart at all times. Her courageousness is inspiring!! She has so much longing for what should have been and yet it seems to me that she can never quite reach it. That feeling is so powerful that I can feel her attempts to find it. Blessed peace is what she deserves. ❤❤

[@soangiewrites5639]

I listen to a lot of stories, and this, by far, has touched me the most. Thank you.

[@bernadettewilkie5996]

I have to say, I've watched A LOT of holocaust documentaries, this one as odd as it sounds, is one of the strangest, saddest stories I've heard. You would think, "well, she didn't suffer, she didn't go to the camps." I am totally happy that she didn't go! But it was her loneliness that got me. If I were the woman in the hut, I would make her feel so loved and comforted her! However, I was thinking the following: 1. Its their culture to "not care" for kids. Or at least it was their way of raising kids (not to knock on the culture, it is what it is I guess.) 2. I think she was distancing herself from Rena on purpose. I think the woman from the hut was trying to emotionally protecting herself and the little girl By not showing any emotion. Does that make sense? idk..

[@elsayedina]

I’ve watched so many as well, but by far this lady’s testimony is very touching especially when she was never was spoken to and never communicated with anyone for two years. God bless her.

[@bellaadamowicz8380]

There were other cases where children were saved by the peasants, and they were loved and treated well they were poor, but kind

[@purenkool2011]

Yes, things you stated do make sense. However, it does not matter to a child WHY they are rejected, like flowers they need to feel loved and protected. This is an account of the war through a CHILD’S EYES.

[@RowanWarren78]

I can't agree with your first point. In actuality, these families were very close and cherished their children. The word Holocaust means destruction. Everything they had, down to their basic family dynamic, was destroyed; ripped apart. People saw their loved ones, often their own children, brutally murdered in front of them. Naturally, those who survived had to go into a mental zone where survival was the primary focus. This leaves little room for emotional vulnerability and/or attachment.

[@wanderinggeri8477]

What “culture” are you referring to? These were Christians caring for her.

[@fehawkins2934]

What a beautiful woman inside and out - offering such hope - a journey of growth - thank you for sharing

[@silverfoxidm]

Sorry to hear about the many misfortunes (the burdens of life)! It reminds me of Susan Challis also affected by the war in Denmark 🇩🇰 as every story teaches of such adversity beyond human endurance & yet they survive miraculously & become a strength to the rest of us !

[@czaderka87]

I have been living in Warsaw, Poland for years now but I am originally from Sanok. Thank you for sharing Ms. Bernstein’s story of remarkable resilience ❤.

[@Sad_bumper_sticker.]

I also watched her Testimony in the originally uploaded video. Hers is among the testimonies I keep dear in my mind and heart. I am glad it was uploaded again now for others to watch.

[@bobbyketchup1466]

Thank you for your pure heart. The deep love she inspired in all who have been fortunate enough to watch this. After all she's been through. Then sharing and helping other is heroic.

[@gregorytoddsmith9744]

An incredible story. Thank you Rena for sharing it.

[@martinMD]

A totally amazing woman . I recommend every woman should watch this . An incredible lady

[@donna3030]

What a treat it was listening to this marvelous woman! I admire what she has become in this life after all she experienced as a child. I wish I could meet her in this life and just listen to her. Of course not possible but a quieting fantasy. I hope in the eternities I will have the honor to meet her. ❤ to her.

[@iadoreadonai]

Wow!!!!What an amazing story of survival!Much Shalom always.