If Only Night Would Not Come- The Story of Aliza Landau

Aliza Landau was born in 1938 in Lodz, Poland. Her family - parents, Melech and Ruth Goldman, and brother Rishek, resided in Ruda Pabianicka, a suburb of the city. After the Germans entered Poland, her parents decided that Aliza's father would go into hiding. Aliza, her mother and brother were sent to the Lodz Ghetto, but were able to escape and join her father shortly afterwards. This marked the beginning of four years of wandering across Poland for the family, hiding in different locations, assisted by Polish peasants. The family was almost caught several times, and at one point was forced to escape to a nearby forest. After several days without food, her mother left the forest in search of sustenance but did not return. Aliza's brother died of starvation and she and her father were found by a German patrol. They were taken, together with several other people, to a makeshift killing pit. Her father was killed but Aliza survived unharmed. She waited for the night to come, crawled out of the pit and escaped to a nearby village. She was six years old. In the village she was taken in by a Ukrainian couple who took care of her until the region was liberated. Her mother, who had also survived in hiding after being severely injured, was able to find her after the war had ended. They moved to Israel in 1948. Aliza married Yossi Landau and had three children. She worked as a kindergarten teacher. Today she lectures on the subject of the Holocaust and accompanies Israel Police and security forces delegations as well as Israeli high-schools to Poland.

[@thinkinoutloud.1]

The soldier that carried and locked eyes with her chose her as his target and purposely aimed away from her. The spirit of God was with her.

[@kitthecat6543]

What an amazing selfless man her father was. Just wow. Her parents are exactly what parents should be, so selfless and loving!

[@mindrolling24]

Humanity must NEVER forget or whitewash the evils of the past. Bless all those who speak the truth and remind us that genocide is still happening in the world today and no one is safe.

[@ravikhan5945]

What a brave and courageous child she was and what a strong woman she then became. Her father would be proud.

[@kitthecat6543]

Her father was an amazing man and father. He really held it down for them. Wow. So sad he didn't make it.

[@nancymontgomery8897]

As WWII's surviving Jews die off, it is critically important to preserve their testimonies. Aliza's first-hand account will provide future generations with education and inspiration. Personally, I am in awe of what that little girl endured. My heart breaks for her suffering, but rejoices in her eventual triumph. Am I right to assume that the young Nazi soldier purposely avoided shooting her? If so, I hope his spark of humanity was never discovered by his fellow Nazis.

[@velvetbees]

So fascinating, I couldn't even move from my chair. Aliza was saved for a special purpose. To tell her story. What a lovely and courageous soul.

[@paula3280]

What a sad but poignant film. Today's world doesn't know the ravages of war and what people had to go through just to survive. Your story is gutwrenching but also uplifting. Thank you for sharing your story♥

[@burgcomputer3063]

Dear Aliza, thank you for sharing your story. I,m deeply moved by it and I admire you for your strenght and love.

[@Automedon2]

It is almost unfathomable what children of was suffer, not just this horrific genocide, but children in all war involved countries. How much fear is a child able to endure? How can it not affect them deeply for the rest of their lives. When we complain about our 'childhood traumas' we are often talking about a bully in school, not being hunted down by adult me with murder on their minds. God bless this lady and all the innocent souls who have suffered because of human cruelty.

[@3aashdale]

This was a remarkable story. Just heartbreaking. What strength and love the father showed. And that poor child crawling toward barking dogs. I’m so glad that mother and daughter were reunited. Am Yisrael Chai 🇮🇱

[@puca7908]

I cannot even express words. May Hashem keep you Aliza, and your children.

[@WendyLopezGazquez]

I just absorbed every word. This is so important and such a heartbreaking but at the same time heartwarming story. Thank you!

[@vivianwilliams6344]

Your an amazing lady. It's a miracle your mother was able to find you when the war was over - thank goodness you two were able to reunite. I'm so sorry for all that happened and your loss. You've done wonderful things with your life. You are a blessing. May your father and brother's memories be a blessing. Please take care and stay safe. Vivian

[@trixiejones8472]

I'm so glad you survived the horrific cruel events of that time and happy that you raised your family brave lady.

[@bridgetttubbs9959]

I can’t even imagine. Thank you for telling your story the world must not ever forget. Ever

[@ReligionOfSacrifice]

Lucky girl to still have her mother afterwards, but a sad tale nonetheless. We of today have so much to be thankful for.

[@LeahBrooksJeremiahGardens]

Such a compelling, beautiful, and tragic story. An amazing woman who is stronger than I could ever be.

[@stellayates4227]

What an emotional story of courage and resilience that will stay in your memory.

[@jamesb.9155]

Another beautiful story that captures the essence and passion of human existence, reminding us to live with a purpose toward serving the needs of our family and loved ones and for the betterment of life for all the good people in the world.

[@kellyolsen-tetrault9974]

My dear fine lady, I so wish to give you a hug. Your story , your time moved me beyond belief. I want to hold you as the child you were.I want to caress your hair. I want to tell you, you are loved. I want to tell you, you are safe now. Now when night comes, don't listen for the dogs anymore. Look into the night sky and see your family among the stars. And when they twinkle, that is their kisses floating to you.

[@MariaCruz-lp2ki]

Thank you for this. We must never forget!

[@lizziedownen4204]

My tears can't stop flowing.. ur a survivor now not a victim

[@shaunbat5097]

What a story..... How Horrible War was, the effect on the lives of those who lived, from a pretty little girl to the woman she became was moving, to reunite with her mother was great and to see the photos.

[@zwijntje3010]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us ! You're a very brave woman ! 😥🙋🏼‍♀️🙏

[@bresams2917]

This was so powerful, God bless this woman❤

[@halibut1249]

Aliza that is such an incredible and moving story, to endure such losses, such deprivations, and to survive and thrive and find happiness. It was a joy to hear that you were reunited with your mother. You are a very strong and remarkable person. I hope the blessings in your life have made up for that very dark period.

[@marygr1020]

Es tan triste,. pero no hay que olvidar. Nunca olvidar para que algo asi no vuelva a pasar.

[@marinad8435]

We must never forget.

[@Theranchhouse1]

What a strong woman and beautiful Family !....The Germans will one day be held accountable for the beastly acts upon the 'apple' of Gods eye !

[@maxinemadlopha211]

WOW!!! What a powerful powerful life!! So much lost but so much gained. We really are fearfully and wonderfully made. able to bounce back from the severest trauma. God bless you.

[@MrRexvogans]

Thank you for telling your story.

[@meligarrett9197]

My mama was a Holocaust survivor 😢

[@lizziedownen4204]

Thank you for sharing this with us and I love you,u beautiful women. I Know it had to be very hard to talk about the pain and the sorrows u felt and went through. Sometimes telling people about it can help others stand up and share their stories. Saying something out loud is not easy especially when you still feel the hurt and pain that many beautiful ppl went through. I can't even imagine what u went through. My heart goes out to you you beautiful soul.

[@lindawinchcole9962]

What a life this lady has , and to think l came back from the shops moaning because l couldn't find cushions l liked , we should be grateful our generation never live through these atrocities

[@yvonnemiles7633]

I feel so happy and thankful that they have been reunited! Bess them!

[@deplorablegal4078]

Wow what an amazing story. Just wow and thank you for posting and sharing.

[@peggythompson1068]

Aliza, you were an amazing woman. Thank You for sharing your 9!

[@jenniferclarke3622]

Incredible story. So humbling.

[@grootkaroo9721]

One very strong lady, even as a child ,

[@sandhiller49]

I feel for this family and all the injustices, Im sorry that anyone had to go through this. My family are ranchers, very self sufficient and due to all that is going on in the world we definitely are preppers. I am concerned that evil times will be upon us again, as the bible tells us. Im not concerned for myself but am preparing for my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. All our girls know how to hunt, field dress a kill, shoot, cook, sew etc etc. It may be crazy but it also gives some comfort to at least know that and live in such a remote area.

[@joanhenschel3511]

What a tragic story, but one of victory in the end. Bless you

[@RoseSharon7777]

Wow. Amazing story of survival.

[@janetpattison8474]

Thank you for the beautiful story of your life.

[@RasMajnouni]

ב"ה, בזכות חובה שהרגשתי ליהודים שלא שרדו עליתי לארץ מארה"ב בשנת 1970 בגיל 17 וגייסתי ליחידת גולני 1971-1974,עדיין מרגיש חיוב לעמי ולכם אחיי. כאן ראייתי אלפי נסים של הקב"ה

[@hazelmaciver4076]

Truly an inspiration.

[@nelroc2300]

Beautiful story very inspiring...

[@filmsbynix]

Thank you for sharing

[@lindamoore8212]

Bless you,bless you! So amazing,

[@jillosler9353]

Bless you for sharing your life with us. Lest we forget 💞

[@sillylittlelilly3963]

Ty for sharing❤️

[@karenwright9123]

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain...I Corinthians 15:10...only those that are soulless could listen to this dear lady's story and not be moved. God gave her a life and she touched many. Pray to God we escape such a trial as she had Jewish,Christian,Muslim,Hindu whatever faith that calls to our hearts ,we are children of God searching for our true selves,our true home. Bless you all on your journey.

[@cristcaminoa1]

יפה ועצוב, תודה יליצה

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Heartbreaking.Going along in life...and then your world falls apart thanks to hatred+Nazis.Wow...her story for one so young.

[@carolflower8015]

Very interesting and touching

[@mkchan18]

Great story

[@lindadiaz3268]

A picture speaks a thousand word's 😞

[@kitthecat6543]

Hope she gains peace..I really do

[@loonylinda]

God bless you Aliza

[@raeannaroylance5401]

And keep talking! You’ve earned this mic! 🙏❤️💔✡️💔❤️🙏

[@janismacvicar9637]

such a brave lady

[@joschaim45]

BLESSED BE HER HEART....

[@carolmccallum724]

a beautiful brave women,

[@QuangLe-nm7ck]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@YaYaPaBla]

🙁😭