The Story of 178873: Ben Fainer, Holocaust Survivor

On April 21, 2012, Ben Fainer (Bendet Urman Fajner) told me the story of how he survived six years in several Nazi concentration camps, from 1939 (when he was 9 1/2 years old) until he was rescued by American soldiers in 1945. He spent most of a year in a camp in Jelesnia, Poland, before being moved to Blahame and then to Buchenwald. While in these camps, he had no name. He was known as "1778873." Ben, who was 81 when he agreed to give this interview, had refused to discuss these horrors until four years ago.
As you can see from this interview, Ben doesn't merely recount the horrors; he also offers many insights into his experience.
You'll notice that Ben has somewhat of an Irish accent. After being released from Buchenwald, he spent several years in Dublin, Ireland, before moving to Canada, and then the United States.
What follows is a simple listing of the topics discussed:
00:26 Living in Bedzin, Poland
06:05 Jelesnia - Forced Labor Camp
09:31 Taken to a different camp: Blahame
12:45 Lying about his age
23:48 Buchenwald Conditions
30:31 More on Buchenwald
33:00 Every day is a new day. "Maybe I can survive tomorrow."
36:44 No doctors; no treatment
37:25 Discussion of hatred.
45:47 After Buchenwald
47:08 Walk to Dachau (Death March)
47:49 Rescue by American Soldiers
50:27 Many prisoners died from eating too quickly after their release
51:18 No paperwork. Trying to find other members of his family.
54:35 Only 7 out of 250 relatives survived WWII
56:01 Traveling to Dublin
58:20 Refused entry to the United States because he was a "communist."
1:01:28 Bar Mitzvah at 74 years of age
1:02:52 Surprise phone call from one of his rescuers
1:04:51 More on his long period of silence, and trying to make sense of his time in concentration camps.

[@dukeyonu13]

I had the privilege of living next door to Ben. We became good friends and often spent time together. I frequently observed him standing in his back yard just admiring the beautiful plants we had in our yards in sunny south Florida. One day I mentioned getting a tattoo. I had noticed his, as it was visible on his forearm, but on that day he asked me if I knew what his was. After informing him that I did indeed recognize his, I also told him I would be interested in hearing any stories he might want to share. Back then, understandably, he wasn't interested in sharing that part of his life. As time went on and I showed interest and knowledge, he slowly shared pieces of his past. As tragic as it was, I urged him to share it with others. I knew there weren't many left who knew first hand of the atrocities and could ensure the world heard their stories. It was around that time that the movie "The Pianist" came out and I saw many similarities in it that perfectly matched some of his experiences. I heard how he was separated from his family and how he lied about his age which ultimately saved his life. At some point he explained why he stared in admiration at his plants. He said he saw a color article (rare in his youth) about Florida. In it were beautiful plants and trees and he thought "Florida" was a fictional place. Then, in his 70's, he was actually living there and enjoying every second of its natural beauty. Honestly, Ben was an inspiration then and even more so now. He truly is an amazing man with an even more amazing life story. Now that he frequently speaks to a variety of audiences I'll share something he shared with me. According to him, his absolute proudest moment was when he spoke to a group of military men who were heading off to fight. His story was meant to inspire the troops and remind them that they were fighting for a reason. At the end of his story, the CO had all of the troops stand and salute him. He was, is, and always will be truly proud that he was honored in the most admirable way by US military. I am honored to know this man! Please listed to his story and take it to heart. Not many men like him and I'll always be proud to call him my friend!

[@MistressTargaryen]

dukeyonu13 no kidding this man is amazing The most remarkable part of his story and his experience is that he left all of it without a single ounce of hatred in his heart. That is how we should live by his example. He drilled is all consuming, and it's truly exhausting. I know. I have heated for so long in my own life. At the end, it isn't worth it. Sorry for my funky words. I am using dictation on my phone currently. What I meant to say is that hatred is all consuming and extremely exhausting. It isn't worth it.

[@veldawells2839]

I would have been extremely proud to have known Ben. A true inspiration to mankind.

[@mosesbaca7084]

Thanks for sharing such a kind word about him. It is so important to pass this to all future generations

[@neasacoyne2706]

I would have loved to have met Ben, it’s a pity he left Ireland. May you Rest In Peace Ben. 💚💚

[@raymonddouglas4878]

dukeyonu13 tdc

[@jamesdavison2927]

I am saddened to learn of this beautiful man's passing I had the tremendous privilege of seeing him speak in person at the frontenac st louis county library branch Much love to his family, Erin who i knew, and all those touched by him and saddened by his passing

[@vanessaouyang1220]

Ben is the most articulate interviewee I have seen. He did not get impatient ( only a little irritated at times), at having to repeat himself several times, his story ran smoothly and was consistent. If the interviewer was trying to trip him up, (as seemed to be the case sometimes), it didn't work. Thank you Ben, R. I. P.

[@nicholasbenedictrobinson7841]

36:33 "What if somebody got a cut and they just need a bandage?...Would the SS give you a bandage?" Quite a shockingly stupid question.

[@cleopatra1633]

A great man. The interviewer didn't listen and was only thinking what stupid question to ask next. Mister Fainer had a lot of patience with him. RIP

[@elizaroselynch]

You can see the stress and pain in this man. Thank you for sharing your story. Hard to hear but so important to hear

[@lovebug2662]

What a admirable strength to share your life with us

[@karenveno6519]

What an amazing human being you are Ben! R.I.P. Ben and now you can be with the ones you love. 💝

[@CKing-388]

He was born 1930. My grandma was born 1929. She recently passed but, it’s just amazing to me them being the same age and their lives so different.

[@ccwildflower5348]

God bless you for sharing your story. It must be so difficult to talk about.

[@daniellefarrelly1259]

I'm so privileged to listen to this it's a great testimonial may what you suffered may never been forgotten. In my own life I take a great lead from having good knowledge never to judge anyone on where they come from, religion, culture, colour I'm blessed

[@SuperSnugglemonster]

I could understand why someone who had experienced what he went through not speak of it but it is very important for those to hear these stories directly from a survivor. A video is very different than a book.

[@josesenna965]

Your so right, it’s incredible how a person can survive. That’s a very nice thing you said about your liberators you have a poets hart. Your far from cancer I’m sure your wife is smiling down on everything you do, The Lord bless you.

[@margaretroselle8610]

Thank you, Sir, for sharing your Holocaust experiences. Greetings from New Zealand.

[@edjohnston7250]

Rip Ben may you meet your loved ones in heaven now

[@norml6874]

C. Michael I’m going to report this nasty disgusting remark.

[@lindacosta3381]

C. Michael You are no Christian. Jesus would be appalled at the garbage you write

[@saltychips4866]

@Linda Costa Why would Jesus be appalled by the TRUTH of scripture? Jesus Himself said to the jewish religious leaders; "ye are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of it. John 8:44 "and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are jews but do lie, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan." Revelation 2:9 True Jews are those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ. If we are to love thy neighbor, we need to tell them the truth.

[@brandydinsmore8214]

Salty Chips this is not the place for these rantings. Have some respect, you and Michael both.

[@beverleygailluen4714]

I love this guys sense of humour, he is an amazing human being, no one deserves this treatment 😭🙈

[@nahdiasaltz8267]

WROTE TO BEN .. BUT JUST FOUND OUT THAT HE PASSED.. .. AWWW. : ( In Loving Memory.. an Amazing man even now passed,..Is daily helping me!! His story gives me believable strength & hope!! Ben in soul... "Rest In Peace".... -- My original note to him>>> Ben, Thank you so much for sharing your story! I listen to all possible. Your story very traumatic and devastating.. very kind and brave you are -- I completely appreciate the way you explained & clearly instilled how & what did happen to you in which today you still think about the steps you were forced to go through!! I know it was back.. yet honestly - I do cry for you today. In a different way... listening to you (I want/will Live- can't hate bc it will just create hurt") Ben you have given me Special reasoning to keep my belief that it will get better! And I can/will reach safely what I Need. Ben,Thank you so much! You have helped me more than I can express here.. You are so kind and now...owed to you > well deserved -- happiness!! .In extreme intent thank you so much for every word in which -- before your story- "I do think of The Holocaust survivors each day." Honestly I think & feel something in relation to the horrific's that did occur during the holocaust.. with each passing day- I Do Recognize - that nothing could possibly be worse than those 6 dramatic terrible years! I am so glad that now most survivors can be happy,.. I carry these stories very deep in my heart! Ben -- God Bless You! Show less REPLY

[@jimbaker6442]

Yes rest in peace Ben and God bless you! I watched your interview on KZbin and you're truly an amazing man and I know you can hear me.

[@lifewithjimmy4389]

These stories are told by heroes!!! My heart is with you!! ❤️😔

[@gonefishing167]

Thank you sir, a privilege to listen to you. I’m so sorry for all that happened , man’s inhumanity to man is hard to believe. A question if I’m not being rude. You met your father but he left you and went to Paris with friends! Why? He’s just found family, a son. Was it your decision to stay or couldn’t he take the horror and loss that he’d been through. It’s just there was no mention again of your father. So sad but everyone coped the way the could I guess . Broke my heart when you said you dreamed of your mother for years. Oh my, how proud she must be of you and such pride at your Bar Mitzah. An angel sitting on the ceiling watching with pride. These testimonies are so very important. Bless you sir and your wonderful family. Your lost families blood flows through their veins . The family continues. 🙏🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

[@p.a.williams7208]

So sorry what happened to you and your family...💔😪

[@michalrogula9765]

Great interview. Some questions were quite innocent but these are the type of questions young people would ask today. This makes the interview relevant to them. The spelling of the second camp might have been Blechhammer.

[@alexleitch1200]

God bless you my friend!

[@danlivni2097]

Sadly Ben passed away in 2016. Article about Ben. www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/ben-fainer-remembered-as-a-survivor-and-purveyor-of-hope/210185988 Ben Fainer remembered as a survivor and purveyor of hope

[@DrRobertMPick]

Thanks for posting the link.

[@tazman5722]

Mr. Ben Fainer passed away on May 17th, 2016 at the age of 86. RIP.

[@cjandthevindicators]

What an amazing man and an incredible survivor.

[@truthseeker4699]

Thank you for saying you had a Good God. Some survivors say they do not believe in God...I can understand that. But I’m so glad that you know that it was God that got you through hell on earth. Thank you for sharing your story! Thank you for saying you have no hate...even though you deserve to hate. Thank you for being a beautiful person...may God bless.

[@Mary-rg4tl]

What an insightful statement Ben made about hate. When I was younger I would not understand this statement. I am older now and thank God I finally understand. Rest in peace you dear sweet and wonderful man. If you get this message via cyberspace in Heaven, thank you for sharing your story of this horrific time in your life. 🙏✌ If the world would only learn...

[@ballet07]

The interviewer doesn't listen. Annoying.

[@driekkus1]

May God bless you.....

[@janelindsey7445]

We must never forget ,

[@valerieloney5565]

A very strong a truthful man.

[@tamsynrebecca8114]

I like how he mentions about the other victims with the gypsies etc. There was more and more victims... And how this was aloud to happen still baffles my mind. RIP. wish I was alive around that time to be able to help in some kind of way to save at least another life.

[@byhisello]

This is happening again in America. Now it’s called Woke.

[@goodcitizenchicago]

his guy seems like a sincere likable guy !!

[@ernstraedecker6174]

The second camp, mentioned at 9:31, is not "Blahame" (doesn't exist), but Blechhammer. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blechhammer

[@georgimavrodinov4500]

Sad story, I watched till the first a half hour and noticed, He didn't said something angry against the German Nazis and SS itself.

[@anamorrawska5462]

It was America who orchestrated and financed WWII. They disposed of European people by forcing them into free labour till they dropped, to make America great. Look at all the businesses that started out on the backs of holocaust victims and are still thriving. Germans, the minions that followed American orders, were designated as the forever scape goats. Yes, Americans came only after there were no more able bodied people left to work for free. Before that, they watched the industrial scale murders for 5 years.

[@robertbutler3053]

@@anamorrawska5462 You must be a idiot. People like you are liars and can't face the truth Bullshit

[@heaterpistol6067]

What a nightmare

[@robertafierro5592]

I think they cal that DIVINE INTERVENTION! May God Bless all the innocent souls who perished in those Terrible Ghettos and Camps, and Bless the Families that DID survive. I understand that many people found it almost impossible to ever function normally again after the experience of being Prisoners in those fetid and deadly Camps. Lots of people returned to nothing at all. War breaks hearts, young and old.

[@gregpayne328]

WHAT AN INSPIRATION. WHY HATE?? IT DOESN'T DO YOU ANY GOOD.

[@IDontSuckAtLifeakaJanis3975]

💔

[@miriamwilson9542]

best line of the interviewer: 'if you had a cut, would the SS give you a bandage?'!

[@nilsnyman6767]

Hes an idiot obviously

[@tripp8833]

What a moron

[@clearboutique2744]

The interviewer is not that good. He keeps making the guy repeat the same thing that he already.. said so that is showing me that the interviewer is not listening and trying to dig for something more

[@charlessheridan3865]

I said the same thing this interviewer is horrible

[@MrMaurice1936]

A magnificent human being,

[@lynnradabaugh4035]

Dear heart

[@melissacarr1317]

Wished I could have met you

[@markdeegan7268]

Amen

[@yourgirlme9163]

Brilliant man. Interviewer is a kid

[@hirszlitmanowicz6084]

ben fainer es amigo de infancia lamento mucho no haber tenido la suerte de haberlo encontrado con vida nacimo los en la misma en nuestra ciudad de bedzin fuimos de nines conoci su familia , es el unico que se que sobre vivio nuestra ninez no hay crimen perfecto recibi su deceso con enorme pena me dejo en la tristeza H irsz Litmanowicz naci el20 7 1931

[@byhisello]

Que belleza en su alma! Sin Duda, reconocen otra vez. Que Dios le bendiga

[@jsheekey1]

8 day old baby 💔💔💔

[@robertafierro5592]

When Ben l8ed about his age and the interviewer asks him what he wa thinking as he wa s lying, he was only 9, I believe his mind went blank. It was a God given instinct that the words came put of his mouth. It wasn't even Ben speaking at that moment. It was God who had taken the wheel at that very moment! God saved his life at that very split second! And people say There's No God..

[@suwaidpuccini6918]

At times I feel a bit weird watching Holocaust survivors as my dads half sisters uncle was a German soldier and was transferred to different places around what later became “nazi germany” and therefore became a nazi officer ( he passed away now but was a great guy- plz remember the world was different then- RIP BEN YOU SEEM GREAT)

[@dustywoood]

Wow, the irony of this man's life is actually crazy - think about this... He told the Wehrmacht that he was 15 years old, despite being 9 years old - all because of his genetics which meant he was much taller than every other kid for his age. This saved him from being exterminated purely for his genetics / or religion, as part of the creation of the Master Race. Glad he shared his story, wish we could hear more of these as there's so many unique mind boggling stories that have gone untold.

[@nicholasbenedictrobinson7841]

36:33 "What if somebody got a cut and they just need a bandage?...Would the SS give you a bandage?" Great interview and a fascinating interviewee but this is quite a shockingly stupid question.

[@samuelbenitez2137]

my people.

[@shahida5051]

Sir Ben have any family?

[@barbaraspector6689]

Since he married a Catholic woman his children would not be considered Jewish. But the Natzis still would have killed them.

[@antaibhshaglas3737]

Great bloke, from the Great Polish nation

[@yuh4098]

idk if its just me but it seems disrespectful to identify him by his number... he is not that number anymore, he is Ben... and he should have never been identified as that number in the first place

[@barbaraspector6689]

Germans are methodical. Must keep books on everything.

[@robertfenkell1665]

Fortitude

[@marycunningham3283]

I believe you My french Teacher at college all her family were killed by Natzies

[@barbaraoshea7701]

Irisj connection

[@margaretneanover6066]

The sad excuse of they were sending to christ because the patronizing. They were said to be of illness, the build of them, literally so many insults about that behavior.

[@manueladarazsdi9675]

The interviewer was not a good listener.

[@zeidybabbimontreal678]

Dear ben , never stop talking about it , specially to day when anti semitism is growing and speared like wiled mushrooms

[@donaldclapper4699]

dacia

[@lindaali6703]

👋🌻🇺🇲🙂👍❤️

[@loonylinda]

childish questions from interviewer

[@stephenburns4066]

K

[@brendanhynes1252]

He sounds Irish

[@odessafile75]

He has a blended accent ( like my late mother) His accent is primarily Polish and/ or Yiddish but it appears he learned English at a young age when he emigrated to USA so his accent is blended ( Polish/Yiddish) influenced perhaps by Americanized English

[@ryanisenmann1774]

Brendan Hynes His wife was born in Ireland.

[@sandramastrangelo7672]

He lived in Ireland for sometime

[@ritamedina-molina8550]

God please protect the jewish nation

[@PLAX84]

Sure delete my comment u dont want to hear the truth its just one sided just don't lie if anyone wants to hear the truth msg me

[@elapolcyn4376]

German, have information from the Rabin, oll information from Rabin books . Not the polish people. NOT FROM POLISH PEOPLE

[@elapolcyn4376]

Stupid questions