A26188: The Shocking Story Of A Holocaust Survivor | Henia Bryer | Timeline

This extraordinarily moving documentary tells the story of Holocaust survivor, Henia Bryer, in her own words. Born into a middle-class Jewish family, Henia lost her father, brother and sister during the German occupation. She survived four concentration camps (including Auschwitz) and the horror of the Death March. Henia went on to bear witness to the creation of Israel in 1948 before making a new life for herself in South Africa. Created with the intimacy of a home movie by Henia’s niece Lisa Bryer, producer of many films including The Last King of Scotland, it was made so her grandchildren could see her story in her own words. This is a gripping monologue. A truly remarkable story that the BBC cleared their schedules to broadcast on Holocaust Day.
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[@1999le]

My heart melted when she spoke about her brother "Give the jacket to someone who needs it... I won't be needing it anymore"

[@1999le]

Paul Metcalf could you either speak English or; if you're saying what I think you're saying then construct a heart or go away

[@Nurse79]

Paul Metcalf You are a heartless goon !!

[@1999le]

Tell me about it.

[@sassipunu689]

Hers being Hernia, the strength in this beautiful women.

[@lornadoon845]

***** Der Fisch stinkt vom Kopf her. This is one thing you should always remember.

[@Corrie-_-]

Knowing that the children were singing while going to die and then imagining how scared they must've been while dying is just heart wrenching

[@beatles19471]

true

[@immachine1565]

I can see hating ppl to killing adults but kids what kind of person would go through with killing kids maybe they put child molesters ahead of that unit

[@Corrie-_-]

@@immachine1565 exactly. It's one thing to hate adults but to treat innocent children like that is incomprehensible 😔. I wouldn't be able to live with myself

[@j.b.4340]

Sometimes, people make things up, to create an emotional response.

[@Corrie-_-]

@@j.b.4340 true but I don't believe the Holocaust was made up

[@bryanpanaligan9841]

I came across and watched the entire video... This history should be taught in schools , remembered and shouldn’t be swept under the rug. Honour those innocent lives. Really admire how she out lived those heartless Nazis and shared her story.

[@solzra1791]

My English teacher showed us this in school today

[@bee_jeijizzme3124]

@@solzra1791 Am an English Teacher too and shared this story to my Chinese students who are in primary level.

[@treyhaberman]

We were taught about the holocaust in Texas schools, but I don't think it really set in until I have gone back now to study it when I am 32 and have a family. In schools they mainly teach numbers of deaths or statistics , but other than ann frank, we didn't get many personal stories.

[@ngatimoti685]

I find it unfathomable that 920 people gave this video the thumbs down.

[@debc4542]

I don’t understand. I learned about this in high school history. They don’t teach it anymore?

[@mrlaw711]

People like this appreciate the gift of life. I meet far too many people who complain about the temperature of their coffee.

[@sarahnixdorf1]

R Law I met ppl who complain about whether or not they have enough money, who worry about my safety when they really worry about their safety and wonder whether it's to far for them to walk from place A to B. I have met some that just compla I n about food intake. And this lady is jist by al I ING away and still has that can do this smile.

[@primabellas6856]

Really puts things into perspective.

[@lusio2515]

It doesn't matter really. That's Human Psychology. Humans suddenly didn't just change into what we are right now. It's the times we live in and are adapting to, if they were born in your place, they would share similar problems as well which you feel are miniscule. My point is that all problems can be relative, not always, but sometimes, it's just Human nature

[@portalsevil]

Of course life would be easier for them after invasion of Palestine and kosher taxes.

[@technicallydifficultyknow]

i feel like im one of the ppl woh complained about my coffee

[@PAGL2020]

This woman is a beautiful soul. Her strength is incredible. Thank you for sharing your story. ❤

[@kerrimelquist3499]

I've watched this hundreds of times. Henia is my 'go to' when I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed. She calms me.

[@lourdesprudencio5647]

I do the same thing. If I start feeling sorry for myself, I listen to these stories. They really suffered. I hate being Cold.

[@injiyoo7962]

How- i got even more stressed, angry, and depressed hearing her story. Too sad to comprehand

[@MsVshizzle]

Yes, I was robbed recently. She is a hero. My situation is nothing compared to what she survived along with my parents who lived in Holland during occupation. They’re still alive at 91. Not sent to camps but the PTSD is so awful. I am hearing more and more especially from my mother about what the Germans did to her family. My father lost his home and his father him a battle. I hate war. Humans can be so cruel but she reminds me of the spirit of survival.

[@dcc-randomstorieswithmel7424]

Me too

[@kpierce6630]

She spoke to a pair of twins, the twin that survived did a documentary as well. I wonder if they have ever written to one another or know they both survived. She had said "the twins were beautiful, I said you are lucky living in a warm room and not the cold harsh winter out here" and the girl replied "don't envy us"

[@carina4893]

Kitty Pierce where can I watch this documentary??

[@thatgardeninggirl2864]

@@carina4893 she is wearing blue her name is Eva

[@natashawhitmore9194]

@이수연 I think she passed now sadly I might be wrong

[@GoodDaySunshine]

@@natashawhitmore9194 yes, Eva Kor passed away in July of 2019 on her annual trip to Auschwitz. She founded a Holocaust museum in Terre Haute Indiana called CANDLES Holocaust Museum.

[@RE-nv4we]

There were countless sets of twins sent to the camps. Don't assume it's the one you saw.

[@CriaPat]

The part of "The best gift I ever got in my life as a birthday present was a piece of bread" made me cry 😢 Thank you for sharing your story.

[@kerrimuir1]

What a lady!! Thank you for telling your story. You are an amazing human being. I'm so glad you survived that horrible ,horrible time.

[@kaylapreciousprincessarmst785]

Her brother....bless his sweet heart when he said "Give the jacket to someone who needs it.....I won't need it anymore". Heart breaking. I'm not a big believer in God, but if there is such a place in Heaven, that little guy earned his wings. I hope there is such a place and that he is there, at peace, happy, whole, and healthy. And bless Maurice for being such a loving and understanding husband. Bless the whole family. I wish them all the best. With love, from the USA.

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

God is very real and there is such a place.

[@tammiepage6489]

@@lauraIngleswilder74 it’s your belief I mean I believe in God too but I don’t throw my bleep out there and say oh God it’s very real can people have their own beliefs please because as far as it goes, you never met God and I haven’t met God you have not met God it’s just you choose to believe it, and I will never push my belief on somebody else, and please do not push your belief on somebody else let people have their own beliefs to

[@lauraIngleswilder74]

​@@tammiepage6489I was not pushing my beliefs on anyone.I was stating my belief. I am free to do so. I was not commanding anyone to beleive the way I do. Seems you must be reading more into what I said.

[@paula23525]

I am not from Jewish ancestry or have anyone in the family that relates to the Second World War, but these stories of people that lived in that time are always very touching. Much respect to you lady.

[@KS-vm5gv]

Best birthday present she ever received was a piece of bread. I find that beautiful.

[@3gymnasticsgirls460]

I live in Germany and trust me if you ever mention this they get ashamed. They are so sorry of what has happened and they are trying to fix it.

[@PicklesBNuts]

Prove it. You are adamant that all of the evidence is phoney, prove it with more than an ' I told you so.' You disgust me.

[@amberleighevers]

Babs Bunny I did not know of that. I’m Native American (Navajo) and I have never came across such acts. But this vid was so touching on history and survival

[@happilysingle8385]

@@amberleighevers I've never met a Native American. It breaks my heart what we have done to your people.

[@jenniferwest6108]

@@happilysingle8385 i gauruntee that you have. They just dont look it.

[@pfdrtom]

@@uptonsinclair8215 "Anti_Mexican and anti-Muslim camps"?!?!?! You're an idiot.

[@lekkki1]

" I don't know where they get women with such hatred in them..." Exact same place they get men with such hatred in them. Thank You for an excellent documentary. This woman is inspirational.

[@robertward8130]

Extremely harsh upbringing added to their hatred.

[@rosenchrige78]

....and extreme brainwashing, as most german women (and men) were back then. They literally and willingly absorbed all the mess they were being fed at that time. The younger, the more vulnerable.

[@Darnster19]

You’re mad cause she only said women? 😂😂

[@p.d.hutton1090]

A woman who celebrates hope. Rising above the horror and lived a courageous life without bitterness despite her personal losses. God bless her forever.

[@tara7482]

Thank you, Henia for telling your story. I feel the pain in her words. I can’t imagine the pain all theses people went through. Never taking another day for granted

[@Neriichann]

You're a hero in book, for telling us all about this. No smokescreens, no censoring. The plain truth

[@alansdougherty2223]

My ex mother-in-law was in France when the Nazis invaded. She also did not talk about what she had seen. She said they had to make bread out of sawdust, and the best gift she ever got was an orange. I cannot imagine living through such horrible circumstances.

[@shannonmatthews945]

I have such a respect for you mam. You are a true hero for everything you have been through and to tell your story takes a deep deep strength I admire you! I often think I am a strong person but after hearing your story YOU put my strength to shame!! Thank you so much i hope others will learn from you like i have.

[@janmareecarmody4022]

"They didn't have any defence, they had sabres" when she talks about the invasion of Poland... good grief... they hadn't a chance. what a story.

[@semsemeini7905]

The Poles also had horses instead of tanks.

[@dohaeng82]

On September 17 Poland was attacked also by Soviets...

[@dohaeng82]

+Triggered Dorito Are you stupid or crazy? You believe in Nazi propaganda, so you are a Nazi. Study history, you'll be wiser

[@francisphillips53]

Jan Maree Carmody takes heart to fight tanks with sabres

[@akapandeo]

Well trained well equipped armies were defeated by the Germans , Poland had no chance at all......

[@haleyjohnson1740]

Every time I watch videos like this or hear things about the holocaust I break down crying thinking about how many lives were lost how many innocent people died. These stories are so heartfelt and if someone can actually talk about it and post it to tell millions of people I look up to those people. I’m still confused as to how people could be so cruel to other human beings. I may only be 15 years old but I can’t even hurt a fly yet there used to be millions of people who killed millions of people. It really breaks my heart when people talk about how they get separated from their families and don’t know what happened to them. For all they know their family members could be alive but don’t know where they are. In school people don’t really learn about the holocaust the only things most schools talk about is Anne Frank bc of her famous diary but there is a lot more for people to learn in school about the holocaust. In my school we didn’t learn a lot about it but I’m a curious person so I’m still learning about it.

[@peacewarrior1175]

The flat unemotional effect of this lady is heartbreaking - I am so sorry for what you endured

[@lburns7952]

She's so beautiful, calm and soft spoken. When her brother gave his mother the coat and said 'Give it to someone who can use it' I had to stop for a moment. So much insanity. So much taken. For what??

[@tinaloveseddie]

Her baby sister💔

[@bellah4541]

Isn’t it sad watching your dad die, your brother die. Being separated from your mother and not knowing where she is going or if she is alive to this day or not. I couldn’t imagine being in her shoes. So happy she survived to tell her story. 👏🏼👏🏼❤️😭

[@Faretheewell608]

I believes that some times she weeps, and sometimes she carries it in her heart. It never leaves her, does it.

[@Dolly19851]

Thank you Henia for telling your story. My heart melted when your son told about the piece of bread which your friend gave as birthday present and also when you brother gave his Jacket to your mother. My heart goes out to all the people who had suffered the cruelty and torture. You are beautiful, kind and humble. Gold bless you

[@angelinaBABY702]

2019 and i can’t stop crying 😢 I’m so sorry for what they did to your people 💔 i love you ❤️

[@caitlinogden6505]

Lady you are a hero. In more ways then one. I admire your strength and honesty. You are a beautiful person!❤

[@breannablanchard1104]

I could not began to imagine what her and many others went though. appreciate what and who you have while you have it and don't take your family for granted because they can be gone in the blink of a eye. God bless everyone :)

[@EmoryStudy]

I'm so glad you lived and had the opportunity to tell your story.

[@angelwingselsamad8089]

God Bless anyone who had to go through this. This lady is so strong. bless her brother,father her sister and her friend.

[@ikdl4032]

"Sad" can't describe how i feel about this.

[@zzxx33mh]

Heinya is a real iron lady..

[@bessamemucho]

She is! In prewar Poland female name Heinya in official ID documents most of the time was Genofewa. I am not sure about Polish spelling.

[@oliviajrh390]

Henia***

[@bessamemucho]

You are right. Henia was short name for Genofewa. My mother's best friend name was Henia, but in documents she was Genofewa.

[@bessamemucho]

I am sorry Genowefa instead Genofewa.

[@lotuspetal473]

she telling a story so calmly like she is talking about somebody else.

[@eh9130]

The truth is in her eyes. Thank you so much. Survived to tell, let us know and pray we never forget

[@geraldtyus8645]

I wonder what this nation is evolving into and becoming. It was a slow roll into the crematoriums while a nation stood quietly watching.

[@cadenandthegirl]

I am just in awe of the remarkable bravery and humility of this woman. Even if she says she doesn’t want to be remembered for anything special, I plan on remembering her for that.

[@CSauritch]

You are so amazing just the fact you lived through this all

[@ariemarkell8365]

I’m so glad this lovely human being told and recorded her story ❤

[@brentsarazin4346]

I have watched many documentaries of the survivors of the Holocaust but this has to be one of the most 'intimate'. KEEP these COMING...ty

[@anawilliamson1644]

What a beautiful, elegant, lovely lady and her adoring adorable hubby... I cried listening to her recount her ordeal with the Nazis and losing half her family. Bless her.

[@Abrower223]

Thank you Henia. So greatly appreciate your assistance in helping us younger generations understand. You have a lovely family.

[@jenniferbarr6151]

Survivor documentaries make me feel so many emotions. Thank you for sharing!

[@MrScubajsb]

There are no words... What a precious woman. God bless you and your family

[@pbear11]

I watched the whole video! What a great story teller she is! She’s an incredible strong woman

[@dwanyamorris9939]

I am thankful for being able to spend time with you and your family.. I really appreciate you Mrs Henia Bryer.. Maurice I love you too.. you give me strength everyday to never give up and be strong

[@lila-does-life]

Thank you for sharing your pain so we may learn from it. You are a beautiful soul and a true warrior.

[@kennethcarlsen8920]

I always come back to watch this documentary. It's equally unreal each time! Thank you for sharing Henia! I hope you are well and surrounded by all the love in the world! My heart goes out to you and your loved ones!

[@claudethibaudeau2714]

I wish I could hug this amazing lady. I tried to think of what I'd do if it were me but I just can't imagine enough the hardships that they went through during that terrible time in history. Very strong and brave even just talking about it. My heart goes out to all those who have suffered during the second world war. 😥❤🇨🇦

[@nicolef5983]

Really appreciate her telling her story, love her sprit....

[@bettyannvillasenor3066]

Listening and watching this account of her experience though sympathetic tears and empathy I am glad she was able to motivate herself to fight for survival. Saddens my heart to know so many suffered for not. May their souls rest in peace and I have a new respect for humanity and the inner strength and creativity to get through turmoil.

[@macgirl1231]

Big inspiration to grab the good out of even a bleak day. Loving that she said " i just want to be remembered as a good mother, grandmother, and friend" .

[@c-far7050]

i wish i could meet and hug u ... stay blessed ma'am ..

[@ceridwenwiercx6888]

Strong lady to let us know how many people beside herself suffered and she tells it to us in such a calm manner with no bitterness in her voice. Glad she has been blessed with a good life after recovering. Thank you.

[@Henry30065]

Truly shocking and also inspiring! Henia Bryer was/is a fighter and was determined to live. Listening to the humiliation, privations and extreme violence survivors experienced, I find it shocking that anyone survived those terrible conditions.

[@supercookie335]

The pain in my heart listening to this story is unbearable. I can’t even imagine. Loss for words.

[@maoristreetevangelist]

This mighty women is a true warrior, a fighter , a overcomer. Thank you very very much for sharing you're beautiful story with us. GOD bless!

[@blueberryhill6948]

This is a beautiful story. God Bless Ms Henia and her Family

[@jerryjackson8202]

Who TF "disliked" this video?

[@PabloEscobar-gu8sd]

Nazis

[@Ghost_with_Bow]

Can you really like this video tho? Yes it's good that she's telling us the story, but there's nothing to like about her story. And there are dislike bots out there

[@mysteryneophyte]

Perhaps people who may not understand the like/dislike system. If I didn't understand what was meant by this I wouldn't want to "like" this terrible history.

[@lourdesprudencio5647]

Now it is 911 dislikes, i don't get it.

[@readysetgo1996]

That’s what I’m sayin

[@ady6676]

Thank you for sharing a piece of your past history, at same time sorry to hear the agony, loses your family been through.

[@ryleegad2006]

The people who disliked this shame on you

[@jacklyv]

Absolutely excellent documentary! Well spoken, well thought out, well filmed, 👏

[@Countdown-ct7iv]

I have a dissabled son who reminds me of her brother. He is very intelligent but he just can't walk and hearing her story of him being killed was like feeling it for myself. I will never understand how people can be so moved to hate that even the least capable anc innocent in society can be killed by them. These dissabled kids show so much love and compassion and are so grateful for all that you do for them.

[@stephaniet9049]

I can’t even believe it happened it wasn’t even that long ago 😢

[@kimberIyyu]

How can anyone actually dislike this video ? 🙄

[@tedoyle61]

I am so glad I found this. Her parting words... I wanted to known as a good mother, grandmother and a friend. Wow... and her resiliency. Much respect for everyone involved. Thank You!

[@monelleny]

What a wonderful woman and family. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@danielmorse6597]

Thank you ma"am for your story.

[@SAMMYANTHA81]

Thank you so much to your Gran and your family for sharing her amazing story.

[@theresaholguin699]

An amazing woman. Henia and her story is truly sad but inspiring. Her husband still loves her to that day. She has wonderful son's and family

[@mitchellcuddy8393]

I admire your strength, thank u for telling your story.

[@stephanietimmerman7596]

Thank you so much for telling your experience.So very very very important.. much love and gratitude to you

[@monaDJ139]

she survivde many times becouse she looked "german race"

[@alexcarter8807]

@@jodiescookin1 the testimony of Baruch "Brian" Burgman is on youtube here .... he was helped a lot and thus survived, because he didn't look Jewish and passed himself off as Polish or German.

[@user-xh8td9qf8t]

laura josef yeah she had blonde hair

[@Yasi_nzi]

Blond hair, blue eyes, pretty face! She looked more German than Germans lol beauty always helps :)

[@seemarajderkar3019]

Henia Bryer, your story touched my heart. But the best part is, Almighty God chose you, to live on and narrate your experiences of the ww2 to the future generations !! Maurice and Henia, you both make a very warm, loving couple. Pray you lead a 100 and more healthy, peaceful years together !! Best wishes to both of you and to your family.

[@Nanadina51]

Thank you for being willing to share your story of hardship and survival. Much respect. 😢❤❤❤

[@dbmgna3951]

I am insulted that YouTibe forces users to agree that this video may be inappropriate. The Shoah was inappropriate for those who lived through it, died in it and inherited its legacy!

[@lynda4661]

Nuts

[@Felicia790]

Thank you for telling your survival story. My heart feels sad for what happened to you and all those who were murdered. I too am from cape town and remember a Neighbour next door to my fathers restaurant and this Neighbour was already elderly and had a watch repair shop, I saw a tatoo on his arm like yours and was curious and asked him about it, I still till this day remember the look of sadness and silence he gave me. He remained silent and just got on with whatever he was repairing at his desk. Now as an adult I fully understand him. Bless you dear lady. My mother gave me a little book late 1960s explaining the holocaust and names of medicinal companies who were involved in the experiments on humans in the camps. My mother refused to buy medicines from known brands for many years. You see my mother was Jewish. A child during the war and was in Glasgow and sent to a farm to safety from the bombings.

[@carlyd2300]

What brands are they?

[@astitva8779]

i salute u henia literally u are the child of god he saved you!! stay blssd always

[@kat2873]

What sort of god would let people so this to others huh! No god.. because it didn't exist you moron

[@astitva8779]

+Rose Jamal Ali ty soo much

[@astitva8779]

+Rose Jamal Ali valekum salam

[@astitva8779]

Vincent Wansink god is everywhere he saved her ! Not only jesus my father ! God is everywhere !

[@astitva8779]

Vincent Wansink haha vincent father is one who looks upon his child and jesus always looks upon all of us !

[@beckwil0852]

This gentle beautiful angel is a gift to all of us. Her story is incredible and I thank her for sharing it with the world. What a soothing and brave lady.

[@michaelmeyers4339]

Thank You, Henia...U are a true survivor and an Angel! God Bless You and Your Family. Ur brother is watching u from above, my doll. God Bless.

[@joydarling314]

I think it's interesting how they manage to hold on to photographs.

[@lydialoenen685]

Thank you for sharing this with the world

[@sunshine.c]

As a South African, I am surprised to learn that we have people in our country who went through this horror. I can only say that I am so sorry for what you had to endure, I have read about this topic to quite an extent and applaud anyone able to survive through a time so horrific that I don't think words can describe.

[@annie.58]

Well, why are you surprised??? You had apartheid after all.

[@kashyap3120]

Beautiful lady. Cute kids. God bless her family with peace and prosperity. Love from India

[@Kitten_Inchaos]

What a wonderful, beautiful, and bright woman. Thank you for sharing with us🖤💜

[@godessofyouguess]

Please lower the background noise. It drowns her out

[@RubBH]

who are you peolpe that dislike it? . beyond my undersatnding. i could't stop watching. it's all still so alive in her.. :/

[@jacydejong828]

Thank you for your story. I can't even begin to understand what went on in your life. Thank you for your truth and honesty. And God bless your family.

[@mparker212]

Imagine that is was your own child - "Give my jacket to someone who will need it. I won't need it anymore". It makes me cry just thinking about it. These poor innocent people, these poor children - my heart breaks a thousand times thinking of all they went through.

[@lopezmario4633]

Beautiful video. Thank you.

[@luvsongsandmusic]

Gosh, I tear up each time I hear about the piece of bread being the best present she's ever received. Such a humbling moment. There's a way she talks, it's calming, but you see her sad expression and could only fathom what she's gone through. Much love! And respect! ❤❤❤

[@ashleyleach9850]

Thank you for sharing your triumph with the world🙌 As a wife & the mother of 3 beautiful children the weight of sorrow is grand for the survivors & the lost! God bless you & keep you until your family is reunited on the streets of gold! 🙏💖🙌

[@hopehollingsworth-venezian2080]

God Bless you. I am so happy you made it. You are surrounded with so much love now and you are truly blessed..if I could I would wrap my arms around you and connect my heart to yours. Your a beautiful woman with a heart of an angel. God Bless you.😇🌹🌹

[@ellaw356]

Thank you so much sharing your story. It truly impacts people to know what is the real importance in life. God spared you for a reason, even though you may never know why. But your story has certainly made an impression thru your resilience and willingness to fight for life. God bless!

[@hinduhillbilly]

I can't help but wonder what she thought of apartheid when she arrived in South Africa. I'm so glad she survived.

[@ConstructionHoney]

Thank you for sharing.... you are the bravest person I have ever listened to.

[@firstronfan]

Henia, thank you so very much for sharing your story with all of us. And YOU ARE A HERO!!!💜

[@Senacacrane]

Thank you, your story deserves to be told. My heart just stopped when they said that her brother had given her a coat. When she said" give someone this coat who actually needs it. That was very beautiful.

[@fionamaina7941]

Stories like this are very heartbreaking . The thought of this brutal events that happened shows that heartless people exist.people should learn from the mistake and treat one another equally and humane.

[@winnieewing7730]

Wonderful just Wonderful 😢😢😢❤❤

[@michelewallace3628]

This poor lady thank you for sharing your story

[@brendasandine6561]

Such a strong, courageous, person, and your loved ones, too.

[@1951timbo]

My heart cries for all those that died😢