"You're On Your Own": The Story of Meir Brand

Meir Brand was born in 1936 in Bochnia, Poland to a religious Jewish family. In 1941, he was deported along with his family to the Bochnia Ghetto. In August 1943, his parents sensed the ghetto was soon to be liquidated, and they decided to plan Meir's escape in order to leave a remnant of the family. They paid a Pole to take Meir and cousins Miriam and Itek on a three week journey by foot to the Slovak border. Meir managed to reach Budapest on his own by train, there joining refugee and orphan groups. In April 1944, he was located by Berta Davidovich, members of the Zionist Movement's undeground who had assumed a Christian identity, as Ilona Bogota. In June, Berta and Meir left Budapest on the "Kasztner train," reaching Bergen-Belsen, where they were liberated. Meir immigrated to Israel with the "Youth Aliyah" organization and was settled in the Neve Eitan kibbutz. In 1954 he enlisted to the Israel Defense Forces, serving in the Paratroopers Brigade's 890th Battalion. He took part in Israel's "Reprisal Operations", and fought in all of Israel's wars. Meir is married to Hannah, and they have three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

[@stephaniesnape6787]

Meir, you have more than fulfilled your obligation to your family. I am so sorry that you endured such loss and terrible hardship but so pleased that you overcame and what a family you have now.

[@angeladutchlady6464]

yes, he did for 100% fulfilled his obligation. RESPECT

[@oatmeal67robin7]

What a STORY !!!!! Each of this stories are priceless ! Thank you for capturing all of this sad, and in same time very wonderful timeless stories ! May God bless this wonderful nation of Israel !

[@stillhere1425]

Once when I was seven, my mom dropped me off at the sitter, who was supposed to take me to school about an hour later. The sitter’s baby was sick, so she left a note on the front door, adult eye-level, explaining she couldn’t watch me that day. Bu my mom, a student at the college in town, was already running late so she didn’t walk me to the door. I was in a panic, shedding hysterical tears, and don’t know what I would have done if a classmate had not walked by and showed me the very uncomplicated route to our elementary school. I couldn’t imagine myself surviving even a week the ghastly circumstances this young man endured for more than a year. Amazing strength and will to live.

[@2000sayan]

You are an inspiration Sir...Respect and love from India❤❤🕉🕉🧡🧡

[@irinamandel8315]

God bless you, Meir. You and your family. May you parents rest in peace. Never to forget...

[@christineribone9351]

You have found closure Mr. Meir. A fantastic story, every detail is truthful. Stand proud of what you have accomplished. From a brave boy -- TO A STRONG MAN. Your journey has ended, you are home!

[@ak203]

A grand, spectacular story of courage and dignity. In the US today, people complain about things that happened over 150 years ago and claim it is why they fail. This story makes a mockery of that approach to life.

[@hensonlaura]

Truth. Many of the same people also couldn't care less about the millions of enslaved people living today.

[@francesbernard2445]

Thanks Alex W. So true. What about things which keep on happening to this day to some people thanks to all wolves in sheep's clothing? Yesterday I just heard a woman whom I had just met admit that her and her mother too had to run from 4 prone to be violent husbands.

[@ellenkatz7842]

A hero. One that never asked for it. But became a hero. I will always remember your story. Never give up ❤️

[@michaelohare6555]

No one in the world should forget. What happened to the Jewish people in Europe in the 30’s and 40’s. There are some similarities in this story to what is happening in Ukraine today.

[@marilyn6556]

You have more than filled your obligation to your family. I am sure that your parents and brother are very proud of you, and the life you have made for yourself. Your story is inspiring, but it also makes me want to cry. No one, no one, deserves the horrors that the Nazis put people through, especially babies and children. But, you were strong, and never gave up! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@angeladutchlady6464]

Thanks Meir for sharing your story and the story of your family, the family Brand. I am so sorry for the little boy within you, the 7 year young Meir. I am sooo glad you survived and was able to tell your story so the world will know. I will never forget what you told about yourself, your family and also the beautifull family you have now. From the deepest place in my heart i wish you all the best there is. Thanks again for sharing your stoty. Sorry for my english. Warm regards from the Netherlands.

[@judymohre1430]

Thank you so much for your amazing story of your victorious life. Your parents are truly proud of their son. Bless you and your family.🙏💌🙏

[@jutravas]

All my respect to that boy, his brave family, Berta and the man he has become! Stories like this ought to be shared forever, so we never forget. Love from Brazil

[@erockfreedom6399]

I am so grateful for your story, sharing it. You were on your own, and you made it, beautiful family and life. The twists and turns of what you went through. I don't know my full family tree. I am Jewish. I was in Israel, a group trip, and Yad Vashem in 2009/10. I felt like home, and ... I want to make the Aliyah. I can't explain how I felt here .. but, it was like home. Learning the history that is inside me. Todah Rabah. HaShem, may we remember.

[@roberte5057]

Thank you. From Australia.

[@fransrabie6609]

And also thank you from South Africa.

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

Came across this soul touching story…thank u to Mr Meir & those who created film. The resilience of the human spirit shared here is very inspiring 🇨🇦 well done faithful servant

[@lesleyhubble2976]

Wow what a story, I love seeing the children and grandchildren,who wouldn’t have been here if Meir parents hadn’t let him go and he survived as a little boy ,what strength he had

[@thekah246]

People are cruel, thank you for sharing your story to remind us that people are also good.

[@jh9855]

I weep over the pain an suffering for so many people.

[@edmundpotrzeba8455]

Made me cry, a beautiful film. I just wish the Jews had more empathy for the Palestinians given what they’ve been through. ❤️

[@trishaprett7721]

You have a misguided idea that Palestinians are the innocents.I am not Jewish,but I have seen what Palestinians are capable of.

[@zwijntje3010]

What an inspirational story!!! You're a true brave hero, dear mr Meir. I'm so glad you survived this terrible war. And what a fantastic family you have, you're a very blessed man! Give my love to your wife, your (great)(grand)children from Lynda, from the Netherlands with love 😘🕎🇮🇱✡️💞💋💋💋🌹🙏🏻

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for sharing your story with all of us ❤❤️💙💙

[@tryingndoing]

The pain you felt as a lone child. I cry and do not understand how this world can produce such evil. I delight in your family because that treasure of love and care is the Blessing you deserve. Shaking my head No! Never again! Please know this gentile prays for God's Chosen people. And may all His Blessings be on you and your generations. Thank you for the Remembrance.

[@amandarobb2856]

You have done your family proud and honor, Mr Brand. May God bless you and all of your family and loved ones. Shalom

[@dstaffa2]

What a horrible experience you had to endure at such a young age. Glad to hear the two other family children survived also. Would love to know their stories as well. But your is simply a miracle.

[@nancycornett9949]

Thank you!

[@itzhakmishaeli719]

💙תודה אדוני המפקד ! לעולם לא יישכח.💙

[@tatjanaarandelovic9555]

Thank you so much for telling your story! You were and absolutely strong and wise 7 and half year old boy. Thanks for your testimony xxx 🙏

[@rachelmcdonald5370]

A true story of courage and endurance. Thank you for letting us all know of your journey Thank you, Meir.

[@fvry402]

thanks a lot, for telliing yout life-story, Mr Brand.....

[@anitaguddy7021]

ATEM SHALOM FROM MALAYSIA.

[@allwright5662]

Mr. Brand, you have truly had the hand of God upon you as you walked through life. Thank You for your story,

[@gonefishing167]

You have done your parents snd extended families very proud sir. Thank you for your testimony, so moving 🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

[@missywead872]

Thank you for sharing your heart breaking testimony. I am so happy that your story has a beautiful ending. Your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will continue to tell it.❤️✡️

[@susanadiasjohnson457]

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@maryw4609]

A story of great strength tragedy and sorrow but ending with a beautiful wife and 3 children I was very moved and sorry for your childhood losses thank you for sharing a painful story

[@melissazayas4106]

What an amazing life story of overcoming in the face of evil! Thank-you!!!

[@poppysmomrabago839]

Glory to GOD ALMIGHTY! Thank you for sharing your testimony, only by the grace of GOD! God bless you!❤

[@janepopplewell5647]

Incredible story.....incredible man!

[@deefitzgerald2906]

WOW……How can a Seven Year Old Survive…..YOU DID UNBELIEVABLE…..You GROWNUP to be the Most Handsome Young Man…… This Proves it’s NOT OVER until GOD Says It’s OVER……🇺🇸

[@tamaramorton8812]

Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring and courageous story. I know that I only know one portion of it now. I have tears in my eyes thinking of that little boy that you were and everything you went through.

[@omnandita12]

God please bless every oppressed man to come so strongly and be victorious like you. Thanks so much for your incredibly brave story

[@winisqm]

Incredible story told by an amazing man. Bless him and his family, past and present. Remarkable.

[@sjam1159]

Beautiful story and beautiful family.

[@seemarajderkar3019]

' You're on your own '.... the life story of Meir Brand is very touching. The twists and turns, sometimes horrible, sometimes soothing, that Meir faced at the tender age of 7/8 are unimaginable!! However, the darkest clouds disappeared and bright sunshine lit his life. So glad to see him amid his wife n kids !! Thanks to YAD VASHEM TEAM for this super wonderful video!! Through this video, Meir and his story will remain alive forever!!❤❤

[@truthlove1114]

As a non Jew watching this, I want people to know that I care. This story has probably touched me the most of all the interviews I’ve seen. Bless you and your beautiful family.

[@honeybeebadger]

Thank you for telling your story generations will hear you 💙

[@herrharz4046]

what a story. he is a hero

[@victoriaquillin2170]

Thank you so much for an amazing testimony and tribute to your beautiful family.

[@MM-yi9zn]

Sending huge love to you. Bless you & keep you safe & happy. Greetings from Australia.

[@aaronobryan9715]

They’re so brave…How do they stay so kind and caring…I’m humbled..What a incredible man..I cried at the end because he fulfilled his promise…

[@michelle_m4446]

What a beautiful family you have. Your parents are proud of you. You will never be on your own again..

[@carolisherwood493]

Thank you🌺

[@rajitapappu_khosla250]

❤

[@thierrymorales9797]

Monsieur, MERCI

[@joslynandcarltonramsubhag1836]

WOW! Quite interesting! Any "unappreciative" born with a golden spoon should be humbled by such real experiences of a child! (From the Caribbean island of Trinidad)

[@micheled6111]

I hope you found great joy in your family life.

[@757575436]

You are a guide to survival and inner strength, a remarkable story.

[@LUISA-rj8oe]

Quante ne hanno passate !! Grazie per la testimonianza !

[@sue330]

Thank you for sharing your story. God bless

[@barbarasmit8158]

Fantastic story telling, I felt it as much as heard it. Keep produsing these truths so noone ever forgets

[@familywu3869]

Thank you so much for your testimony! Never forgot and never happen again!

[@trishaprett7721]

But it is happening again.Anti Semetism globally.

[@A-Grammie-On-the-ROCK]

What an amazing story of the love and help of HaShem of Yisrael...helping this little boy and protecting him from starvation and death and bringing him humans with love to help him...HaShem is the most wonderful Adonai and the One True HaShem..there is none like Him ! He was such a cute little boy and handsome man even into his 80 s! And he married a very pretty lady ...wow I love these stories of rescue out of very terrible tragedy brough on by evil hearted people. HaShem please bless the Jewish people all over the world and help them to know of Your great lovingkindness and that you are returning soon .

[@valeriewinters8472]

WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN, FATHER, AND GRANDFATHER

[@itamardias17]

Thank you.

[@christophebonhoefferofbelg9846]

What a remarkable story..💚

[@ralphnickling7250]

I still don't understand what happened to his new mother Berta.

[@simonetta-ta]

I do too. She was an angel‼🤝💗

[@lindac3129]

Wow thank you for sharing, God Blessing

[@maggiepacific]

Wonderful story I would like to know what happened to the brave woman who rescued you in Budapest..

[@darlenewatkins4999]

Thank you for sharing your incredible story!!

[@dawnemerson3604]

Salute!

[@maureenstevens6824]

Wow !!!! What an awesome victory by the grace of our heavenly Father to teach us of His loving care in the darkest and loneliest of times!!!

[@janetbradbury5021]

What a miracle for you 3 children to make a life in Israel. The angels were helping you all.

[@Arlindaofficiall]

What a story, my highest respect to Meir Brand. God bless you and your family sir brand!!

[@terencecollins196]

God Bless You and the souls of those you loved and lost.

[@Rain.Dance.]

Such a Powerful story ! Happy Hanukkah everyone 🕎💟💟!

[@sarahfarrell8214]

Wow, Meir you definitely filled your Brand family's legacy. Wow, what a story of courage and strength. Thank you for sharing your story. When I saw your beautiful wife and amazing boys, my eyes filled with tears, because you're so victorious, and in the end goodness always wins over evil. Thank you Meir for sharing your story; we remember the Brand family and your strength and courage.

[@WestVirginia1959]

What did I miss it, what happened to Berta?

[@MayaCoheleach]

New York Daily News - Nov 6, 2014 - 92 year old Bronx resident Berta Davidovitz-Rubinszejn hugs Meir Brand, who she saved from the Nazis in occupied Hungary.

[@MrEdkern]

A wonderful story. A very gracious man. God bless him.

[@urbaniteurbanizer1612]

What happened to Bertha? Did she die in the concentration camp?

[@schfam]

I was also in the kastner transport would like to talk to you Paul (Hillel)Schwartz

[@aapex1]

WOW! Amazing.

[@petermuise4927]

Does he know what happened to Berta?

[@oliviapowers8280]

WOW!!

[@3vrodriguez]

Omg this story had all the highs and the lows. Once I thought he was safe he tells about the Germans getting on the train 😢what an incredible story of survival. God bless you Mr. Meir

[@bethcares17anonymous38]

One of the most compelling histories I’ve ever heard. I will always remember the Shoah.

[@chuckyoneill9029]

Your family lives through you,beautiful story!

[@Stormlucy111]

Kol ha kavod licha! Eize sipur.....eize chaim. ❤❤❤❤

[@julsjewels3185]

Your family is truly proud of you.

[@ulaiasiqumivutia1016]

Memorable ending.

[@ericahalmai8490]

I am glad to survived, & tell your story, you are amazing , strong men. Your parents & brother must be very proud of you, ❤ from Melbourne

[@Kat-pe3gq]

I can’t ever say anything to show how sad I am, but to express how sickened I am. I’m exploding with rage and sadness. I’m horrified!!!!! How do we stop it for happening again? I wish I knew

[@janarohlova1463]

Thank you for the story. Very much.

[@LanceNRusso]

Intriguing, i always knew there was more to life and i have also been looking for a way to find not only protection but a way to be influential to the human society.

[@LanceNRusso]

oh well you can achieve that by being a part of the illuminatus brotherhood, i know it sounds like a mystery but there are ways you can actually get in contact with them

[@LanceNRusso]

@Rose Allen well it is not and you can't actually expect it to be open to everyone, but if you want to know more you can look up Wilford Robert Taylor online you will find something interesting.

[@rutbrea8796]

You were not on your own, HaShem, blessed is He, was with you all that time

[@SunshineMix101]

'A remarkable story of triumph in the face of horrid and vile adversity.

[@fredriksturesson5610]

[@kathyh4804]

What a heartbreaking story, yet his families hopes for him staying alive to carry on the family name came true! The Lord God Almighty had his hand over him through those horrific ordeals! The evil forces destroyed so many lives, thank God many survived to continue their lineage! The Israeli people will never be destroyed completely no matter what anyone tries to do against them!

[@vernonpurdy8607]

God bless you all.

[@greetjevandereems9197]

May the God of your fathers bless you!

[@judymckee5992]

It is such an inspiring story and I hope the same thing does not happen again as u see the Ukrainian war with nazis against Russia.