My Polish Wisnia How My Grandfather Survived The Holocaust, Through Story & Song
Avi Wisnia shares the stories and songs of his late grandfather, Cantor David S. Wisnia. The “My Polish Wisnia” project traces David’s harrowing life journey from young Polish singing star to Auschwitz prisoner to American liberator with the 101st Airborne. Through it all, Cantor Wisnia’s remarkable singing voice helped save his life, especially in the Nazi concentration camp. Presented in multi-media presentations and concerts, My Polish Wisnia explores the importance of preserving David’s memories and experiences, as chronicled in his memoir “One Voice, Two Lives.” The project revolves around musical performances which highlight the powerful intergenerational connection between grandfather and grandson. The Wisnias most recently traveled to Poland to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, their journey featured in the PBS documentary “How Saba Kept Singing.” By sharing his grandfather’s story, Avi highlights the urgency of keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive and passing on this legacy from generation to generation.
Upcoming Programs & News
Story
Walking In The Steps of Our Grandparents
Walking in the Steps of Our Grandparents:A Virtual Discussion with theGrandchildren of Holocaust Survivors Hosted by 3G organizations (grandchildren of Holocaust survivors) around the country, join us for a moderated online panel discussion with 3G’s who have all traveled to their grandparents’ home countries. We will hear about their individual experiences and explore various aspects […]
My Polish Wisnia
The last trip we took together was back to Auschwitz. Little did I know that the pandemic would hit just a few months later, and that I would lose my grandfather this past summer. What I did know was that this day would eventually come, a day commemorating the Holocaust – without my […]
Toronto Premiere, Canada Debut
Our film is Here!The documentary about how my grandfather David Wisnia survived the Holocaust & our recent journey back to Poland as a family is here, making its world premiere at the Hot Docs International Festival! “How Saba Kept Singing” features music by my Saba and me, plus an original song I wrote for the […]
Early Reviews for How Saba Kept Singing
We made it home to find out that “How Saba Kept Singing” – the documentary about my grandfather’s story of survival and our return to Poland as a family – made the Top 20 Audience Award List at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival where it had its World Premiere. Out of more than […]
Videos
How Saba Kept Singing film trailer
BuzzFeed Video: "How I Escaped The Holocaust"
Moishelach Shloimelach song
Seattle Holocaust Center: "How Music Saved My Grandfather in Auschwitz"
David Wisnia Sings Prayer at Auschwitz 70th Anniversary Event in Poland
Museum of American Jewish History Virtual Program
“Remembering the Holocaust" Program at Bucks County UU
Levittown Legends, The David Wisnia Story
Image Gallery
One Voice,
Two Lives
David Wisnia’s memoir, available in paper-back