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
Scenes From the Philadelphia Film Premiere
Sold Out! Standing Room Only! You absolutely filled this room to the brim.THANK YOU for coming to the premiere of our film “How Saba Kept Singing” at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. I don’t how to express all the feelings, there were so many – but just know that every laugh, […]
Tonight on PBS
TONIGHT on PBS!”How Saba Kept Singing” will make its televised premiere on PBS.The Wisnia Family documentary will air in honor of Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day, Tuesday April 18 at 10pm ET /9pm CT in the United States (check your local listings).The film about how my grandfather David Wisnia survived the Holocaust & our […]
How We Made A Movie
How did our film “How Saba Kept Singing” come to be?Let me introduce you to Director Sara Taksler: Sara attended the New Jersey synagogue where my father was rabbi for many years. Our families knew each other well. We grew up together. I reconnected with Sara many years later in NYC where she had become […]
Watching a movie with Hillary Clinton
This was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. I was invited to participate in a film screening, performance, and post-film talkback at the Chappaqua Performing Art Center in New York. Yes, I finally got to meet the Executive Producers of our film “How Saba Kept Singing” (and if you do get a […]
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