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.
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Story
Poland Part 1 Postlude
I’ve been going through my pictures from Poland and this is the last one in the roll. My grandfather gave me this Russian hat to keep me warm on the days we were walking around Auschwitz. Appropriate, since the Russians were the ones to liberate the concentration camp. On our last morning in Warsaw, I […]
Holocaust Remembrance Day
In honor of April’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, my grandfather, Cantor David S. Wisnia, and I will recount our recent travels in Poland, with stories from Warsaw and Auschwitz, and music that we will perform together in two very special events that are free and open to the public. There was much interest in hearing more of […]
My Polish Wisnia: Poland Part II – Prelude
My grandfather is a survivor. Many of you followed along earlier this year as we travelled together back to Poland. We travelled to Warsaw, where my grandfather grew up, and then to Auschwitz, where my grandfather spent nearly 3 years of his life imprisoned in the infamous Nazi Concentration Camp. It was a powerful and […]
Poland Part II Day 1
Stopped in Vienna to take a Saba Selfie. The first of many, I’m sure. You would never guess my grandfathers age. Especially not after taking a cross-continental red-eye. 10 hours, no sleep, still smiling. Another great thing about traveling with my grandfather: every time I go for a high-five, he never leaves me hanging. Poland, […]
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