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
One Voice, Two Lives
I just returned from traveling through Poland with my grandfather. Together, we did several performances there, taking some time to visit places in Warsaw where my grandfather grew up, and in Auschwitz where my grandfather was held prisoner by the Nazis. It was an incredibly profound journey, and it inspired me to do a lot […]
The Importance of Telling Our Family Stories
The Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center in partnership with the National Museum of American Jewish History is pleased to present “Telling our Families’ Stories,” in which panelists will be speaking about their personal or families’ experiences before, during, and after the Holocaust and discuss what motivates them to keep the stories alive. Join us […]
Remembering the Holocaust: From Generation to Generation
It is important to tell our stories; the stories of where we come from, the stories of our families, and especially stories of the Holocaust. There are lessons to be learned and applied to situations going on right now in the world. We have seen this before. We have lived it. What kind of people […]
My Polish Wisnia Concerts in Los Angeles
Three Nights. Three Concerts. Celebrating the Renewal ofJewish Life in Poland with Cantor David S. Wisnia & Avi Wisnia October 19 at Temple Aliyah, Woodland Hills October 22 at Torrance Cultural Arts Center October 23 at Temple Beth Israel, Pomona * * * Jewish Renewal in Poland is proud to present […]
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