Samuel Willenberg, 93, last survivor of Treblinka has died in Israel. One of 67 known survivors of Poland’s infamous death camp, Mr Willenberg helped plan and participated in the 1943 prisoners’ revolt. After his escape he joined the Polish resistance and took part in the Warsaw Uprising.
After the war he married and emigrated to Israel in 1950. After working for the Housing Ministry Mr Willenberg retired and began sculpting. His work reflects the images of his wartime memories. One of his statues is in the garden of the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. In 1989 he wrote Revolt in Treblinka/Surviving Treblinka detailing life in the camp.
“I live two lives, one is here and now and the other is what happened there. It never leaves me. It stays in my head. It goes with me always.” – Samuel Willenberg
Links: BBC 08/05/13 video link of same
BBC 02/20/16 Times of Israel Daily Mail