'He ate lice to survive' | The stories of Gita's family

This video is brought to you with the generous support of Fairfield University / Bennet Center for Judaic Studies.
The Bennett Center for Judaic Studies is a unique academic center that strives to enrich the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual dialogue of Fairfield University. Continuing the vision of Carl and Dorothy Bennett, the Center fosters continued learning experiences and campus-wide awareness about Jewish history, ethical values, and religious observances. It also seeks to engage the Greater Fairfield communities through inspiring lectures and annual programs.

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Gita Katz is a larger-than-life character. I got to know her through Pearl, the famous Hasidic woman whom I have had the honor of having on this channel before. In this interview, she shares what it was like to grow up in Hasidic Williamsburg in the shadow of the holocaust.

[FriedaVizelBrooklyn]

Also watch my interview with Gita’s son Ysoscher Katz 😊

[erpollock]

What's wonderful about Frieda Vizel is that, though she left the Hasidic community, she retains such warmth for the people. And they trust that she will portray their lives with kindness and mercy, rather than criticism.

[sharonsterling]

Frieda you are a blessing to the Jewish community. Thank you for finding so many inspiring stories.

[PsalmS-vizl]

A big thank you to Frieda and Gita for sharing this important story with us. To think of a generation that grew up without grandparents is heartbreaking. A grandparent's love is very special.

[robertcoughlin]

Thank you Frieda for giving Gita a platform to tell the story. We need to keep telling it. If it happened once it could happen again. The veil between good and evil is thin and it doesn’t take much for humans to sink into horrific behavior. God forbid it. We must be strong and never allow it to happen again.

[Mug-]

This video is more important to me than any other video. People today do not know what kind of hell our grandparents went through. Thank you for bringing up the issue. We must never forget the suffering they caused the Jewish people.

[tijanamiljovska]

My goodness what a beautiful lady. Such an amazing life story. I hope she gets motivated to write a book of her life. So much to teach us about family, love, suffering and resilience. Thanks for the upload. I am moved

[SwamiMommy]

In my parents house as a child one always had to be busy. My mom was 13 the year she spent in Auschwitz. One day I said Mom the Holocaust is over! She replied it can happen again any time! Little did I know how prophetic her words were. I had 1 Grandparent survive out of 4

[samijo]

You can just tell by this short video that Mrs. Katz has a fun, spunky spirit. Thank you both for sharing.

[tennillepatterson]

Thank you, Frieda for bringing us these very important stories. It has never been more important.

[kp]

“Just because he blushes doesn’t mean you’re smitten”, amazing. Yet another outstanding interview with a fascinating person. I hung on every word. Thank you Frieda and Mrs Gita.

[liseklerekoper]

I can see why Pearl & Gita are friends. Both women show so much conviction in their faith, but seem like very strong, determined & intelligent woman who don’t sit quietly back. They both also have a great sense of humor!! I also love Pearl’s unconditional love for her son who left the Hassidic community. They both come across as a bit progressive sometimes, even though I know they are very traditional. It’s the way they carry themselves, I think.

Yet another powerful & dynamic interview!!! I was excited when I saw you had put out a new interview. You have really developed your interview skills & are able to connect w/ your subjects in such a genuine, validating & respectful way. All of this is reflected in the quality & professionalism of your videos. Thank you for continuing to seek out people to interview who have such dynamic & powerful stories they carry & are willing to share w/ you.

[fernandab]

Thank you Frieda, this interview made me think a lot about my long gone grandparents and uncles. Gita is so right, we need to keep our elders' memories alive and teach our young people about them. Their stories of survival and post-war lives are a source of great strength to me.

[dyanalayng]

Many thanks to you, Gita Katz and the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies for this video. Heartbreaking details; my heart weeps but this must be told and it must be heard. Thank goodness her grandmother's story can be told. ❤🇨🇦

[stevenbarbaro]

Gita is a wonderful human being. Thank you for sharing her story.

[yosefrapaport]

Her brother Y. was married to my sister ob"m. I remember her grandfather Reb Yisroel Yosef Krakower as well; my nephew is named after him.
I also remember her husband from Montreal.
Exactly the same story happened in my school in Satmar Montreal when one boy spoke of his Zeidy/grandfather and all the boys gathered around him awestruck. I still remember it vividly.

[Zelde-M]

With gentle and curious questioning interviewer Frieda Vizel gives us insight into the life and history of Gita, a Chasidish woman with a big, charming personality. We learn intimate details of dark world history as well as bright moments of a loving family & community. Especially touching to me is Gita’s love and care for her husband Leiby, obm, and the revelation that out of her class of girls she was the only one to know a grandfather. Another must view interview. Shkoyakh!

[barbr]

I was completely fascinated by Gita and her story.

[PeaShaped]

Thank you for this .. My father was a Holocaust survivor. He would tap his numbers and tell us, "Never let this come to America" He told us the stories and as your guest describes, each time more details came to mind.

[alexandervanlohen]

Thank you, Frieda, for this touching video with Frau Gita Katz! You can’t stop watching and feel every minute of her life. I am so happy that she found this gentle and kind husband. May she and her loved ones be blessed.