Holocaust Survivors: The Secret of How One Family Escaped the Nazi Death Camps

In her new novel, first time author Georgia Hunter tells the story of her own family's remarkable survival of the Holocaust. Though the book, titled "We Were The Lucky Ones" is considered historical fiction, it is largely based on the true story of 22 members of the Kurc family; Polish Jews of all ages who managed to evade capture by the Nazis. Hunter sits down with host Paul Schankman for a First Person, One on One discussion of her best selling book which retells a story she only learned years after all but one of the survivors had passed away.

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[boazmunro]

I just finished watching the series. I was raised in part by my Holocaust survivor grandparents, whose families were not so lucky. My grandmother grew up in Czestochowa, similar in size to Radom. Her mother died in Treblinka and her father and little brother were shot in the ghetto. My grandfather grew up in Belarus and was a bit luckier; he escaped to the forest and joined the partisans; from there, he was able to rescue his mother and two of his three siblings before the town was wiped out. They survived in the woods. My grandparents met in a DP camp after the war: he went to the US with his family and she went to Israel. In 1952 he came to Israel, married her, and brought her to New York. They had 2 children and 6 grandkids. My grandmother died in 2007 at 80 and my grandfather died this past February at 103.

The series was so true to things I've heard and read in my own research, and it was superbly written, acted, and produced. Thank you so much to Georgia Hunter for preserving this story.

[Janny]

I just finished watching the 8 part series of this story on Hulu. I felt like I was drawn into the story as if I were there, holding my breath at every turn. I didn't even know there was a book. However I will be purchasing it soon. This is definitely a most see.

[Luke]

What a beautiful interview. The TV series was so wonderfully done, this interview gives us even greater understanding of the courage of this family. Thank you.

[asucenaleon]

I love that she's telling their story. People need to know history because it always repeats itself.

[marilyntaggart]

We had this book for our book club selection. Thank you so much for writing it! I read it in two days! It is an amazing story. Thank God your family survived!!

[timdetmers]

This was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the holocaust. It is unusual because it is about a family where EVERYONE survives, a very rare story.

[sweetangel]

And last March 28, 2024, The book comres to life, We have a TV Series, We were the lucky ones. The script, the scenes, the actor awesome, its is elegant, carefully made, you will really feel the emotions, like you are in that situation, its a Master piece. I hope the youth of today will watch the TV series and read the book they will learn a lot, they will value, respect, love and treasure life and the freedom that they have right now.

[suzannakoizumi]

Thank you. My Catholic Polish family came to the USA in 1862. The family retained the language. When WW2 started (but before USA joined the fighting against Germany) one of my uncles went go Canada to join the British forces against Hitler. Another uncle volunteered to fight with the Polish underground. He had no ID, wore old European clothing, and was secretly flown to Poland. If he were caught by the germans, a death sentence awaited. Somehow they both came home safely. My father had served in WW1 and was too old to rejoin the army.

[bethmangongo]

I binged watched the series on Hulu. My heart was in my throat when the trucks turned toward the woods. I am so happy that your family survived. I can hardly wait to read the book. Thank you for telling this story!❤❤❤

[soniatriana]

Wow! I’m just now viewing this video, it’s 2024. This interview was extremely impressive, both the author & interviewer demonstrated such sincerity that I now can’t wait to read this book & eventually watch the Series that was based on this successful book! I wish this young author so much continued success!!

[blancabulgrin]

I still can't believe this happened in my lifetime, thank u i can't wait to read the book....

[Rlduncan]

I loved this book 📚 It’s funny how we take freedom for granted. Despite all those scary moments in the book, the family survived at the end. ❤️❤️❤️

[shondaet]

What a great backstory. To know it comes from her own family history is amazing.

[aglayapiano]

Thank you very much for sharing your story! My grandmother is. Holocaust survivor. Just watched “We were the lucky ones” and cannot wait to read a book.

[Liz]

I just finished watching the Hulu series 7 episodes deep and hearing the interview of the book hearing her background and story is amazing and it’s sad to know that war in Russia continues

[zariabelle]

Just bought the book. Glad to have found it.

[cbear]

It's a wonderful story. Watched it on Hulu and couldn't wait week after week to watch. As a Christian American, I stand with Israel. Never again. 🇺🇲🇮🇱

[reneeochoa]

I read this book. Awesome read and highly recommend it.

[nancygould]

It would seem that the more things change, the more things stay the same. Thanks for your book and thanks for sharing this interview about your book💐

[supaflysye]

Just watched the first 3 episodes on Disney great story and great casting