Saved by Schindler’s List | Celina Biniaz | Jewish-American Heritage Month | USC Shoah Foundation
Holocaust survivor Celina Biniaz was the youngest female on Oskar Schindler’s famed list. Celina survived the Kraków Ghetto, Nazi labor camps, and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp before being rescued by Oskar Schindler, the German businessman who saved more than 1,000 Jews from the Holocaust.
Celina, 91, is a longtime friend of USC Shoah Foundation. Both Celina and her mother recorded testimony for USC Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive in 1996. For many years after the war, Celina was reluctant to share her story because she feared no one could comprehend what she had been through. That changed in 1994, when Steven Spielberg brought Oskar Schindler’s story to the screen with Schindler’s List and established Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, which later became USC Shoah Foundation.
Celina often says that “Oskar Schindler gave me life, but Steven Spielberg gave me a voice.” Some of Celina’s testimony was included as an extra feature on a DVD release of Schindler’s List, to help fight Holocaust denial.
At a gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of USC Shoah Foundation, where President Barack Obama was honored, Spielberg recognized Celina as a “living symbol” of why he established the Visual History Archive.
In April 2023, Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot, whose grandfather was sent to Auschwitz at the age of 13 and was the only member of his family to survive the Holocaust, opened her Los Angeles home to friends and family to host an intimate conversation with Celina. The 50 guests at Gadot’s home included numerous children, as well as actors Sacha Baron Cohen, Isla Fisher, and Harvey Keitel, and Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins. The remarkable program was a Zikaron BaSalon event. Zikaron BaSalon is a grassroots Israel-based initiative that brings Holocaust survivor experiences into homes and common spaces around the world. Learn how to host your own Zikaron BaSalon event at sfi.usc.edu/zikaron-basalon.
May is Jewish American Heritage Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the innumerable contributions Jewish people have made to American life for over 350 years.
The idea for an annual commemoration of Jewish Americans originated with President Jimmy Carter, who in 1979 established a Jewish Heritage Week. In 2006, Congress unanimously passed a resolution expanding the tribute to encompass the entire month of May.
The celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month coincides with the anniversary of the arrival of the first Jewish immigrants in North America in 1654.
In the time since 23 Sephardic Jews disembarked in New Amsterdam (now New York City), Jewish Americans have added to American society in every conceivable way-be it as Supreme Court Justices, members of Congress, in military service or as leaders in business, academia and the arts.
USC Shoah Foundation's Visual History Archive contains more than 52,000 testimonies from survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust. In this first of three installments, we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by sharing the testimonies of Jewish Americans who embody the vibrant and diverse culture that has immeasurably enriched us all.
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USC Shoah Foundation - The Institute for Visual History and Education develops
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#Holocaustsurvivor #CelinaBiniaz #survivoreducation #religion #CelinaBiniazTestimony
Пікірлер: 376
The thing I love most about her is her sense of humor and the gentle way she speaks.... and her enormous dignity. It's a blessing to hear her story.
@bettyescorcia8000
7 ай бұрын
You hit the nail on the head. Her dignity & soft mannerism is what struck me most. I really don’t think I could survive something like that so dignified.
From what I can find this woman is still alive today and is 92 (sept 2023)
@Mitzi1221
3 ай бұрын
I'm glad I'm not the only one that did the math
@goochmcduck4285
9 күн бұрын
I hope she still alive in May 2024
@fengshui23683
2 күн бұрын
It's her birthday in 2 days.. It's the 26th today
It amazes me to see people who have experienced so much hate emerge with so much grace and goodness.
My uncle was a rescuer, Sidney Oskar Borgen. He was interviewed by Shoah Foundation in the 90s. I hope his story is uploaded someday.
Her Mom at the end capped it off💕 Saying how proud they were of their daughter. And how Celina honored her … and her husband just loves her. The enemy did not win. This loving family is proof. Thank you for sharing!
@TheAcquibajo
6 ай бұрын
Iji
@sarahdingwall3024
4 ай бұрын
Beautifully said ♥♥♥♥♥
What a wonderful woman. She doesn't cry about the evil that was done to her but about a wonderful nun who accepted her, taught her, and probably loved her.
@001rice
11 ай бұрын
None of the "survivors" cry when talking about the "evil" done to them, you'd think they would be suffering from PTSD, but nope not these survivors!
@nancyhamby4035
11 ай бұрын
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@sharpatite4684
11 ай бұрын
Surely no one is suggesting that there's anything wrong with crying or showing evidence of PTSD, right?
@jennifercullen1046
11 ай бұрын
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@jennifercullen1046
11 ай бұрын
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The spirit, determination and grace this woman has is an example to all of us. ❤
@annlynnhaslam7801
11 ай бұрын
THANK YOU FOR SUCH AN AMAZING TESTIMONY... I have a beautiful Hungarian daughter in law... I suspect there is history in her family...
I can tell She was a stunner when she was younger. Very kind, gentle, Loving lovely Lady. 🌹🕯️🕊️🌹🕯️🕊️🌹🕯️🕊️
These experiences should forever be shared....History is being deleted from our schools and existence....these testimonies must be told now. Open your minds to knowledge - read..research..life depends upon it. BLESSINGS TO CELINA ..HER FAMILY AND TO ALL .
@user-zb7uh2ob1r
7 күн бұрын
Part of the reason some history is not being adequately in schools is because schools are asked to do SO MUCH. I taught at a school where Holocaust survivors were invited to speak to students. This would be about 15 years ago; I have since retired. I think the accusation that schools are deliberately hiding or distorting parts of history is largely not true. At the same time you hear schools are not teaching blahblahblah, you also hear schools should be teaching all kinds of additional stuff, often budgeting, parenting, "real life" stuff. You can't expect schools to do the impossible and continue to complain they don't do enough.
What a beautiful, grounded and eloquent woman, full of grace, dignity and wisdom. Thank you for sharing your experiences, Celina.
Such a beautiful woman. I'm so touched by her story about the nun who was kind to her. Two good human beings made a difference in her life, Schindler, and then the nun. Despite all the evil she witnessed, she focused on the good.
She is so darn good; such great values. Her children are very lucky to have had her as a mother.
What a beautiful articulate lady and I'm delighted that she is still alive. A miracle that both her parents survived also. Excellent interviewer.
What an amazing woman, so beautiful and sweet. She must have been the sweetest and kindest teacher. It was good that she go to live in Germany to see that there were people in Germany who were good. So many times I listen to the story of survivors, and not everyone survives. It's so nice to see that her mom and dad both survied due to Schindler and that the Czech people were kind. I love that Celina is still alive and living a happy life after such a horror and scary time. Celina thank you for being an inspiration to everyone; we will remember. As a teacher myself, I will continue your message of loving people and not having hate. Let's always remember.
She is an outstanding human being.
What a strong, classy and eloquent woman. This video should be shown in the schools. Teach the kids to appreciate what they have these days. This is the ultimate story of resiliency. Beautiful woman.
Translation of her German words to Mengele: "Lassen sie mich," means roughly "Leave me alone" or "Leave me be." The courage it must have taken to speak so boldly is remarkable...such inspiring bravery.
@lindagurrera685
4 ай бұрын
Truly brave
I really enjoyed this interview. She has such a good outlook for someone who went through what she did. I was always interested in the Holocaust, and taught all of my children everything I could about it. When Schindler's List came out, we all watched it and cried about what the Jewish people went through. I thought of my own young family and imagined what it would be like to go through that. It was absolutely heart wrenching. Thank God that some were saved. But I mourn for the families who died or lost loved ones. Starting over after losing people and everything they owned is hard to comprehend. I'm so glad that these interviews exist so we can hear from the survivors. Thank-you so much for these testimonials.
I saw her on the special features in Schindlers list. I've been wanting to see the rest of her story. Thank you sooo much❤
I'm sorry your family and you had to go through this. You are important and you matter. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the world. Least we forget.❤
@sallysampson628
Жыл бұрын
Well said !!
What a very moving, touching well documented experience for the Karp family. Thankful that they survived and such an eloquent way that the message of one documented Schindler's List was made. She must have been one terrific teacher to have had, De Moines Iowa was so fortunate to have her as a citizen of their town. her son Robert and Lucy were fortunate to have had her for a mother. Thank you for taking time to be interviewed by the Shoah Foundation!!❤ and share your experience with us.
You are a wise & wonderful woman. I would only hope to have your attitude after living through the nightmare you and your parents lived through. From you I’ve learned not to lump people together, just because of where they were born. Mazel Tov on the life you’ve made for yourself & your family.
Another eloquent gracious lady who tells of her experiences as a little girl with such emotion & even some laughter. To meet a person that survived as 1 of Schindler's people along with her parents is amazing. Her Mother keeping the enamel cup is a testament to survival. This was recorded in 1996 & I wonder if the cup might have been donated to 1 of the Holocaust Museums. When she spoke of the English nun in Germany who schooled her with tears was quite touching. To see her with her Mother was even more touching. Thank you for your interview for all time. Never forget. never again.
So impressed with this woman, her family. Wonderful interview. Thank you.
Such an absolutely amazing person. She is so genuinely kind, which is extraordinary when you listen to what she's been through and witnessed.
@paulrichards6894
8 ай бұрын
she is an amazing woman
Mrs H 🇬🇧 .. What a Wonderful woman .. I can only Thank God some never suffered like millions... My Mother was born also in 1931..She was young when WW2 broke out although she suffered loss during that time BUT I Thank God she never suffered like millions of others.. She suffered trauma which lead her later in life to need therapy BUT I'm thank God that she NEVER suffered like many did.. She died in 1983 at 52 yrs old from cancer but I've learnt millions didn't survive & those that did survive needed therapy.. 1939 til 1946..💔 What an horrendous time to be living & for those that didn't survive I'm so sorry to them & I hope they're RIP.. This era is unimaginable...💔
What an exceptional family!! Her mother father & she all survived - what a special blessed family! The way she cried over the Nuns kindness shows just how much we should be kind to one another . I absolutely adore how proud her mother is of her- this was so touching. We should all be so fortunate to have our mother be so proud of us😊
I saw a puppy clubbed to death when I was four or five years old. The sheer insanity of this has haunted me to this day. The sight of the Nazis killing infants must have been an incomprehensible horror. There just is no reconciling this with rational human behavior.
@gonefishing167
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Mrs Biniaz, so glad you made a happy life afterwards. I know you could never forget but, most of the survivors worked hard to give their children good lives. Put people of today to shame. 🙏🙏🙏👵🇦🇺
@rescuepetsrule6842
Жыл бұрын
I cried about her Puppy, not so much for him, but for the pain losing a beloved Pet must have caused her as a child. Killing Jewish children became a sick kind of sport for SS and Wehrmacht as well, and the psychos even tried to use 'special' ways to kill them- it went beyond simply swinging them by the legs.. I hope Hell is extra hot in their barracks.
@christinehodges6
10 ай бұрын
Anyone who could harm a puppy doesn't deserve the same air. They do not deserve rights.
@MySnaz
Ай бұрын
😢😢
She is an example to all. The beautiful Spirit I think came from that 92 yr old Nun. Her Wonderful Parents. They are very humble. Bless them.
Such a lovely, noble lady. And such a wonderful attitude to life. Very, very impressive,
I just want to thank the Shoah foundation for its fabulous work with these interviews. They should all be shown on public television and in schools. Never forget, it is a vital condition, never forget!!
Such grace. I can only hope I would have the kindness and grace she has after such horrible experiences. The survivor stories are so important.
Such terrible things should never be done to anyone by another human. My heart aches for everyone who experienced this terrible time in history.
She radiates a positive energy, seems like a gentle, loving soul despite what she has endured! 💜
What an eye-opening story! I watched from beginning to end and was extremely touched. I can hardly believe there were such strong women during this time. Their strength must have come from being together. I am so happy that they all survived to be able to tell of these terrible experiences. I was literally overwhelmed by their story. God bless them.
An amazing human being , privilege to hear her story in her own words , such strength and dignity .
What a pure person. God bless her.
The only tears shed were when talking about an elderly nun following WW2. Absolutely amazing woman and story.
"Adversity builds character". I've been watching/listening to these stories for bout 1+1/2 years while I work to these strong resilient people. Not only have I learned about history, I've learned of calmness, kindness etc. More powerful than any movie cuz it's 1st hand. Most don't harbor bitterness. The weird lil hate - filled ogre with the short mustache chose to center them out cuz only .05% population couldn't fight back AND he was jealous ... God has a special place in heaven for this lady & the many others who unnecessarily suffered horrendously!(Edit) I meant .05% of the population, not 1/2).
@sarahnewton2550
4 ай бұрын
Well said.
Celina is a soul full of grace. Thank you for testimony.
I just love this lady and how precious her testimony is. I have read many but she just had me listening to every word. What a lovely family and God Bless Them All. Your mom is full of life.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Anne ABRAHAM😊
So EDUCATED and Well spoken. This Jewish people is so classy and well educated.
@neilamanu5615
8 ай бұрын
Because they are God's chosen people. They could have ruled the world. Imagine what we would have lived in, if they had just held on to Jesus.
@goochmcduck4285
9 күн бұрын
@@neilamanu5615 free will was given .
I never cried untill her mum spoke about her at the end and how proud her and her dad was of there girl and all she achieved even after the horrors they survived 🥲❤️she was always gona be amazing with parents like that they don’t make them like this family anymore that’s for sure ❤️
This interview was 30 years ago. What struck me first is she is a handsome woman. Stately. Her memories were of a painful time. Of endless days in hell. I wonder if she is still alive. It was an impossible time but she survived and thank God for that. A beautiful life. She is someone to take notice of.
@zxy78267
11 ай бұрын
I wondered the same. Usually I look up their names after I watch and can usually find them.
What a beautiful lady, inside and outside. She has a wonderful spirit and she learned from all her experiences. I especially enjoyed hearing how much the 92 yr old nun helped her come out of those hard experiences with such love for others. I'm sure she will see that very special nun in heaven! Thank you for sharing her story. It is such an uplifting story and one I will treaure in.my memory of besutiful people. Shalom🙏
Thank you very much for sharing your story Celina Biniaz ; i highly appreciate it as well as your advice. " Don't hate anyone ", don't teach the children to Hate and live in harmony with others.
Schindler's List was a brilliant film I loved the ending when the actors and the character they were playing laid stones on his grave. I really lost it...
Such grace… in this lovely woman. I can only admire her tremendous courage 😢
So calm, gentle and collected. And what a powerful message "don't hate". One could see how proud she was that her daughter did not form a pre-conception of Germans.
I am. So sorry. And I am glad that you survived. Yes those things can happen even now. With so much division and hate nowadays. It's so sad we need each other no matter who we are Let's all try to get together and help where help is needed. Thank you Celina for your story.
i will never forget
Thank you for preserving this history
My husband a l went to Krakow a couple of years what wonderful people and beautiful place. We went to the camps to pay our respects to the fallen what a journey and l think all humans should visit and just see how evil some people can be, but also let us see how wonderful humans can also be. My respect go out to this very beautiful lady you are amazing and thank for your true represent of this your story thank you x
Oh…God bless her🙏 What a lovely woman, what a beautiful tender soul❤️🌸 crying tears of respect and compassion, I feel such a tremendeous respect for her life story and also her message at min 1:12-1:13:45. So grateful that we can listen to these first hand testimonies and LEARN what really happened, this is worthy of knowing. As a human, it is FAAAAR better to choose GOOD, doing good to others, DISOBEY evil orders! Even if it leads us to death, God will recieve us into His kingdom🙏❤️ But surviving by obeying evil and doing evil to others, that makes the soul rotten, it’s better to have died!! God bless those who chose to be kind and be a light in the darkness.
You survived what a wonderful miracle! Thank you for telling us everything you experienced. God Bless you always!
This was an excellent session and all I could hear while she was talking was Jessica Lange's voice. Their cadence and speaking voice are sooooo similar.
What a wonderful woman despite going through, or because of what she went through, she can see how the world actually is and hates how we treat each other. Wise woman. I love how she was so embarrassed (yet proud) when her mamma was praising her. Thank you Celina.
What a wonderfully powerful testimony. Given the length of her mother's life, in 2023 she may well still be alive as she'd now be 92.
She is the most inspiring person I have ever listened to! Amazing Human Being!
What a wonderful lady your grace and intelligence has touched me
…. This gentlewoman is a survivor!!!!! Thanks for sharing your story. ❤
Her message at the end is the best one I’ve heard on testimonies.
What a lovely lady and a terrible testimony. I am in awe of her resilience and her ability to remain calm when recounting her memories. God bless you ma'am.
I love this women with all her charm and dignity god bless her the world needs more souls as excellent as hers a true human being god bless you and your parents and grandchildren who are extremely lucky to have you. My wife lost her whole family in Auschwitz when they liquidated the Gypsy camp in late 1944 she still grieves for all ten of them never again please world remember these lost hero’s they can’t be replaced but we can remember them regardless of religion gender or race god loves us all.
If humanbeings do not get back to being civilized with strong morales- values of strong character being genteel ....THIS WONDERFUL WOMAN IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT EVERY HUMAN ON THIS EARTH SHOULD BE. GOD BLESS ALL...
Amazing. Thank you for your time and your story. Remarkable. ❤❤
I LOVE how her mother speaks of her and I love her reaction. You can not imagine what those two went through and the strength they have. Heroines - Im sure they’ll receive the place in heaven they deserve.
Hearing this woman's testimony has strengthened me. When I begin to take something for granted like being able to go to school, or having a puppy of my own, even being able to have a relationship with whom I choose, it's quickly checked. Not a day goes by that I don't give thanks for my freedom. I'm so very grateful for this woman's survival and testimony. I see what we have now and what we as human beings can never let happen again!
wow incredible braveness this women showed. i am born 28th of May too 42 now.i wish god give me some courage and strength this woman got.
Wow, Mrs. Biniaz is such a woman of grace and dignity. She just smiles and tells her story. As I was listening to her, I wondered how she was able to come out of such horror, and not be angry? I listen to Holocaust survivors a lot, and all of them are wonderful people. I have the upmost respect for all of them.
She seems like a really good person. It's a must to record these testimonies to preserve for future generations.
What a humble forgiving woman. God Bless You and Your Family ❤
Thank you for sharing. Watching this May 26, 2023
I adored this lady ! ❤
What an amazing interview I can’t believe how calm Celina is as she talks about children being murdered by German soldiers.
I watched this video randomly and I must say, I love her ❤
WOW THAT WAS AN AMAZING INTERVIEW. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR FAMILY AND EXPERIENCE WITH US. THERE ARE NO WORDS! LOVE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL!
Its so mind-blowing how people live through such devastating events, and survive! God rest the souls of everyone who perished during this awful event and the survivors who are no longer with us.
What a lovely, dignified and wise lady. Her story, and that of all the survivor's should never be forgotten or lost as time moves on, and people forget how easliy such evil can rise and prevail. We should never forget all the innocent victims who did not survive, and as individuals we have a responsibility to always choose never to participate in blind hate and evil, and to really learn the lessons of history. ❤
What a truly wonderful LADY. Thank you and I hope your testimony lives on for many many years to come. Thank you. Shalom
I believe shes still alive at 91. She sat with Gal Gadot few months back
This lady reminds me of my grandmother. Shes turning 93 in April this year. Wonderful ladies! ❤
What a lovely woman she is! And how much her family adores her...it is truly a testiment to her wonderful character. Thank you for recording survivors' testimonies for future generations.
What a wonderful woman…How lovely she is.
Phenomenal woman! Plz know how sorry I am you've experienced things unimaginable. I am so PROUD your heart allowed you to find a loving husband and family. Literally “God bless you and your family”.
I’ve been listening. The quality of character gives me hope for humanity. Thank you for sharing these wonderful people and their memories. I will hold them in my heart and share them with my family.
What a class act...your grace and courage are amazing...God Bless❤
Never heard such a clear and vivid description הי"ד
God bless her family. We need to be reminded of these things especially in light of 7th Oct 2023
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Really beautiful to see you family photos.
Thank you for providing this historical account.
What a lovely lady, it was good to hear her parents made it also. Her story would have made a great movie it would have shown a happy ending as there were not a lot of happy endings after the war.
It chills me to this day that they used a cemetery for a camp. Heartbreaking.
How people committed these atrocities is a lesson we should never forget. And it still happens.
Wonderful lady, showing the way forward after horrific evil. [1:12:29 "I didn't want them to hate..."]
I can't believe some people made comments saying that they didn't believe this happened. How can they be so ignorant.
Thank you for being willing to share your life with us . 🙏🏽
Such a soothing voice, nice Lady😊
Thanks for uploading, very interesting
WHAT A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING, SMART, BEAUTIFUL AND WITH A HEART OF GOLD, YOU DO NOT MEET PEOPLE LIKE HER MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS