Michael Bornstein

Michael Bornstein

Michael Bornstein was born in 1940 and is currently 85 years old. Michael Bornstein was born in Zarki, Poland. Bornstein attended the University of Iowa where he received a Ph.D. He also graduated from Fordham University.

Michael Bornstein is one of the youngest Auschwitz death camp survivors. His book Survivors Club co-authored with his third child Debbie tells of the experiences under the Nazis. While working on the book, Michael discovered shocking details about his survival including an illness that saved his life at the right time.

During the Holocaust, thousands of kids were sent to Auschwitz death camp. It was a place of unimaginable horror. It’s estimated that by 1945, only 52 kids under the age of 8 were freed from the camp. Luckily, Bornstein was one of them.

Bornstein was born in 1940 and lived in Zarki, Poland where 3000 Jews once lived. He was the son of an accountant and one of the few to survive.

The Survivors Club tells the story of his family's struggle during the Holocaust, how they survived, and their journey to reestablish their lives after the war. The book combines the emotional depth of a memoir written in the style of a novel.

The first section of the book tells of Bornstein’s tragic experiences in the Zarki ghetto. It also tells of their imprisonment in Pionki and Treblinka as well as their separation at Auschwitz. Bornstein had a number b-1148 tattooed on his hand which he later discovered might have been reused by the Nazis to make the death toll appear lower.

The second part of the book explores the tough challenges faced by young survivors like Bornstein after the war.

Even though written for young audiences, Bornstein’s book mix of hope and hardship will appeal to people of all ages. Young readers will find themselves drawn to its vivid descriptions and fast pace, and adults will be moved by moments such as a father’s final hug or a child’s fixed belief in the return of his mother.

Additionally, authors include Hebrew terms, Jewish traditions, and family rituals that showcase their faith and strong family bonds. Even their family Kiddush cup becomes a symbol of resilience and hope. Bornstein also explores lesser-known heroes such as Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who provided transit visas to help Jews find asylum in Japan.

Another pivotal strength in the book is the portrayal of the hardships that Jewish families had to endure even after the war. Many survivors returned home just to find their homes taken over by anti-Semitic neighbors who threatened them with violence. Bornstein’s grandmother faced such a threat forcing them to live in a chicken coop after their return to Zarki.

Survivors Club also includes a touching family guide, a photo album, and a glossary for the reader to understand the cultural and historical context. Overall, this book is a powerful reminder of the power of resilience, family, and memory. Bornstein’s work showcases the importance of preserving family history and creating shared archives of memories.

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Michael Bornstein: F.A.Q