Jacob's Rescue - A Holocaust Story

"The Nazis had invaded Poland and stolen Jewish homes and businesses, promising the non-Jewish Polish people that once the Jews were gone, the property would be theirs. At the same time, the Germans sent all Poles who were strong enough into work camps to do forced labor. Jews were ordered to move into ghettos, fenced or walled areas in the city that separated Jews from the rest of the population."

No Jew was safe in Poland during the Nazi invasions during 1939-45.  Jacob's Rescue is the story of the Gutgeld family and their fight for their lives.  As a young boy, Jacob lived a comfortable life in a spacious home with servants and a chauffeur, that all changed with the invasion of the Nazi's.  Horrified the family watched as businesses were destroyed and people disappeared. Jacob lived with his grandmother and aunt as his mother had died when he was 4 and his brothers were sent to the country for their safety.  Jacob's grandfather, uncle, and father had left Poland the year before as it was not safe for the men to remain in the city.


Jacob's aunt and grandmother have to make a risky decision of how to save Jacob's life.  If he stays in the city, he most likely will be sent to a concentration camp.  They choose to place Jabob's fate in the hands of the Roslan family.  The Roslan's were a Christian family who agreed to hide Jacob and keep him safe.   Will he survive?

Jacob's Rescue is based on the true story of Jacob Gutgeld and his fight for his life.  This is a touching story that highlights what life was like in Poland during the Nazi invasion.  It is an easy read and appropriate for all levels.  World War 2 was such a disturbing time period and some books can be a little bit disturbing for all levels of readers.  Jacob's Rescue does not focus on the gruesome details of concentration camps, but more on the brave family that risked their lives for three Jewish boys.  It is a story of bravery, heartache, and love.  If you are looking for a gentle approach to teaching your children about the Holocaust,  I would suggest reading Jacob's Rescue to them. 


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