Kestenberg Archive

LR was born in Lezansk, Poland, in 1929, the second son of a well-off lumber merchant. The family moved around a lot during LR's childhood until settling in Laklikow (Zaklikow) in 1937. LR's family was Zionist but not particularly religious. At the start of the war the family's home was bombed and as a result they relocated to the forest village of Irena in the forest. LR and his family remained there until 1942 when the Jews of the town were rounded up for deportation. Although the family tried to hide they were betrayed by a Pole. During the roundup LR's mother encouraged him to lie about his age. As a result he was taken with his older brother to Budzyn. At first LR was very depressed and did not want to carry on living. However his emotional state later improved. The relationship with his brother was not good and the two fought often, although LR swapped his shoes for food for his brother when the latter was ill. LR worked in various jobs in a number of different camps in Budzyn, the last of which was the Leopold camp, where he fixed tanks. In spring of 1944 he was taken to Mielce, near Tarnow, where he worked in an airplane factory. His brother joined him later and their relationship improved. At the end of 1944 the Russians were approaching and as a result the Germans evacuated the Jewish prisoners from the camp, one day before the Russians arrived. LR was taken to Wieliczka via Cracow, where he spent two weeks, before being transferred to Flossenberg. ; LR survived in the camps by stealing food and scrounging scraps. In April 1945 the 2100 Jewish inmates of Flossenberg were put on trains to Dachau, but the trains were attacked by British planes. Following this LR and the rest of the Jews began a death march through forests. LR was so happy to be out of the camp and back in his natural environment that he found the energy to carry on and help others. During the march the German guards disappeared and LR found that he was free, in the area of Karhm, Bavaria. At first LR was taken in and looked after by German villagers. Later he and a group of boys including his brother made their way to Frankfurt where they worked for the Americans. LR also helped hunt for Nazis in the forests, although at the same time he started dating German girls. LR went to Palestine with Youth Aliyah, to Kibbutz Ramat Yohanan, one of a group of 40 children. At first the group stayed separate from the rest of the Kibbutz but they later became very devoted to it. They were looked after by dedicated counselors. LR finished school and joined the underground youth, and later the Palmach. He served in the army until 1951 and upon his release became very depressed and did not know how to start a normal life. After working in a glass factory for a number of years he was laid off and joined the merchant navy. On a trip to America he decided to stay there with his brother. LR married and in 1989 returned to visit Poland. Since arriving in Israel LR suffered from nightmares. ; He also suffered from health problems, including back and chest pain and eyesight issues, which a doctor related to childhood malnutrition.