Images
There were many individuals and events which served to influence Aaron’s odyssey from an idyllic youth through tragedy into prosperity. Some of the images on this page reflect this journey.
At age 75, Aaron Herskowitz and his beloved Helen return to Bilky. It is the first time since World War II, and they did not want to revisit the hellish nightmares of their survival. It is only after much convincing from their son, Howard Herskowitz and his brother Louis, that they are able to get their father and mother, also a native Bilker and Auschwitz survivor, to make the journey. Once they reach their destination, they are overwhelmed with joy at the kindness of their former Ukrainian Christian neighbors, who welcome Aaron and Helen back with open arms.
Howard Herskowitz, who has been fascinated with his father’s stories since childhood, hadn’t truly understood his parents’ reluctance to return to their hometown, at first the site of happy times, but then a time of sadness, when the Holocaust came to wipe out their families and loved ones. Together, Aaron and his wife and sons revisit familiar countryside while Howard Herskowitz uses video and audio to record his parents’ fascinating memories.
Aaron’s Family 1924
Seated front row: Grandmother Reisel Klein, mother Paula and father Jacob. Standing behind: older siblings Bela, Harry and Hannah, young Aaron is on the right. In the foreground: Aaron’s younger sisters Rachel, Leah and Sarah. Rachel and Leah were still living at home when Aaron was taken to Russia. With the exception of brother Harry, who immgrated to the US before the war, no other family members in this image survived the Holocaust other than Aaron.
Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz-Josef
Aaron’s family revered Emperor Franz-Josef (1830-1916), who was one of the first European leaders to emancipate his Jewish population. A blessing for the Emperor remained in the prayer books of synagogues throughout the region long after his death.
Aaron in the Czech Army 1936
Aaron was promoted from private to corporal during his service due to his leadership skills, his combat capability, and his intelligence.
The Rabbi of Bilky
Rabbi Naftali Weiss, on the left. Ironically, he was one of Aaron’s greatest adversaries, because he preached prayer instead of resistance or escape to Palestine. This photo was taken at his arrival at Auschwitz in 1944.
Max, Aaron’s best friend, late 1930s
Max ran Aaron’s family farm while Aaron served in the Czech army. Max took a bullet for Aaron in Russia while they were both in a slave labor camp. Max eventually immigrated to America where the two men reunited and remained best friends for life.
Aaron
At the end of World War II
Helen 1945
The most beautiful woman in Czechoslovakia, according to Aaron.
Helen and Aaron
Married in 1946
Aaron and his Niece Irene 1947
Aaron and his Niece Irene 1947. His only blood relative to survive the war, Aaron served as father figure to his teengaged niece.
Aaron and Helen, Carlsbad Czechoslovakia 1948
Aaron grew up to run his family farm in Bilky before World War II, and after making a fortune in the black market after the war, he resumed farming with Helen and her surviving siblings.
Aaron
Riding horses in the 1970s. Aaron’s skill as a horse master saved his life during the war.
Aaron returns to Bilky
Showing that he defeated his mortal enemies and survived to return to his hometown Bilky several decades after the war.
Aaron and Helen In Bilky
Old Ukrainian Christian friends welcome Aaron’s & Helen’s return to Bilky in 1990.
Aaron and equine friend
Aaron’s family had bred horses, and after immigrating to America, he was able to return to a childhood passion.
Aaron and Helen’s family
With children Louis, Philis, and Howard Herskowitz, their spouses and grandchildren. This is proof that Aaron and Helen defeated Hitler: Not only did they survive the Holocaust, but they expanded their family to live their happiest, most prosperous days on Earth.