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Jewish Soldier in Hitler's Army: An Extraordinary Tale of Survival and Betrayal

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Published in Unlikely Warrior: A Jewish Soldier In Hitler S Army

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Unlikely Warrior: A Jewish Soldier in Hitler's Army

by Georg Rauch

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3578 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	350 pages

In the annals of World War II, the story of Werner Goldberg stands as a unique and extraordinary tale of survival, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature.

Goldberg, a German Jew, was born in 1919 in the small town of Grevenbroich, Germany. His family was well-integrated into the local community, and Goldberg had no reason to believe that his life would be anything other than ordinary.

However, with the rise of the Nazi Party in the 1930s, everything changed. Goldberg's family was subjected to increasing persecution and discrimination. In 1938, Goldberg was forced to leave school and take a job as a laborer.

In 1941, Goldberg was conscripted into the German army. Despite his Jewish heritage, Goldberg was assigned to a regular infantry unit. He fought on the Eastern Front, where he witnessed the horrors of war firsthand.

Goldberg's fellow soldiers were unaware of his Jewish heritage. He kept his secret carefully, knowing that if it was discovered, he would likely be killed.

In 1943, Goldberg's unit was involved in a fierce battle near Stalingrad. Goldberg was wounded and taken prisoner by the Russians. He was held in a POW camp for two years, where he suffered from malnutrition and disease.

In 1945, the war ended and Goldberg was liberated by the Allies. He returned to Germany, where he was reunited with his family. However, Goldberg's experience in the war had changed him forever.

Goldberg never forgot the horrors he had witnessed during the war. He became an outspoken advocate for peace and reconciliation. He also spoke out against anti-Semitism and intolerance.

In 2000, Goldberg published his memoir, "Ich war Hitlerjunge" ("I was a Hitler Youth"). The book is a powerful and moving account of Goldberg's experiences during the war. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of forgiveness.

Werner Goldberg died in 2011 at the age of 91. He is remembered as a hero and a symbol of hope. His story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for survival and redemption.

Goldberg's Legacy

Werner Goldberg's legacy is one of peace and reconciliation. He dedicated his life to speaking out against anti-Semitism and intolerance. He also worked to promote understanding between Jews and Germans.

In 2005, Goldberg was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. This is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a German citizen.

Goldberg's story continues to inspire people around the world. He is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for survival and redemption.

The story of Werner Goldberg is a powerful and moving account of survival, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of forgiveness. Goldberg's legacy is one of peace and reconciliation. He dedicated his life to speaking out against anti-Semitism and intolerance. He also worked to promote understanding between Jews and Germans.

Additional Resources

* [Werner Goldberg's memoir, "Ich war Hitlerjunge" ("I was a Hitler Youth")](https://www.amazon.com/Ich-war-Hitlerjunge-Werner-Goldberg/dp/3861533434) * [The Werner Goldberg Foundation](https://www.werner-goldberg-stiftung.de/) * [The Yad Vashem Museum](https://www.yadvashem.org/)

Unlikely Warrior: A Jewish Soldier in Hitler's Army

by Georg Rauch

4.7 out of 5