Watch Touched by Auschwitz

Touched by Auschwitz is a 2015 documentary film that chronicles the journey of Haim Birenbaum and his daughter, Yael Bier, as they visit the Nazi concentration camps where Birenbaum was imprisoned during World War II. The film is a tribute to the survivors of the Holocaust and is a poignant exploration of the power of memory, trauma, and resilience.

The documentary begins with an introduction to Haim Birenbaum, a Holocaust survivor who has lived in Israel since the end of the war. Birenbaum's daughter, Yael Bier, is a filmmaker who sets out to document her father's journey through the concentration camps where he was imprisoned as a young man. The film combines personal testimony with archival footage, photographs, and interviews to create a powerful and moving narrative about the Holocaust.

Haim and Yael's trip takes them from Israel to Poland, where they visit the concentration camps of Auschwitz, Birkenau, and Majdanek. The film follows their emotional journey as they walk through the remains of the camps and reflect on the horrors that took place there. The scenes are haunting and visceral, capturing the sense of loss and devastation that still permeates these sites.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is Haim's ability to revisit these traumatic spaces with a sense of purpose and meaning. His unwavering strength and resilience are a testament to the human spirit and the power of memory to heal and transform. As he walks through the camps, he shares his memories of life during the Holocaust, recounting both the moments of horror and the acts of kindness that helped him survive.

The film also explores the impact of the Holocaust on succeeding generations. Yael Bier, who was born decades after the war, reflects on the ways in which her father's trauma has shaped her own life and identity. She captures the generational trauma that has been passed down through survivors' families and the lasting impact that the Holocaust has had on Jewish identity and history.

Ultimately, Touched by Auschwitz is a powerful tribute to the survivors of the Holocaust and a call to remember the atrocities of the past in order to create a better future. The film is a reminder of the ongoing importance of preserving memory and bearing witness to history, even as survivors pass away and the world changes around us.

The film is directed with great sensitivity and care by Yael Bier, who weaves together interviews, archival footage, and personal testimony to create a poignant and moving portrait of a survivor's journey through the concentration camps. The cinematography is beautiful, capturing the stark beauty of the Polish countryside and the solemn, haunting space of the concentration camps. The film is also complemented by a moving score that adds to the emotional resonance of each scene.

In summary, Touched by Auschwitz is a beautiful and powerful documentary that explores the lasting impact of the Holocaust on survivors and their families. It is a moving tribute to the human spirit and the power of memory, and a reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the Holocaust, Jewish history, or the lasting impact of trauma on individuals and communities.