The Boy on the Wooden Box

1. A Childhood Lost: Innocence Before the Holocaust

So not even the scariest of fairy tales could have prepared me for the monsters I would confront just a few years later, the narrow escapes I would experience, or the hero, disguised as a monster himself, who would save my life.

Idyllic Beginnings. Leon Leyson's early life in Narewka, Poland, was filled with the simple joys of childhood. He spent summers playing in the river, winters ice skating, and enjoyed the warmth of a close-knit family and community. This peaceful existence, rooted in tradition and familial love, stood in stark contrast to the horrors that would soon engulf his world.

Family Bonds. Leyson's family life was characterized by strong bonds and mutual support. His mother's nurturing presence and his father's determination to provide a better life created a sense of security. His siblings, especially Tsalig and David, played significant roles in his upbringing, offering companionship and guidance.

Foreshadowing. Despite the idyllic nature of his early years, there were subtle hints of the impending darkness. The occasional antisemitism experienced during Holy Week and the stories of past pogroms served as reminders of the vulnerability of the Jewish community. These early experiences, though limited, foreshadowed the systematic persecution that would soon shatter his world.

2. Kraków Beckons: A Glimmer of Hope Before Darkness

Often, Father brought us presents from the big city.

Urban Dreams. The move to Kraków, a bustling city with modern amenities, represented a significant shift in the Leyson family's life. Leon was captivated by the city's grandeur, its vibrant culture, and the promise of a better future. This move, driven by his father's ambition, initially seemed like a dream come true.

Early Warnings. As the family settled into their new life, the ominous signs of rising antisemitism and political unrest in Germany began to surface. News of Hitler's rise to power, the annexation of Austria, and the expulsion of Polish Jews from Germany cast a shadow over their newfound happiness. These events served as a stark reminder of the growing threat to their safety and security.

Fading Innocence. Despite the growing unease, Leon continued to embrace the opportunities that Kraków offered. He made new friends, explored the city's landmarks, and reveled in the excitement of urban life. However, the looming threat of war and persecution gradually eroded his innocence, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of the world around him.

3. The Grip of the Swastika: Life Under Nazi Occupation

The German soldiers acted with impunity.

Invasion and Despair. The German invasion of Poland in September 1939 shattered the Leyson family's hopes and dreams. Kraków fell quickly under Nazi control, and the lives of Jewish residents were transformed overnight. Restrictions, violence, and fear became the new normal.

Erosion of Rights. The Nazi regime systematically stripped Jews of their rights and dignity. They were subjected to discriminatory laws, forced to wear armbands, and prohibited from using public transportation. Jewish businesses were looted, and families were evicted from their homes. These measures created an atmosphere of constant fear and uncertainty.

Defiance and Resilience. Despite the oppressive conditions, the Leyson family found ways to resist and maintain their humanity. Leon's father secured a job at Oskar Schindler's factory, providing a semblance of protection. The family clung to their traditions, celebrated Shabbat, and sought solace in their faith. These acts of defiance, though small, served as a testament to their resilience and determination to survive.

4. Ghetto Walls Rise: Confinement and Resistance

Their implicit message was that we were moving into what would become our own cemetery.

Forced Relocation. The establishment of the Kraków ghetto in 1941 marked a new low in the Leyson family's ordeal. They were forced to leave their home and relocate to a cramped, unsanitary area, surrounded by walls topped with tombstone-like structures. This confinement symbolized the Nazis' intent to isolate and dehumanize the Jewish population.

Life Inside. Life in the ghetto was characterized by overcrowding, disease, and starvation. Basic necessities were scarce, and the constant threat of violence loomed large. Despite these hardships, the residents of the ghetto found ways to resist and maintain their dignity. They organized secret schools, held religious services, and created makeshift entertainment to uplift their spirits.

Loss and Deportation. The deportations from the ghetto in 1942 brought further devastation to the Leyson family. Leon's brother, Tsalig, was seized and sent to Belżec extermination camp. The loss of Tsalig, a beloved brother and a source of strength, left a deep scar on the family.

5. Płaszów: Descent into Hell

Stepping through those gates was like arriving at the innermost circle of hell.

Arrival and Dehumanization. The liquidation of the Kraków ghetto in 1943 led to the Leyson family's deportation to Płaszów, a labor camp notorious for its brutality. Upon arrival, they were subjected to a dehumanizing process of stripping, shaving, and numbering, designed to erase their identities and reduce them to mere objects.

Daily Horrors. Life in Płaszów was a constant struggle for survival. Prisoners were forced to perform backbreaking labor under the watchful eyes of sadistic guards. Food was scarce, disease was rampant, and death was a daily occurrence. The camp commandant, Amon Goeth, was a particularly cruel figure, known for his arbitrary acts of violence and murder.

Separation and Loss. The Leyson family was separated upon arrival at Płaszów, adding to their sense of despair. Leon endured grueling work assignments, constant fear, and the ever-present threat of death. The separation from his mother was particularly agonizing, as they had relied on each other for strength and support.

6. Schindler's List: A Ray of Hope Amidst Despair

Schindler’s name meant something to me only because he had hired my father.

A Glimmer of Hope. Leon's father's connection to Oskar Schindler offered a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of Płaszów. Schindler, a German businessman, employed Jewish workers at his enamelware factory, providing them with a semblance of protection from the camp's horrors.

Schindler's Intervention. Through his father's efforts, Leon was eventually added to Schindler's workforce, reuniting him with his father and brother. Schindler's factory, though still a place of forced labor, offered better conditions and a greater chance of survival than Płaszów.

Acts of Kindness. Schindler's kindness and compassion towards his Jewish workers set him apart from other Nazis. He treated them with respect, provided them with extra food, and protected them from the worst abuses of the camp guards. These acts of humanity, though small, made a significant difference in their lives.

7. Brünnlitz: A Fragile Sanctuary

You are free.

Relocation and Uncertainty. As the war neared its end, Schindler orchestrated the relocation of his factory and workers to Brünnlitz, a town in Czechoslovakia. This move, fraught with danger and uncertainty, was intended to protect his workers from the advancing Soviet army and the Nazis' final solution.

Auschwitz Diversion. The train carrying the women, including Leon's mother and sister, was mistakenly diverted to Auschwitz, the notorious extermination camp. Schindler, undeterred, traveled to Auschwitz and bribed Nazi officials to secure their release, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to saving his workers.

Liberation. In May 1945, the Brünnlitz camp was liberated by the Soviet army. Schindler's Jewish workers were finally free, after years of persecution and suffering. Schindler, having risked his life and fortune to save them, fled to avoid capture by the Soviets.

8. Liberation and Loss: Rebuilding from Ashes

We had never heard from Hershel in those six long years we had been separated.

Initial Freedom. The liberation brought a mix of joy and confusion. The former prisoners struggled to comprehend their newfound freedom and grapple with the trauma they had endured. They were disoriented and uncertain about their future.

Return to Kraków. The Leyson family returned to Kraków, hoping to rebuild their lives and reunite with lost loved ones. However, they were met with indifference and hostility from some of the Polish residents. The discovery that their extended family in Narewka, including Leon's brother Hershel, had been murdered by the Nazis shattered their hopes and left them with a profound sense of loss.

Displacement and Uncertainty. The resurgence of antisemitism in Kraków forced the Leyson family to seek refuge elsewhere. They spent time in Czechoslovakia and a displaced persons camp in Germany, searching for a new home and a sense of security. The war had left them homeless, stateless, and deeply scarred.

9. A New Life in America: Finding Voice and Purpose

I was nineteen years old, and my real life was just beginning.

Immigration and Adaptation. In 1949, the Leyson family immigrated to the United States, seeking a fresh start and a chance to build a better future. They settled in Los Angeles, where they worked hard to learn English, find jobs, and adapt to a new culture.

Education and Service. Leon embraced the opportunities that America offered. He served in the US Army, earned a college degree, and became a teacher. He found purpose in educating young people and sharing his knowledge of industrial arts.

Sharing the Story. After decades of silence, Leon began to share his Holocaust experiences with the world. Inspired by the film "Schindler's List," he became a sought-after speaker, sharing his story of survival, resilience, and the importance of remembering the past. He dedicated his life to educating others about the Holocaust and promoting tolerance and understanding.

Last updated: February 7, 2025