Holocaust Survivor's Message: 'Don't Hate' Lives On

Abe Piasek survived three Nazi slave labor camps and lost his entire family during the Holocaust. His message to the world? "Don't hate."

The words came from a man known for his constant smile and infectious laughter. Piasek was separated from his parents and sister at just 13 years old and never saw them again.

Forced onto cattle cars at age 13, Piasek endured nearly four years in three labor camps across Poland and Germany. He weighed only 75 pounds when Allied troops accidentally bombed the cattle car transporting him, leading to his liberation at nearly 17.

After the war ended, Piasek spent two years in displaced persons camps before coming to America. He celebrated August 3 as his "personal Independence Day" every year, building a new life in Connecticut where he learned English, married, and owned a bakery.

For 50 years, Piasek kept his story private. Then in 1995, an interview with the Shoah Foundation changed everything.

Piasek began sharing his experiences at schools, synagogues, and community centers. In his final decade, he spoke to audiences over 150 times, earning the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2005.

Steve Goldberg was a high school teacher when Piasek first visited his class. The connection sparked a friendship that would eventually lead Goldberg across America, sharing Piasek's story with audiences nationwide.

During one unforgettable trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C., Piasek joined Goldberg's students despite never having visited before. When he learned the museum had a cattle car exhibit, he made a brave decision.

"My heart is pounding, and I had to show you," Piasek told the students as he stepped inside the car for the first time since his liberation. He shared his liberation story in that space, demonstrating courage that left everyone speechless.

Why This Inspires

Before Piasek passed away in 2020 at age 91, he asked Goldberg to continue sharing his story with even more people. Goldberg has now presented to 175 audiences and counting.

His presentations include powerful discussions about "upstanders" versus bystanders. Piasek survived because of upstanders: a man who looked away when Piasek stole food, friends who lifted him to appear taller so he'd be sent to work instead of death.

Goldberg recently spoke at Swampscott High School, encouraging an intergenerational audience to take action against hate and discrimination. The message resonates deeply in today's world.

"If you see hate or discrimination, be an upstander, not a bystander," Goldberg told the crowd. "Take inspiration from Abe's story and do something."

One man who endured unimaginable darkness chose to spread light for the rest of his life, and that light continues to shine through everyone who hears his story.