The Violin/A Child's Testimony

Sensitive Content Sensitive Content

Two children, Rachel Milbauer and Adam Shtibel, elude almost certain death in Nazi-occupied Poland: Rachel, a vivacious music lover, lies hidden and silent in an underground bunker for nearly two years. Adam quietly “passes” as a non-Jew, forced every day to dodge the people who are intent on killing him. Saved by a combination of inner strength, luck and the help of courageous friends and strangers, Rachel and Adam meet and fall in love after the war and begin to build a new life together. Half a century later, a chance remark inspires Rachel to explore her memories and discover who she really is…

Introduction by Naomi Azrieli

At a Glance
Rachel Shtibel:
Poland
Ghetto
Hiding
Postwar Israel
Arrived in Canada in 1968
Adam Shtibel:
Poland
Ghetto
Hiding; passing/false identity
Testimony given in 1948
Arrived in Canada in 1968

276 pages, including index

2008 Independent Publisher Gold Medal

Recommended Ages
16+
Language
English

*Note: If you are affiliated with an educational institution, books can be ordered free of charge. For more information click here.

Photo of Rachel Shtibel

About the author

Rachel (née Milbauer) Shtibel was born in 1935 in Eastern Galicia. She married Adam Shtibel in 1956, moving to Israel one year later. In Israel, Rachel obtained an MA in microbiology. In 1968, the family moved to Canada, settling in Toronto, where they still live.

Explore this story in Re:Collection

Photo of Adam Shtibel

About the author

Adam Shtibel was born in 1928 in Komarów, Poland. He met Rachel Shtibel after the war and they married in 1956, moving to Israel one year later. In Israel, Adam worked in the aircraft industry. In 1968, the family moved to Canada, settling in Toronto, where they still live.

“A trace of us has to remain,” Velvel would whisper, “and you will be that one. You will make it.”