Heroes of Israel: Chief Rabbi Lau

Imagine that one little Jewish boy during WWII had the courage to look a Nazi soldier in the eye and say he had just as much right to live as anyone else! That's triumph of the human spirit and Jewish faith. Rabbi Lau also makes a strong comment about the roots of antisemitism. It often begins with ignorance; by spreading prejudice and hatred of Jews without valid reasons to back it up. That is why education and tolerance are so important to the entire world and why preserving Jewish laws, ethics, and values are vital to Jews of today. Some people joke that the 11th commandment is, "Thou shall go to college" but it strikes a true cord: knowledge is power. Rabbi Lau understands the power of a single memory and the impact of a single person on the world.

we have a book on the holocost and it has some pictures that it had over here

Rabi Laus were saving through one catholic priester, called Karol Woytila? Thanks!

Watching Rabbi Lau, his gentleness and lack of bitterness is amazing. See the pictures of the little children brought tears to my eyes. Responding to the above comment, not just Jews, everyone, people of all religions, cultures should watch this. I'm not Jewish, and I'm in awe of Rabbi Lau. God Bless him!

1. notwithstanding all the steps which paved the way for the possibility of the Holocaust, the first major attack on the Jews was, in fact, Kristallnacht, and, as Rabbi Lau points out, it was an attack not just on Jews but also on Judaism 2. whether or not directly killing enemy human shields is a sound defense strategy (or, moreover, halachically encouraged), the Israeli soldiers' reluctance to do so even in the face of death shines a light on their humanness, decency and compassion, and broadcasts their moral superiority

Thank you, my children watched it with me. Bless you always.

It made tears roll down my cheeks.

Rav Lau appeared on Israel TV on Holocaust Day.I have great respect for Rav Lau and for the views he expresses, but he told a story which made me very angry: There is a moshav in Israel called "Argaman". The name is made up of the initials of 2 Israeli Army Officerswho were killed in the early days of Israeli Statehood, by Arabs. How/Why were they killed? As Rav Lau told it, a battalion of Israeli soldiers were approaching a cave, in which Arab terrorists were hiding.The soldiers got ready to deal with the Arabs, the 2 Israeli Officers in the lead, when they were confronted by an Arab woman sitting at the entrance to the cave, feeding her baby. The 2 Israeli Officers held back their soldiers, stopped in front of this woman, and were immediately killed by the Arabs who came out of the cave. "In no other country,"said Rav Lau,"would soldiers behave so ethically,not willing to harm a breastfeeding woman---" etc etc. Well. When are we going to stop this bloody rubbish? Sending our children into the Army, and then preferring them to die, rather than they should harm the enemy.? The Arabs have been sticking their women and children in front of our soldiers for 60 years, which is why we're still fighting the same war over and over again. And the more "ethical" we are, the more we are hated. When are we going to be a normal nation, and choose to live instead of to die??

All Jews should watch this. Very touching and moving.

Send this to Ahmadinejad and ask him if he thinks this is all untrue!!!!!

The life's testimony of Chief Rabbi Lau is amazingly inspiring!Please come to my country, Philippines, so we can hear you in person. God bless.

AM ISRAEL CHAI !!!

I am proud to be Jewish and watching this clip gives me such inspiration.Todah Rabah.

He was an inspiration to all of us and he is right....Jews don't know enough about their heritage nor their G-d

For years I yearned to listen to these words from somebody else's voice. Thanks to my brother-in-law, who sent me this link minutes ago, I can't feel alone anymore.

I takes me back to my childhood. I am a year older than the Chief Rabbi Lau. However, although I knew what war was, but I had no knowledge of the detailed suffering of the Jewish people until it had finished. I well remember seeing the news film documentaries about the attrocities. How dare anyone say it didn't happen! Shalom.

It was Gods spirit that moved you to speak and God who gave you life, not the diamond, because it was easier for the Nazi to have you murdered after taking your bribe.

RABBI LAU YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL MANKIND

There must be a genetic factor in being Jewish. Jewish identity for many people represents their inner core, even if not associated with religious observcance.

iam not a jew,but when i listened the speech of rabbi lau, it was amazing and extraordinary.i got inspiration to be a jew,and proud to be a jerw.thanks alot for showing this vedios to me.....shalom.

Rabbi Lau, your video is an inspiration to all of mankind. I was not born a Jew and yet in my heart I am one. I have had a deep yearning to come to Israel for over 45 years. I was a soldier, An U.S. army Ranger, recondo,commando, LRP team Leader (6 man teams) in Vietnam for multiple tours. I always cared more for the safety of my men than my own life and I am proud to be able to say that I always brought them home, back to our base camp. I was wounded twice, I have a total left knee and a total right shoulder joints, shrapnel and malaria. I made up my mind back then to convert to judiasm,to come to Israel and fight, but I never did. Now at 61 years old I have those same yearnings, the same tugging on my heart. I do support the Israeli Health out reaches, and have sent Purim baskets to the Israeli troops -- but that is not enough -- I need to do more, I can still fight. I am so proud of Israel, I wear the Star of David and have for many years. I know that I do not have to convert, as I gave G_D my spirit and my soul of my own free will to keep safe. To convert is quite a process I know, but I feel as though I need to follow my heart. Shalom Rabbi and good health to you and all of Israel.

It is totally amazing that fanatics anti-semites can negate the Holocaust.

I was privileged to hear Rabbi Lau speak on the Valley of the Dry Bones in Jerusalem last year. He is a tzaddik and touched every person in our group in a very profound way. Chazak v'ematz!!

I watch his face as he speaks. This man is a tzaddik.

The inner strength of Rabbi Lau is a inspiriration to us all. This should inspire us to realize that inside our Godly soul we have inner strengh too. All we need to do is to put in effort in order to reveal this inner strength. May we be zocheh to yeshuos venechamos bimharah.

Incredible story - makes one proud to be a Jew.

God's hand was truly on your life and you did well to continue the family tradition. Shalom

In the face of a truth we cannot escape, avoid or deny, we find the courage to face ourselves. The moving words, the expression on R Lau's face as he spoke, and the knowledge that he speaks for our past, not only of the Holocaust but of all jewish suffering..in the face of these we need to stand up and be counted.

In the statement a jew knows in there soul that God calls to them. It is ture one cannot forget who they are because its in my soul.

I love to hear such stories of amazing strength and trust during the shoah. My husband nun yud, his parents were both hilocaust survivors. His father was niftar in 1997 tragically.He thought his whole famiy perished but we aren't sure if this,He was from Hungary and his name was yosef ben yitzcak isaac weiss and that's all we know.

My reading of this gentle soul's work tells me and affirms the fact that Chief Rabbi Lau was God's soldier on Earth, a beautiful soul sent to be amongst the people and to show the way - a uniting force....and one of the many evidence of this is Aish.com I am not a Jew but a Sikh who lives in Malaysia and from here I pray for the the soul of the late Rabbi and other beautiful souls such as Mrs. Hammer - The Chicken Lady. Baljeet

HE WHO HELPS HIS BROTHER/SISTER ADDS TO THE GOOD OF MANKIND, EVEN A SMILE TO THE STRANGER ACROSS THE ROOM MAKES HIS DAY A LITTLE BETTER, A FROUN TAKES AWAY. SMILE AND THE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU

So many survivors tell their story, yet, how many can continue the tradition of so many generations. The secular Jew today is almost oblivious to the need and deep understanding that our parents and grandparents endured. But, as Rabbi Lau said, "there is something in the inner soul, the neshuma, of a Jew that binds him".

What Rabbi said makes one feel very proud to be a Jew. We know the hardships and the good times and we always stick togetther as one. We will never forget our heritages and always be proud to be called a Jew. One of the best I have heard sop far, thank you Rabbi.

I wept with raw emotion and heartfelt honor for these precious people that have endured so much hardship and unfairness and unjust acts against them. It made me realize that unless we honor the Lord Jesus and find the work that He has called us to do for our fellow neighbors and citizens of the earth, surely we should repent. God bless all of you that were so brave and beautiful as you gave your story and your testimony. You moved me to find the 'place' where I am to be in this season of life. God bless you all!

I was deeply moved and reverent toward these wonderful people and believe the whole world needs to be reminded of the suffering of the Jewish people. The media keeps harping on the poor folks in the Gaza strip. They never tell the truth about why Israel was forced to bomb there...with the Hamas people deliberately placing their weapons among their own civilians. We Jews need to make the media more aware of that and the suffering our people have had and how wonderful some people are in times of great need. Sylvia

Wish all jews would read this and take pride in their heritage,there is too much intermarriage, tradition is the essence of our being, and knowing even more so.

My greetings and greatest respect for Rabbi Lau.You may remamber marrying two young Australians in your apartment in September 1978, with a small group of our parents from Australia and Israeli family friends - no relatives because they were wiped out in the Holocaust.Sadly, that marriage ended in divorce but our daughter has married an Israeli and I have remarried a Russian Jew and our son jut returned from Israel.Both children are thrilled that I have met you and feel inspired by your story.

Chief Rabbi Lau you married me at the Dan Accadia Hotel in October of 1985. You were the Chief Rabbi of Natanya at the time. The ceremony was outside in the courtyard during a Lunar Eclipse. I am from America, 6'5" - a Gingi. I remember you so vividly. I remember our private conversations before the ceremony. We have 2 gorgeous children.....both Gingi. Asi (21) studies in Tel Aviv and Alon (17) who was Bar Mitzvah atop Masada and is a basketball star, and will represent the USA at the Maccabi Games this summer in Jerusalem. Thank you for giving us a more beautiful life. With respect and love - Daniel Seltzer

Rabbi Meir Lau as I know personally has always demonstarted a very positive attitude towards life with his words , his action and his constant smile. Hazak Ubaruch from David M. Hanono /past president Kehila Shevet HAim Panama

Rabbi Lau is an inspiration for those of us who are no of the Jewish faith but who have been dubbed "Honorary Hebrews" by our Jewish friends and aquaintenances. He has shown that an honorable person can prevail over extreme evil. God Bless Him Always!

(207) Anonymous 1/17/2009 5:52:00 PM Rabbi Lau was my Rabbi. After seeing how many spelling errors I made, I had to correct it, otherwise it would be "A SHANDE" When I was a child I dragged my friend, now a Judge in Israel, to hear and listen to the Rabbi when he was still new at "Tiferet Zvi" Synagogue. I told him, Chimi: "he is going to be the Rav Rashi Le'Israel sooner or later." I even visited with him at his home on Nordau Blvd. because he was a Rabbi 24/7 and had an open door policy for his congregants. He checked the "Chalef" for the Shochet while I was there, to make sure that it was flawless, thus, minimizing any animal suffering. He helped us resolve a dispute that was an unfortunate result of the same holocaust that my family also suffered from. (Mother was also at Piotrkow Tribunalski). Now I am a Cardiologist, but also "the torch" that everybody before me wrote about. My daughter knows about what Amalek did to us and will (BH) celebrate her Bat Mitzva at the Kotel (the western wall in Jerusalem). I am grateful that I met Rabbi Lau, and if ever I have a Simcha in Israel, I will surely invite him.

my father was in the children's barracks of Buchenvald with R'Lau. I was living in Jerusalem at the time and he was still the Chief Rabbi. My father was coming to visit me, so I called the office of the Chief Rabbi and explained that i would like a meeting for my father. It took a few calls but i did get the meeting! Be persistent. You might get through!

Words of this extraordinary man worm my heart and tell me that I am on a right way with my children. Baruch HaShem that we have you, Rabbi Lau.

This guy has seen and experienced all the evil of that time, and yet he hasnt said 'germans'he has said Nazis. He of all could be excused for tainting the whole nation with Hitlers madness. But he doesnt he tries to prevent the same thing in the future by education. What a wise man, what a hero

Rabbi Lau is an inspiration to Jews of all types (Secular, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Lubavitch etc.) and his story should be mandatory teaching at all schools.

This Rabbi is an inspiration to us all! There are so many Jews in the world who know nothing of their heritage, or simply don't care. We have to reach out and help these Jews understand their Judaism, and grow to love it.

Rabbi Lau was in the same town as my mother, Estera-Frajdla Taube and is about the same age. Her family had a small factory making stockings in Piotrkow. I have trying to find a way to meet him but always missed the chance. If anybody knows how to get in touch with him, please let me know. It means alot to me since I dont know nothing of my parents background and I am not getting younger. Please send to my mail address anything that can help. Tnx Jacob Jakobowicz

When I was a child I dragged a friend, now a Judge in Israel, to hear and listen to the Rabbi when he was new at Tiferet Zvi Synagogue. I tild him, Chimi: he is going to be Rav Rashi Le'Israel sooner or later. I even visited with him at his home on Nordau Blbd. because he was a Rabbi 24/7 and had an open door policy. He checked the Chalef for the Shochet while I was there. To make sure theer is abslutely no blemish in the blade thus, minimizing any animal suffering. He helped resolve disputes that were an unfortunate result of the same holocaust my family suffered from. Now I am a Cardiologist but also the torch that everybody before me wrote about 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. My daughter knows about what Amalek did to us and will (BH) have her Bat Mitzva by the Kotel (the western wall in Jerusalem) I am grateful I met Rabbi Lau and if eve I have a Simcha in Israel, I will surely invite him.

The greatest mitzvah is to teach everything you know and believe to our children/grandchildren,so that they can in turn repeat what they believe and have learned to their children

Chills. <3

God bless Izrael and Yewish people.I com from Serbien and pray for Izrael.I read Talmud and I have love for Yewish people.I come from Serbien my city is Sabac.God bless you

Jewish culture and tradition is not to be defeated. This was proven to all who believed in Hitlerism. The Rabbi is proof of this, may he be blessed forever.

I agree with you totally, that's why I study mussar, the soul. Baruch Hashem

Rabbi Lau has always been a strong point in my life. I watched and listened to him 12/24, while trying to catch up on e-mail. We shall not catch up on our yiddishkidt, but that does not relieve us from our responcibility. Rabbi Lau is a great example of the goodness we receive from HaShem for even trying. Make it so!

I am an 8th grade Catholic school teacher who fervently believes that the truth must be told. I have been working for five years to teach the horrors of anti-Semitism to my students. Thank God for the Rabbi and for survivors strong enough to tell their story. During this holy time of the year, I will continue to pray that humankind will end prejudice and inhumanity to man. Shalom.

This immense trauma from childhood created the excellent character we see on display in Mr Lau.. shalom!

and can not let the world forget the senseless murders of the 6 Million. Chag Sameach Chanukah

inspirational and moving, this is a clear example of the Jewish desire to live life, for the better good of all humanity.

Where do we get such great men? Whatever happened to Rashi's children?

this story is very moving ,this is a lesson we must never forget , for the sake of the victims we must never give up the jewish faith and tradition . may we soon see the comming of the mashiach and the beginning of the geula. amen

Let us never ever forget. We must not allow either Jews or non-Jews to forget.

excellent video to explain why some surviors maintain their religion.

LOVED THE STORY OF COURAGE . AMAZING , WHEN THERE IS DIVERSITY, HOW WE CAN PULL UP THAT INNER BEING TO PULL US THROUGH THE TIME OF DISPAIR. ALWAYS HAVE FAITH IN HASHEM. MAY WE ALL BE BLESSED, AMEN.. ORIEL COHEN IN FLORIDA

We must be the best person we can be then we are a good jew. thank you for not letting them forget

I am a proud Iranian Jew.....god bless all the jews in the world, god bless isreal, and god bless all peace seeking, and loving human beings around the globe.

What an inspiration! Incredible story! HE IS VERY SMART!!!!

pouya YOU are my hero. and i am proud of you. also, the rabbi's recent book, a must read.

May G-d Bless and keep you always, may his face shine upon you, and may he forever give you peace. G-d Bless Israel Forever and ever!

The history is ugly ,but the Rabbi is a true hero and surely a man of God. God bless him and the Israeli Nation.

i am pouya i am from Iran but still i am Jewish and i am 10 years old i go to Hebrew school on Tuesdays and Thursdays in a snygod.

Its amazing what G-d does and how he preserves people and how many miracles there are in very difficult circumstances. G-d Bless donna

Dear Rabbi lau My name is Sarit. I teach in a Jewish school which was founded by an Holocaust survivor. I show my 5th grade student the clip and they were deeply touched. I asked my students how it is applied to Hanukah, and their answer was that they themselves are the torch that passes the Jewish knowledge, faith, customs and traditions from generation to generation. We want to thank you for sharing this clip. Be sure that we’ll continue to teach and to educate our kids the importance of keeping the Judaism alive. Warm regards Sarit and 5th grade class in Irvine CA USA

A beautiful, brilliant and yet sad commentary. Yes, you cannot respect what you do not know and recognize. I hope and pray that history is not changed in future generations. People need to the truth about World War 2, about the 10 million people that were carelessly slaughtred like animals. I hope and pray that the world will become a better place in which to be, and that people will be educated and and recognize the truth among men, their virtues as well as the evil. G d Bless and keep Rabbi Lau and his loved ones forever and ever. Thank you Rabbi for sharing your story.

This short film brought tears to my eyes. I remember this horrible time even though my mother escaped in 1939, but she had no money here and had to place us in foster care. I have never gotten over the horror of learning that my father's side were all killed. Thank you for telling your story.To this day it still is a pain in my heart to see anything connected with the war and those times of suffering. My father was killed on the Russian Front. I am 72 years old and today so many people do not know what happened. I wish you well and I sincerely thank you. Sylvia

In my heart i thank god, daily for jews like RABBI LAU. My congratulations and admiration. And above all my family prayers, will always be with you Rabbi.

His wise words are chilling. " You cannot respect what you don't know & recognize". "When he seperates from Judiasm, he gives the KEY OF VICTORY to the Murders of his forefathers"! JEWISH IDENTIY: Inner part of the Jewish soul that BINDS him to Tradition.

Rabbi Lau is a brave and brilliant man. It is heartbreaking that he lost his entire family to heartless murderers: the Nazis. He is a true hero and makes me proud to be Jewish.

Words cannot describe the feelings I have listening to Rabbi Lau. Truly inspiring.

Rabainoo Lau is like an Angle (malach) from the Havens.

This is inspirational. I sent it to my three sons to play for my grandchildren

Rabbi Lau teaches us an incredible lesson on his will to live, and never give up hope, despite the horrific experience he faced as a child. His faith in Hashem, and ability to become a torah leader for future generations, is an inspiration for all Jews.

Rabbi Lau tells us that by being Jewish and practicing Judaism we defeat the Nazis plan to eradicate the Jewish people. This may very well be the argument I needed in order to return back to my religious Jewish upbringing

I am So proud to have people like him in our Community . God Bless him.

Rabbi Lau shows us that no matter how horrific your childhood was, you can find purpose and meaning in your survival. I also lost all my family in the holocaust except my parents. May Hashem give Rabbi Lau many more healthy years to share. A hero and a role model.

wILL DEFEND FREE MINDS COVERED WITH LIGHT FOREVER

Inspirational and informative. My relatives in Europe were murdered too

Very touching. That last bit about people not knowing about Judaism anymore but that there is something inside that lets you know you're a Jew is precisely why I am waiting for the perfect Jewish guy even if it means being single forever, rather than intermarrying.

thank you for such an amazing message. wishing the RAbbi and his family all the best in the years to come. RZuller

I have been involved in educating both jews and christians about jews and I will endeavor to do more.

I was so wrapped in listening and watching, I was disappointed it ended. Thank you.

I rtead the book written by Harv Lau . This story must be published in English for those jews and others to read .It is a must !

It's important that the next generation never forgets.

I spent Sukkot in Israel, now I know the meaning of if i forget you Jerusalem may my right hand ...I love you Israel, and I hope to return next year with my chidren too, every time we speach about summer holyday we speach about going to Ysrael, about Jerusalem, YAD VASHEM, MASSADA,ROSH HANIKRA,and manny more.God bless Israel forever !

This more than anything else will inspire my study.

G-d bless you.

Rav Lau's remarks resonate strongly with me for several reasons. My parents survived the Shoa, my mother in hiding and my father liberated by the American army at Dachau.I am very impressed by Rav Lau's Yiddishkeit. He is correct about that spark that reminds a person that they are a Jew. Rav Lau's story is an important part of the Greater Jewish Story. I am sharing Rav Lau's testimony with family and friends.

Rabby Lau is a most impressive personI ever met,and even if I wouldnt agree with him am always ready to listen to him His knowledge and way of speaking is stunning

My mom went into the camps at age 10, my dad 16 and survived.One sister fled to Israel and started Kibbutz Amir. The rest of both families perished. It took such courage and faith and determination for them to survive. We must never forget and continue to pass on their stories

My father was liberated with you and I heard you speak at the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Buchenwald. Your words were especially moving then as they are now. I am happy to have this piece for my three sons to watch. Thank you for sharing it.

Rabbi, You never gave up on Hashem and he never gave up on you. You are now my hero. I will pass this on to educate people of all walks of life. I have no more family left of the survivors. At the age of 56, I am now the family Martriarch. I will continue to educate people about the Holocaust. Never Again.

i myself was born in his home town . as a child of 4 years old my mom and grandfather ely hacker used to take me to rabbi lau father for a blessing in kolomea i survived in the russian army.

I am a secular Jew and perhaps will not be secular for much longer. I will look into joining a Chabad and learning more. Thank You, Edie

IT IS ON THE SHOULDERS OF THIS GIANT THAT WE ALL STAND! OUR WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE HIM. OIF TZELUCHES HITLER!

I've always been denied my Jewish heritage because of my grandmother's fear of persecution, but I started trying to dig it out on my own about thirty years ago and still digging. I love and pray for all the jewish causes, and also their half brothers, the Muslims, which I hate that they fight each other. Shalom.

The innermost feeling of "making a difference" come to the voice of a child that already knew his calling. The Education provided to him emaneted on that day, creating hope, survival and tradition. Einstein said: " The World is not dangerous because you see Evil,but for the ones that see Evil and never try to confront it...! Perhaps the audacity of hope is the solution for counterpointing all the world ills. Let's pray for children that will make a diference and We, as children, for the everlasting notion that our Humanity is a plentifull source of the integrity of men and G-d's mercifull watch and inspiration.

Saludos desde Honduras. I had red this book and I believe Mr Eliav should be in the Heroes Gallery too. Ulua is a River in Honduras but the true Story behind this ship named Ulua should be also known today.

I enjoyed reading all the responses to your video. You are a blessing to our Jewish world, a brave child who has passed your courage and strength on to all of us. Thank You!!

For my children, 4 girls & one son, 12 grandchildren,9 boys & 3 girls.

History will attempt to repeat itself of this I am sure. However, next time maybe we will be better prepared to save as many as we can and perhaps make a difference...those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Shalom Rabbi Lau. For some time I could watch TFJ from my home, although I couldn't understand all what you said but it was nice to see you reporting from inside a train moving to Jerusalem. It was a blessing watching your program. You are my hero of Aish.com :)

I shall narrate the story of Chief Rabbi Lau to my children and everyone who so ever cpmes across that how to survive against the odd under the most cruel environments. I do not consider him as a hero of Jews rather he is a beacon for all, irrespective of religion, who are passoing through the same environments of genocide / holocaust like the Jews under the Nazis while USA, Uk, France and whole Europe watched deliberately. Thank God, it did not happen at our land, South Asia or the Middle East.

Rabbi your courage will inspire me to work harder for Brandeis UYniversity in boston,also started by Jews with a vision.We will give all an education to be able to work and help jews all over the world

wow

When a man speaks so simply, so directly, with emotion, but with no artifice, then you know he speaks truth. Rabbi Lau speaks more thoroughly in this way than anyone I have ever heard. His spirit (as demonstrated by his Life) is quintessentially Jewish. Very few Jews ever manage to approach that mountain (let alone climb it) of strength of character, courage and wisdom on which he stands. He can well serve as the Standard against which the rest of us can measure ourselves, and calibrate our inner compass.

I was very impressed with the ability of a child to stand up to the Nazis in such a manner. I also agree that much of our Jewish population of young people are no longer connected to Judaism in a meaningful way

Rabbi Lau's brilliant inspiring essence is for Jews to be educated to negate the "victory" of the Shoah. Our faith instills our optimism in the future of the Jews.

I worked for United Jewish Appeal in the late 80's and early 90's and had the pleasure and privilege to work with Rabbi Lau's brother, Naphtalie Lavie. His own story is equally as inspiring and it is a tribute to the tenacity of the Jewish people to witness the triumph and success of two such brothers. Yasher Koach, continue to go from strength to strength as you educate and inspire yet another generation.

Am Yisrael Chai

inspiring

Distribute this to every school, college and to as many media outlets as possible. There is very little taught about these times. Good must triumph over evil. However the truth about these times must be known

This story is a true reflection of the resilience of the human spirit under divine direction. Very moving to realize that the traditions of Judaism are at the heart of preserving who we are. May our future generations serve G-d in fullness of heart.

I am deeply touched and felt so privileged to have read such courage and love for life. Rabbi, you loom larger than life. . . .

what a moving piece of history

The strength of the Torah, so strongly bonded in our genes, sprang forth in the child and continues to echo its divine wisdom and eternal light through people as R' Lau.

Rav Lau holds the key to the redemption. He knows that only through knowing G-d and our purpose here can things change for the better.

God saved you for a reason Rabbi Lau. The holocaust was such an absolute evil but something beautiful came out of it - Israel

Hardship, opposition, tragedy can either break or make, shatter or cement, destroy or stimulate the human spirit. May Hashem ever guide His Chosen People in the ways of constructive survival - as He did with Rabbi Lau.

Thank you for sharing that amazing story. I am moved beyond words.

AS ABOVE STATED, YOU ARE AN EXAMPLE OF THE WILL OF GOD...NO HUMAN BEING COULD STAND IN FRONT OF IT

Rav Lau, Shavua Tov to you and all your family.We, Jews, living nowadays in germany do wish that our prayers for the prosperity of Jews around the world, reach the Almighty. I think you are an asset to all of us. All the best

Distribute to every Day school pupil, to every youth movement member, to every synagogue newsletter and community mailshot. Let our unaffilliated be stimulated to awaken pride in their heritage,to become familiar with the profound nature of our texts, philosophy and culture & let our committed fellow Jews be uplifted & inspired,so that we can surmount the intensified attempts to snuff out our heritage & destroy our People. Am Yisrael chai!

As a Second Genration of Holocaust Survivors, I grew up hearing all about Rabbi Lau and how his older brother played a great part in caring for him at the camps. My parents were from Piotrkov, Poland. Rabbi Lau's family were good friends with them before the German's tried to wipe us off the earth. I met Rabbi Lau a few years ago. The Piotrkov Society was having it's Annual Yiskor Meeting. He came into the room and I knew then that He had truly been saved to carry on his families tradition.

I was already an adult in the USA during all of WWII and the Holocaust. Now in my advanced years, I keep feeling that I am living through it again and again.

It' s a honor listen to you Rabbi Lau !The jewish soul is inside our people.long life to you !!!

What a wonderful and powerful video!

it is necessary that every one will hear this, because we are the last generation whose family had been murdered by the nazis , and our duty is to let our children to know the facts and they have to let their children. we have to remember and not to forget what the amalek-nazis the wild beast had done to our nation in a goal to erase them from th e history NO MORE EVER NEVER!

his award is worthful to him

This is a truly informative video clip and I will send it on to others in hopes that they will become better educated on this topic

I have written my experiences. my book's title is "If I was a bird" Escaping Hitler. Obtaineble from WWW.underthesun.net.au

G-D bless Rabbi Lau and give him a long life....his story powerful!

I am a Zionist, I love Israel, the Jewish people, and Jerusalem. May your people live forever and ever through your God, and always see the mighty works of his hand in all the earth.

I read about the life of Chief Rabbi Lau He inspired many people because of his experience as a Jew and as a leader. I hope people will listen to his message.

A fantastic video to remind us that we can never extinguish the flame that our ancestors tried to keep burning.

Proud to be Jewish

I'm albanian from Kosova and I understand very well how people of israel suffered. Deep respect from us, you are like torch for other nations how to prevail evil.Lets never forget darkest ages of human history so they cant be repetet ever again.

More than a personal story, the essence of Jewish identity as part of a Jew's soul is an inspiration and a reason for hope that in this ever growing secular world Jewish identity will be passed to succeeding generations.

Dear Chief Rabbi Lau, What an amazing testimony. I am a Christian and I am having a very tough time at the moment but the way you have not let revenge and bitterness control your life is very inspirational. If I ever visit Israel I would like to visit the holocaust memorial. My father was a prisoner of the japenese for 4 years on the death railway and his life was marked by illness and he was unable to forgive his captors and although he NEVER talked about his experience i know he never was able to forget it i know. Having the legacy of generations of Rabbi,s behind you I am sure was very supporitve to you. I also carry a burden as I have lived a very destructive life and was a drug addict for 35 years, thank the Lord i am 4 years clean now, but my father and i were estranged a long time before he died and I carry the regret and guilt of knowing that I was an emotional burden and great saddness to him. I have to forgive myself in order to live any sort of meaningful life and will try to take strength from your forgiveness. I was just wondering if you would admit that you forgive the evil people who murdered your family. I suspect that you would say that you do not forgive them but that you did not allow them to destroy your destiny. however, by looking at your face, I believe that you have forgiven them in your heart and that this is the reason why the Lord has made your life such a blessing to others. God bless you Rabbi. Regards Richard Johnson

Truly a triumph of the spirit, of HaShem,of the child and humane individual who became Rabbi Lau, and for the people, our people, from whom he came, and for all the generations that will follow. This is a blessing and a miracle for all to behold, and an antidote to cynicism and pessimism.

I am a Jewish woman, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, born after the IIWorld War. Because I am active in my Jewish Community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I have read, heard or seen, hundreds of presentation about Jewish issues, but this one is really superb. Thank you, thank you from the deepest of my heart!

The haredi community, on the outside, does not represent for me, a group of Jews who understand modernity or sometimes even reality. However, now that I understand the background of this very learned man, I understand too, his depth, wisdom, and true understanding of the modern world. You have shown me that it's important to look past the black and white, and to see the "true colours" of the Haredi Jew. May Hashem grant you long life!

Chief Rabbi Lau, then to now you do us all honor. This story shows inner strength and passion.

Thank you Rabbi Lau, for giving us the strength to rise from the ashes of death and grow wild and free and Jewish in the land of Israel.

OUR GREAT GOD HAD HIS HAND ON THIS YOUNG BOY THEN FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS>HOW IS THE WORLD TO KNOW IF THERE IS NO ONE TO TELL OF THE HORROR AND EVIL THAT WAS DONE

iIT IS NOT CASUAL THAT RABBI LAU IS WHERE HE IS, HE DESERVE IT.

As a Christian and strong supporter of Israel and the Jewish people, I am thrilled by this miracle. Thank you, Aish, for sharing this amazing story.

These stories are is so touching..so sad....they should not be forgotten....ever...Hope springs eternal.....

an example to everyone of the impotance of faith and trust in the Almighty

I was born in 1937 in Berlin Germany. Picked up by the Gestapo. Left behind as the Last of the Jewish Boys of Berlin. Barmitzwah in 1950. I thought my life was tough, but a person like Lau makes my life easier to accept. Like to get in tough with Rabbi Lau--if that is possible. Thank you. Shalom

A great personal account of survival, faith and destiny.

So enjoyable to listen to Rav Lau speak a beautiful ivrit, full of trust and faith in the one above.

We may be few in number but with people like this the strength and quality of our numbers explains our survival.

Rav Lau has always been a kind friend to my family and my wedding day will always be for me all the more special becuase Rav Lau officiated our wedding in Tel Aviv.

very instructive for all the world to see,not just Jews

Exemple of faith and determination. Tachles.

This video is a must see for our children and grand children. Jobe has nothing on Rabbi Lau. He is truly blessed by Adonai and is truly a blessing to all Jewish Kehilat all over the world.

Truly an example of a teacher and master, he even educated the nazis while surviving as boy. Great spirit, heart and wisdom. Thank you for shearing your experience, thank you for caring about us!

I hope to meet this Tzadik next year, when I start my aliah. I would like to know more about our closest heroes, the heroes from the Second Lebanon war, such as my beloved friend Roi Klein Z¨L.

Please !!! Translate to SPANISH the wonderfull speech of Rabbi Lau... PLEASE !!!

What a powerful story! Our young Jewish Americans need to be more educated in Jewish beliefs and traditions whe†her Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform

My hatred for the germans of ww two is understandable. Are todays german population any dfifferent than their forbears. I can only hope so. But I do wonder.

Sha-Loha (Shalom & Aloha :=)) Chief Rabbi Lau, Baruch HaShem for His preservation of your life. I am in awe of His Majesty's hand in your life. Vinaka Vakalevu (Fijian: Thank You Very Much) for sharing your spiritual pilgrimage with me. You are an oak in the midst of an ever shifting world. Blessings to you, your family and to the horizons of your tent! AMEN! AMEN!

It constantly amazes me to see how we as Jews have survived. It is only with the help of Hashem that we are able to do these things. I have always admired Rabbi Lau, but have even more admiration for him now than before.

The heroism displayed should convince all that life is precious and that we have a responsibility, in view of all those who suffered great loss and yet continued in a positive way to help repair the ills of the world.

I do know that we should never forget. But whenever I hear these stories, they break my heart and cause me to have feelings of hatred. Should we keep these stories quietly buried in our hearts, minds, books and manuscripts and when we need to prove an issue, we have them. But to keep bringing them out to the public at large, causes separation and hatred. God knows our stories and He keeps these in His heart for ever and everyone to ponder. We should keep them in our heart as well.

Norton, I sobbed like you. I pray that this generation, our children can realize that they must carry the torch!

Wow! Thank you for sharing! May we NEVER forget! God bless.

Shalom, this video remind me when I was 8 years old, my family and I we lived in Mexico we were the only Jewish family at small town, people around us always looked us different but we always show to them the Jews are people of hope, hard workers, and always having faith in a better future. Love aish.com in our family we call our cybersynagogue.

I ja tak uważ,am Blessing This video says to me that G-d has a plan for each of us. We are strong and if we put our mind to good us we can accomplish anything. Moja mama był,a w Rawnzbrig

As a Gentile -I proudly display (Never again) on my vehicle not as a slogan but an ideology.

This was a most well-spent couple of minutes! Yishar kochachah!

I found u comments to be especially inspiring regarding what ever ignorance we are fightingRabbi Lo

Beautiful and humbling. Brought me to tears

I JUST SAW THE VIDEO ON CHIEF RABBI LAU. I, A SINGLE MOM AND MY DAUGHTER ARE BAL TUVA. WE BOTH WENT ON OUR JOURNEY INTO ORTHODOX JUDIASM 5 YEARS AGO, ALTHOUGH MY ENTIRE LIFE I HAD SUCH A YEARNING TO BE A BETTER JEW AND UNDERSTAND AND BE A PART OF JUDIASM AND LIVE IT EVERYDAY. IT IS VERY INSPIRING TO ME TO READ ABOUT A JEWOSH HERO SUCH AS CHIEF RABBI LAU. THANK YO FOR SHARING

Very moving.I sat in front of the screen and sobbed.

The real miracles happen without thunders nor lightings but with the true spirit of the human action transcending time and space. May the effort of this young boy travel through time and space through generation after generation, civilization after civilization to enlighten and show the true human nature to beings for mileniums to come! Beautiful Hebrew Accent too

Very nice work that of the series of Heroes of Israel, is there anyway to put them with Portuguese and Spanish legends???

This video says to me that G-d has a plan for each of us. We are strong and if we put our mind to good us we can accomplish anything.

That this young boy did not die, and that his spirit lives on and that he became a great source of inspiration and love because he bears witness and will not forget or allow others to forget. This story about a little boy standing on a hill to appear bigger and how he gave his mother's diamond is a story that is bigger than life. I am in tears from reading this. I will always be in tears. We have just gone through the historical anniversary of Kristallnacht and I find it impossible to contemplate the horrors we have all been through. And yet, I know that God is by my side, every single day, and with me, because I am experiencing major visible synchronicity and so I do believe, there must be a greater story that I cannot penetrate, that brought such sorrow, such terror on my people. I weep and these are tears that bring me to the Wailing Wall, to Jerusalem, each and every day. to inspire like this is to bring us to a greater height in feeling the warmth and depth of the human spirit and what it feels like to be so inexpressibly brought through something that words cannot describe, ever, in an adequate way. Thank You for presenting Rabbi Lau's story.

What a blessing it was to listen to Rabbi Lau. He has to reach out for ALL generations to come to know there was a real Holocost. G-d will destroy those who hurt His people,Genesis 12:1-3. I am what you would call me a righteous Gentile. I surely would lay my life down for G-ds' Chosen People,Israel. Shalom, Mary Coward

An amazing clip and gave me goose bumps. Also instils feelings of guilt as what the Rabbi says is true - we do not adhere as we should to the traditions of our forefathers, so how will Judaism survive in the years to come?

In 1956, aged 10, I discovered the Holocaust. I made aliyah 38 years ago so that my children would grow up as Jews. A few weeks ago, my daughter was blessed by Rabbi Blau. She was so lucky to have met this truly great human being.

This video shows courage and ability I pray that the world will forth more people like Rabbi Lau, and may his testimony be a lesson for us all. Thanks for this video.

This disk about Rav Lau is very special.He is a real Hero as to have such an impossible childhood and then to arrive here and bring up such a family is very special May he be blessed for many years to come.

Growing up in Germany in history class, end of the sixties beginning of the seventies, we reach the Second World War. The teacher, Herr Schlön told the class that he will tell us the truth, so nobody ever can tell us lies. I did not understand what he was talking about, every child knew there has been a war, after all the German city’s still carried the marks, what truth could there be. Up until that day I did not knew what really happened in Germany. Our teacher showed us what ever was available about the Holocaust, pictures the most Europeans didn’t even know existed… and at the age of 12, 13 it changed my life forever. Still now I’m very cautious never ever to get drawn into a group. It made me realize what effect groups can have on people, and I did not want to do things just because the whole group was doing it, and I would be considered a “spielverderber” the one who ruins everything, because I had to follow my conscience. The Holocaust did not start with the Kristallnacht, it has been there for the last 2000 years, waiting like a volcano to erupt. Like Hitler sad, I’m doing what Christianity is doing for the last 1500 year, just more thoroughly… and at the tribunal of Nuremberg the Nazis defended themselves with the scriptures of Martin Luther. How more I read about the Holocaust, how less I can understand how people could participate in it. I left Germany more than 30 years ago, and I still hope that this lesson affected the life of my former classmates like it has affected mien. I like to say... never again, but when I look around me, I see much hate towards Israel and the Jewish Nation... but still I hope... NEVER AGAIN!!!

Thank you Rabbi Lau.

The Nazis failed. This man proves this by his words, his life and his legacy.

Rabbi Lau, This is a very excellent video. Can you do another video here on Aish about the basic tenets of Judaism and highlight several points that many Jews or Non-Jews may not be aware of please ? Thank you and God Bless ...

Real Hero !!!! God Bless Israel

This is a man!!!!

beautiful story and inspiring

i will forward this to everyone i can... i believe we are on the precipise of yet another anti-Shem period of time. may we do all we can, and may haShem return His people from all over the world back to eretz Yisrael before it is too late. My son was born on Kristalnacht in 1977..a sign of HOPE and a reminder of haShem's promise to His beloved people. bless you for making this available. May haShem make His exquisite face to shine upon you and be gracious to you... may He lift up His wonderful face upon you and give to you His SHALOM always and forever. Toni

RAV LAU IS A GREAT PERSONALITY, VERY WISE AND INTELLECTUAL, I AM PROUD TO HAVE AMONG US SUCH A GREAT PERSON MAY G-D BLESS HIM

I am not a Jew, but I am a student of history, esp. that of Israel since 1947 - I was moved by Rabbi Lau's words (and the pictures).. It would be an honor to meet this man - who turned such horrors into such giving for his nation and people. Ken Hawkins

This, and your other inspirational films on Heroes of Israel, should be submitted to Misrad Hachinuch and distributed and screened in every school in Israel. Also required viewing in Jewish schools in the Diaspora. Thank you.

So True. If you do not know who you are how can you know where you are going!

Rabbi Lau's inspirational words pointed out an important issue. Maybe the Jewish community should be spending money on erecting Jewish day schools and providing an affordable Jewish education to all Jewish children, rather than building memorials. Perhaps then, the non-Jewish nations will not have to build a memorial for the extinct Jewish people in the future.

An amazing inspirational man

not knowing even basic tenets of Judaism, yet possessing inside a spark of the traditions, could this refer to Jeremiah 31 where Hashem says that he will write His Torah on their hearts?

as someone who lost family in the shoah and who, like many, have struggled for many years with this: it is a great inspiration to view this video of rav lau.
what he said about the necessity to strengthen faith after the shoah is the most crucial statement any jew could make.
i am grateful for this video and for the life and work of r'' lau.
thank you so much for posting it.
i hope it will be used as an educational tool in many, many places because it is truly inspirational.

fablous, moving & very inspirational.

these commentaries are wonderful, inspirational, it's an excellent way to show the diversity of Israel and the Jews -

Each person that you have featured is an inspiration!Please keep adding to the list. The Jewish people need to be inspired by real HEROES! Thank you

each time i had the possibility to listen to rabbi Lau it gave me the feeling that G-d is the master of the world. and according to Ethics of the Fathers, how do we rcognize a leader ? by his capacity to make people realize that G-d is the creator of the world Rabbi Lau is truly one of the leaders of the jewish people .

an emotional and inspiring video of gratitude and faith. i could have watched more of this! i am so proud and humbled to be of the same faith as Rabbi Lau

I listened to Rabbi LAu and recogonize my own reasoning why i insisted on remaining a Jew and my chioldren being Jews. It''s why i speak Yiddish when I can. Not to do so means "Hitler" G-d forbid wins. thank you for your saying it so much better than I and i do recognize that it is also for positive reasons but this was the initial response of mine to the exile and the holocaust

Thanks Rav Lau for what you said. In this world, in this time we forget easly which are the main values of the Judaism. We are carried out by the day by day life, too often we forget from where we come, who we are, and especially which are the real life values.

thank God He protected you and you survived to tell us these miracles. If any One watches this TRUE story, We need think deep about''2nd''Hitler''evil,arrogant terrorist Leaders''Mahmound Ahmadinejad nuclear power,and he is word to wipeout the Map,a Jewish STATE,State of yisrael? the some thing In beginning''1919''Hitler propoganda.thanks Rabbi Lau,this sad and educational story! We Jewish people son of ''Yaakob''12''TRIBE,exist for ever with HaShem!amen.One people One destiny!''One Andivided A Jewish STATE.state of ISRAEL!!toda(Wake up before it is too late)

I met Rabbi Lau at Rabbi Avigdor''s retirement in West Hartford, Connecticut several years ago and was inspired by his presence and kind words. He personifies all that is good in Judaism.

It's not enough to remember the Holocaust. Our responsibility is to transmit the tradition, to maintain the chain and to preserve our link to our heritage. Just as Rabbi Lau has preserved the tradition of his family, each Jew has to pass down the heritage of Yiddishkeit to his family, his friends and other Jews.

awe inspiring. Many thanks.

the story is full of mystery,because it proof to the whole world that the guardian of israel never slumber as king David said,as Rav Lau continue the chain of his forebears may Hashem give him long life to continue in his holy task.

This story goes beyond any language barrier giving the story of jewish survival as a people. It is not rational. It is from hashem A famous historian said that the jewish survival proves that there is a god. this is further proof

May G-d bless you and those who both died and survived. My father, who is 88 years old, was a member of one of the divisons that liberated Dachau, and fought in Bavaria to the conclusion of the war. He was there, and will never forget.....

Many thanks HaRav Lau. Words do not do justice to the appreciation we owe witnesses such as yourself, for lighting our path and brightening our vision. May G-d grant you many more years on earth, to encourage us to remember those who perished, and to recall the kindnesses the Almighty showers upon us, as individuals and members of His nation. Many thanks to Aish for enabling Rav Lau to share his story.

As a convert to Judaism, I have no idea what it was *or* is like to be persecuted!! When I converted, I agreed to take whatever comes my way, thank G-d! May we live to see the day when war and bloodshed cease!!

Thanks to Michael Greenspan who, in the TV series "In Search of a Miracle- Beyond all Odds" intoduced the viewers to Rabbi Lau. It is absolutely fascinating to learn of the life of Rabbi Lau and may Hashem continue to look on you in favor!

Very beautiful.. Who that met this rabbi know how is the feeling to stay next to a very special person.

I never knew the background history of Rabbi Lau. He is a remarkable man, who carries a vital message to the Judean world - don't forget your roots!

WOW! I am speechless!! I have never heard his story before. Thank you Aish for publicizing this story. It gives me a lot of chizuk.

Can we be as great as someone like this? Probably not, but that isn't our job. Our job is to be the best we can be as ourselves. After watching this, I ponder what regular people like myself can do, is there anything as great?. There is something: we can be inspired. But don't let it stop there, you must use that inspiration to do something. Often people get inspired and lose it after a short time. I'm not sure what way would suffice for everyone (there isn't really one), but we need to view this as a guide for potential. R' Lau's potential seemed to be short lived 65 years ago but now we all look to the Rav for guidance. This idea should show us that we don't know what life has in store for us (even if you've lived most of your life, you still don't know how much more you can still do). Hopefully this short inspiration will have a lasting effect and we'll try something new (even for 1 minute a day) to improve ourselves and our brothers and sisters across the earth. Good Luck!

When ever the opportunity arises I pass on this sad part of Jewish history.

Rabbi Lau is not a Holocaust survivor BUT a Holocaust OVERCOMER! His decision to stand up and reverse everything the Nazis (may there name be erased!) and their heirs, our enemies today, tried and continue to strive for today, is testament to someone special who has dedicated his life to the Jewish people. He with every fibre of his body lives to strengthen Yiddishkeit, encouraging and empowering Jews everywhere to stand up tall and be proud and act to do something about the appalling state of Yiddishkeit everywhere. Never before have so many Jews been pursuing Jewish education, especially tertiary education in Yeshivot and Medrashot, yet simultaneously, never has there been the extent of Jewish ignorance and lack of basic Jewish knowledge amongst our people. May Rabbi Lau continue to inspire us to emulate his example so that we in turn may stand up and make a difference wherever we may be for the benefit of all Yidden everywhere.

Please, e-mail this message to your sons, daughters and everyone that you know that can make a difference !

A truly remarkable and inspirational film

We need to see more videos like this. I learned so much by watching this. It makes me want to do more to be a better Jew.

its helpful to understand

Thank you for making this available in the world. He is a powerful voice.

the people Israel will always live.it gives you strength to deal with the same madmen we have today such as in iran.am Yisrael chai!!

BS"D Rabbi Lau, Thank you for sharing your painful, inspirational story of what a human being, a Jewish child, could endure under unimaginable hardships and carry on to serve Hashem, His people, and the world. It should be an aliyah for all the precious neshamos of Jews who were wiped out by the Germans in the Holocaust. May we be worthy to see Mashiach soon. Thank you Aish for all you do.

I had the great fortune of meeting Rabbbi Lau. He is such an inspiration.

Dear Rabbi Lau, why are we surprised that HaShem continues to look after his children and preserve them through all of the atrocities that the evil one tried to do and continue to do to extinguish them. I was born in the Land but now live abroad. My parents raised me to hate the Jews as the people who are cursed by G-d and the people who stole our land. Even though I can’t prove any Jewishness in me, but the truth of the matter is my whole blood is overflowing with respect and love to you and my people the chosen people of HaShem. I have taught my self how to read Hebrew and I’m going through the Torah cycle for the second year now. May HaShem continue to Bless you and my beloved the Jewish people to walk in his ways and bring honor and glory to him who LOVES Yisrael. With all of my love, respect and gratitude Ray - U.S.A

Dear Rabbi, A wonderful story/ May you keep up your woderful work. May GOD Bless you & your family

Es ist gut jetzt, dass Deutschland und Israel sind eine separate Land und Frieden herrschen kann. ---------------------------------------- It is good now that Germany and Israel are a seperate country and peace can prevail.

What he did as a 7yo takes my breath away.

the power of our tradition and the strenght of our Rabbis keep the flock together. All is is the Torah. guarding it assures continuation and the promise to our Avoth from Hashem is our strenght.

i was a teacher in of Hebrew in NOrth America for many yrs and altho i was unable in a public school to teach Judaism, i made sure my students knew about the shoah and the history of their people and the state now, we must be sure this happens here too many children, gr grandchildren of survivors have no idea of what happened we cannot afford to allow the history of our people to bypass our youth we must insist that our history b taught despite the ''fear'' that God forbid the kids may learn about yiddishkeit as well

May you never be silenced!

leaves me with ambiguity,since no action today can compare with rabbi lau,yet one can not excuse himself and do nothing.

This was very moving and inspirational.

All I can say to Aish is a simple Thank you! Your work has and will have a tremendous impact on generations.

What a great message, especially in these times in our world. We Must Never Forget then and Must Never Forget 911. So very much in common what is happening in our world now. I support Israel, and May God Bless Israel and all it People.

I never really thought there was a significant difference between information and education. Perhaps the latter is more empowering...Given many hardships that us Jews go through, our Jewish soul ultimately guides us to the light, because we believe in G-d more than the opinion of society and the status quo. When I think of the hardships I go through in life, it may be smaller compared to those who survived the ordeal of the Holocaust. Thus, I feel fortunate that my ancestors have survived to have me born in a world where there can be hope by education, as long as those of objective views from us will listen, as listening is a mitzvah, as I have learned. Indeed, divine providence is what gives me, among many others, the strength to know that there is a G-d and has provided us Jews the resources and tools in order to survive generation after generation. Hopefully, this will result in idolatry and hatred to be trumped.

You from Aish are the best!! thank you for all the inspiration!

Although I''ve read much about and seen many pictures of Rav Lau, this film reveals the greatness of his mind, heart, and soul in a way I''ve never seen before. Tears came to my eyes when he said that we give the keys to victory to our vilest enemies unless we learn and adhere to Torah. Juxtaposed with your concurrent story about a Jewish child hidden during WW II who has served as a priest for the last 50 years--of late in Yerushalayim no less!--Aish haTorah has powerfully shown us the ongoing effects of the Holocaust. The story of one of the Jewish ''priest'' is so ironic and so sad. But the story of Rav Lau is exceptionally inspirational, and thank you so, so much for letting us see and listen to the Rav on video.

Thank you Rabbi Lau. This past week my child lit Shabbat candles for the first time in her new flat with her husband. Yes, the Almighty wants us to continue in our traditions. He has blessed our family this week, and I believe it is partly to do with the lighting of the Shabbat candles. May G-d grant you strength and many blessings.