What’s Happening
Josef Lewkowicz, a formidable Holocaust survivor and determined Nazi hunter, has passed away at the esteemed age of 98 in Jerusalem. Often referred to as “Reb Yosef,” his relentless pursuit of justice and his inspirational survival story stand as a testament to his enduring spirit and legacy that will continue to inspire the Jewish community and the world.
Why It Matters
Lewkowicz’s life has been immortalized in the UK bestseller “The Survivor,” a narrative translated into 12 languages, ahead of its anticipated release in the United States on Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27, 2025. His life story has also been adapted into a documentary, “The Survivor’s Revenge,” emphasizing his strength and commitment to seek justice for Holocaust victims, illuminating his perseverance as he pursued Nazi perpetrators such as the infamous Amon Goth.
A Legacy Etched in Resilience and Justice
Rabbi Naftali Schiff, CEO of Jewish Futures and co-founder of JRoots, honors Lewkowicz’s lifelong devotion and achievement: “Reb Yosef triumphed over adversity with unwavering courage and dedication, not only practicing his Yiddishkeit, but also in preserving it for future generations.”
Lewkowicz’s strength was famously displayed when he led students in Poland, promoting joy through traditional Jewish celebration at sites of former Nazi oppression, proving that the Jewish spirit prevails over tyranny and atrocity. Through initiatives like JRoots—which organizes educational sites for Jewish history in Poland—his dedication to Jewish education remains incomparable.
More About His Life and Mission
Set for a January 27, 2025 launch to coincide with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Lewkowicz’s upcoming memoir from Harper Horizon captures his life abiding amid the horrors of six concentration camps, mapping his transformative journey from a enduring survivor into a relentless Nazi hunter.
Lewkowicz once wrote, “I endured hunger, beatings, and torture in six camps and managed to prevail so I could bring a monster to justice.” This illustrated his resilience and purposeful mission to remember, yet simultaneously highlighted his deep commitment, reminding readers of the strength embodied by the Jewish community and the critical importance of justice.
This story was first published on jpost.com.