His
spirit could not be broken in Auschwitz, and after the war
he became a teacher, supervisor, and role model for young
people who were left with nothing but their lives — and the
need for someone as devoted and inspiring as this young Gerer chassid
from Lodz whose Jewish spark remained alive.Herman
Wouk came to know and admire him. As the famous novelist says
in his Introduction to this book:
Israel
Cohen’s … unpretentious account is outstanding for vividness
— and most strangely — optimism… The author paints a telling
picture of the way a religious structure gives form and strength
to life, and could do so even in Auschwitz… Israel Cohen is
a maggid, a storyteller. “Destined to Survive” held my interest
throughout. I recommend the book as a declaration of faith
that has been tested in hellfire, and as an adventurous personal
history wholly Jewish and wholly G–dly.
More than
once, Israel Cohen thought he was a footstep away from the
end, but he was destined to survive — to start a new life,
raise a proud family, and share his experiences with us. And
his experiences are truly a gift, because Cohen is a man with
a heart and an unshakeable faith. His moving, hope-filled
articles (some of which are included in this book) have appeared
in religious and secular publications in the United States
and Canada, and he has often been called upon to share his
experiences with audiences in both these countries.
