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The Last Boy in Auschwitz: A WW2 Jewish Holocaust Survival True Story
He will stay in Auschwitz to the bitter end if it means his brother might survive.Poland, 1940. Moshe and his family flee their hometown of Warsaw in a desperate bid for survival as Nazi forces advance on the city. Hiding under false identities, they hope to wait out the end of the war, which must surely be near.But nowhere is truly safe for Poland’s Jews, and soon Moshe and his brother find themselves en route to Auschwitz, from where no one returns. Separated from the rest of their family, they hold on to each other with everything they have.But a devastating accident leads the brothers to confront an impossible choice – stay together and perish in Auschwitz, or part ways for the smallest chance to survive. As the war draws to a close, Moshe is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his brother safe, even if it means remaining behind, alone, in the one place he is most desperate to leave.In an unbelievable true story, Moshe and his brother face hunger, hatred, and one heartbreaking goodbye in the hopes of living to see the skies beyond the walls of Auschwitz once more.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
February 17, 2025
In this short but powerful book Mjetek Bomberg writes of his survival of the most notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz. Mjetek shows how they truly lost everything, and how it was a miracle if you had a family member left after the war. A true, terribly sad story.
November 24, 2023
The book I’m reading is called “The last boy in Auschwitz” by grandson, Aviva Hershko, the grandson of Moshe (Mietek) Bromberg. His grandson hopes this book will encourage others to make sure that atrocities will never happen again. He explained that his grandfather can’t express or share his experiences with their grandchildren like other survivors at the time chose not to do, however he left a recording to his grandchildren for them to understand and honour the resistance of oppression and abused people. He was born in 1920, and grew up in Warsaw, Poland. His family owned a barbershop business until the war broke they had to flee but was forced to live in the ghetto. He was involved in the Zionist resistance movement, until he was put on a train with his brother. I did enjoy reading this short and powerful book, because it is similar to today’s world where it shows us the insights and describes of anti-semitism and the ignorance that grows from. I honestly believe every high school student should read this book and writes an essay what anti-semitism looks like. But at the same time, sadly, anti-semitism is “alive and well” around the world and gets uglier. I hope this book has taught and educated us to demonstrate many people with compassion, happiness, love, kindness and grace to help and to prevent this, such violence and death. Mjetek’s story is an inspiration because of his experiences that he escapes death multiple times that includes the brutality. He was saved by the people that he loved, cared and supported. As a result, did his family survive? What happened to them now? You can decide.
February 16, 2024
Tragic. It’s not as discussed what happened to those who survived WW2 camps after they were liberated. They still faced an upward battle still burdened with lingering prejudices. First time reading an accurate true account of life before, during and after the war
January 29, 2024
transformative
I could not put this book down. It is an extraordinary story of Mjetek's survival (I feel, having spent time inside his head, that I can call him personally by name). He is forthright and fearless. I was astonished at how self-revealing he was, telling just what the psychic and physical experience was like for him--through multiple horrors and calamities, the disbelief and denial as anti-Jew rumblings began in Poland and people did not see what was coming and Run!, (should we not be learning this lesson now?), the transports, the camps, Auschwitz!, multiple grievous injuries and attacks, including having to endure anti-semitic attacks AFTER liberation, struggling to find himself in new roles after the war, the cruelty of the British Mandate, and the futile search for living family members. I felt I came to know the man who lived this story intimately. I want to call him on the phone and ask him how he's doing, how's his family, what are their plans for Passover. His ability to share what was going on inside himself--and how he dealt with his own behavior in intermittent positions of authority--was astonishing. I'm ashamed to say that much of his experience--the displacement camps, the blockage of ships and onboard attacks by the British of Jews just trying to find a home in Israel after the nightmare--was unknown to me. I am thrilled to know he now has grandchildren and great grandchildren. I wish it were possible to say Never Again and believe it.
I could not put this book down. It is an extraordinary story of Mjetek's survival (I feel, having spent time inside his head, that I can call him personally by name). He is forthright and fearless. I was astonished at how self-revealing he was, telling just what the psychic and physical experience was like for him--through multiple horrors and calamities, the disbelief and denial as anti-Jew rumblings began in Poland and people did not see what was coming and Run!, (should we not be learning this lesson now?), the transports, the camps, Auschwitz!, multiple grievous injuries and attacks, including having to endure anti-semitic attacks AFTER liberation, struggling to find himself in new roles after the war, the cruelty of the British Mandate, and the futile search for living family members. I felt I came to know the man who lived this story intimately. I want to call him on the phone and ask him how he's doing, how's his family, what are their plans for Passover. His ability to share what was going on inside himself--and how he dealt with his own behavior in intermittent positions of authority--was astonishing. I'm ashamed to say that much of his experience--the displacement camps, the blockage of ships and onboard attacks by the British of Jews just trying to find a home in Israel after the nightmare--was unknown to me. I am thrilled to know he now has grandchildren and great grandchildren. I wish it were possible to say Never Again and believe it.
March 16, 2025
A gut-wrenching true story of a Holocaust survivor’s brutal and horrifying experiences in various concentration camps, including Auschwitz. This story uniquely provided a glimpse into what life was like for many Jewish survivors after liberation from the camps.
September 6, 2025
I feel bad giving a Holocaust survivor’s memoir less than 5 stars, but it wasn’t the best I’ve read. I think maybe things were “lost in translation” — literally. I also think the title and description on the back was a bit misleading as to the actual content and thrust of the book.
But there is plenty that I do find worthwhile about this book. For someone who wants a quick read that covers the breadth of WWII Jewish experience in Europe, I think it does do good job. I liked that a good amount of time was spent after the war ended. It’s easy to forget the difficulty and chaos survivors still endured afterward. This also highlights that antisemitism was (is) not something exclusive to Nazi Germany.
But there is plenty that I do find worthwhile about this book. For someone who wants a quick read that covers the breadth of WWII Jewish experience in Europe, I think it does do good job. I liked that a good amount of time was spent after the war ended. It’s easy to forget the difficulty and chaos survivors still endured afterward. This also highlights that antisemitism was (is) not something exclusive to Nazi Germany.
May 26, 2025
I really enjoy reading about WW2 - wether it be historical fiction or a true story.
This story was written by a noice writer, but he wrote it to share his experience so history is not lost or repeated. It’s not elegant, but it is raw and real.
It’s said that even after he survived Auschwitz he still continued to face anti-semitism, and it angers me that in 2025 there is still such hate and antisemitism against Jews.
This story was written by a noice writer, but he wrote it to share his experience so history is not lost or repeated. It’s not elegant, but it is raw and real.
It’s said that even after he survived Auschwitz he still continued to face anti-semitism, and it angers me that in 2025 there is still such hate and antisemitism against Jews.
September 8, 2025
Heart wrenching story of survival. Fast paced and well detailed.
March 13, 2024
This story is unique because it continues after the camps were liberated and shows the antisemitism he continued to face post war. I did not think the story flowed very well and the writing was meh
April 24, 2024
A new favorite
I taught a unit for 20 years to my 7th graders on the Holocaust because there was only one paragraph in our social studies book about it. I think I’ve read every young adult book on the subject because when I went to school we only had Anne Frank - not the most interesting book for boys. This true story is now at the top of my recommendations for students to read, or I would read it aloud. I especially liked that it told of the anti-semitism facing the Jews who survived the atrocities of the Holocaust.
I taught a unit for 20 years to my 7th graders on the Holocaust because there was only one paragraph in our social studies book about it. I think I’ve read every young adult book on the subject because when I went to school we only had Anne Frank - not the most interesting book for boys. This true story is now at the top of my recommendations for students to read, or I would read it aloud. I especially liked that it told of the anti-semitism facing the Jews who survived the atrocities of the Holocaust.
November 20, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by a holocaust survivor but I still got the feeling that it’s quite unique in the sense that it doesn’t end when the camp is liberated by the Soviets, it doesn’t give the false impression of happily ever after. Almost half of the book is about how a young Auschwitz survivor is trying to fit into a society that has absolutely no idea what to do with him.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the neutral tone, but I can understand why the author decided to tell the many horrible things happening to him this way. Definitely not one for the light hearted—but I guess none of the holocaust stories are.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the neutral tone, but I can understand why the author decided to tell the many horrible things happening to him this way. Definitely not one for the light hearted—but I guess none of the holocaust stories are.
December 6, 2023
Wonderful book
This book is so tragic in many ways but after the Nazi camps, he did get some good breaks but, he also had so very hard times along the way trying to get to Isreal. Many times he wanted to give up because of the loss of his family but he kept going. I believe he did have a good life in the end with wife, children, grandchildren, great grands. This us a very good read and I recommend this book.
This book is so tragic in many ways but after the Nazi camps, he did get some good breaks but, he also had so very hard times along the way trying to get to Isreal. Many times he wanted to give up because of the loss of his family but he kept going. I believe he did have a good life in the end with wife, children, grandchildren, great grands. This us a very good read and I recommend this book.
May 5, 2024
4.5 stars
There are many books written by those who survived their horrific experiences in the Jewish ghettos and the concentration camps. As time has gone by and most of these people have passed away, these testimonials are vital for all of us to comprehend the atrocities committed.
Moshe and his family are Polish Jews who, like other Jewish families in other countries, were first forced to move from their home to the ghetto and then to one of the camps. Eventually Moshe is reunited with his brother and Moshe survives his experience due to his youth and a lot of luck. After the war, Moshe continues to look for family and friends while he works a variety of jobs in a variety of countries.
Moshe's sheer strength and will to live is tested throughout this several year period. What does make this survival story different is that it indeed includes a few years of his life after his liberation from Auschwitz. Life doesn't just return to "normal" in many of the countries. The Jewish people still face hatred and violence daily.
There are many books written by those who survived their horrific experiences in the Jewish ghettos and the concentration camps. As time has gone by and most of these people have passed away, these testimonials are vital for all of us to comprehend the atrocities committed.
Moshe and his family are Polish Jews who, like other Jewish families in other countries, were first forced to move from their home to the ghetto and then to one of the camps. Eventually Moshe is reunited with his brother and Moshe survives his experience due to his youth and a lot of luck. After the war, Moshe continues to look for family and friends while he works a variety of jobs in a variety of countries.
Moshe's sheer strength and will to live is tested throughout this several year period. What does make this survival story different is that it indeed includes a few years of his life after his liberation from Auschwitz. Life doesn't just return to "normal" in many of the countries. The Jewish people still face hatred and violence daily.
February 25, 2025
Come on, it's been a long time since I've brought something to your attention about the Holocaust, and let's be honest: we all know that it's a subject of interest to me.
But this book disappointed me somewhat. Its pages bring to mind the story of Moshe, originally from Warsaw, who ends up being separated from his family and ends up surviving the Auschwitz concentration camp. There, although he manages to reunite with his brother, the two end up being separated as the front approaches the camp. Although it had some pretty tough scenes (from the part where he talked about the situation in which they ended up eating a horse during the war to the scene where the Russians arrive in Auschwitz and the militair bursts into tears.) the book itself is written in a style that doesn't appeal to me. And personally, it seems to me that there is no connection between the chapters.
On the other hand, the scene in the camp where a survivor was about to bite a corpse is something I definitely won't forget anytime soon.
But this book disappointed me somewhat. Its pages bring to mind the story of Moshe, originally from Warsaw, who ends up being separated from his family and ends up surviving the Auschwitz concentration camp. There, although he manages to reunite with his brother, the two end up being separated as the front approaches the camp. Although it had some pretty tough scenes (from the part where he talked about the situation in which they ended up eating a horse during the war to the scene where the Russians arrive in Auschwitz and the militair bursts into tears.) the book itself is written in a style that doesn't appeal to me. And personally, it seems to me that there is no connection between the chapters.
On the other hand, the scene in the camp where a survivor was about to bite a corpse is something I definitely won't forget anytime soon.
November 19, 2024
The Last B0y Of Auschwitz was a memoir by Moshe, a Holocaust survivor that was captivating and horrifying. I just could not believe what this boy endured during World War II.
This was written in a way that just pulled me right into his mesmerizing experience. This included so much detail about what he endured during his time in the camps and how he felt. Some portions could have included even more details, like his escape from the Ghetto and his experience as a blacksmith for the Nazis.
So many of his stories were shocking, sad, and powerful. May of the things that he experienced were unique, and it was the first time I’d heard of these things happening. His courage was just overwhelming to read. What struck me was how his friends helped him in a variety of ways, and it reflected on him as a person. This was an important memoir.
This was written in a way that just pulled me right into his mesmerizing experience. This included so much detail about what he endured during his time in the camps and how he felt. Some portions could have included even more details, like his escape from the Ghetto and his experience as a blacksmith for the Nazis.
So many of his stories were shocking, sad, and powerful. May of the things that he experienced were unique, and it was the first time I’d heard of these things happening. His courage was just overwhelming to read. What struck me was how his friends helped him in a variety of ways, and it reflected on him as a person. This was an important memoir.
July 20, 2025
This was a short read, although painful because of the nature of the true story. Obviously I knew that going in. The pure evil that Moshe and his family, along with so many others, had to endure is incomprehensible. At the same time his ability to move forward and persevere was truly incredible. The people he met during the course of his life who showed him some kindness, and helped him despite the risk, was also incredible and inspirational. It was truly heartbreaking that even after he survived the Warsaw Ghetto, the Osrowitz camp and Auschwitz his suffering and the discrimination against the Jewish community wasn’t over. This story, and others like it, should be required reading in school to serve as a reminder to us all of the evil that is out there in the world and at the same time the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
November 30, 2025
Triumph over overwhelming darkness
The Last Boy in Auschwitz is a powerful memoir defined by Eliyahu Riebman’s indomitable spirit.
Despite the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust and the crushing loss of his entire family save one brother, Eli’s account remains a testament to positive attitude and a fierce will to live. His sense of presence and desire to participate were his survival mechanisms in the camps.
The tragedy didn't end with liberation; the book reveals the painful reality that survivors still had to fight for their future. The final chapters offer a compelling and happy ending: Eli’s triumph is realized through his contribution to the creation of Israel and his eventual settlement there.
This is a story of survival, persistence, and eventual triumph over overwhelming darkness.
The Last Boy in Auschwitz is a powerful memoir defined by Eliyahu Riebman’s indomitable spirit.
Despite the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust and the crushing loss of his entire family save one brother, Eli’s account remains a testament to positive attitude and a fierce will to live. His sense of presence and desire to participate were his survival mechanisms in the camps.
The tragedy didn't end with liberation; the book reveals the painful reality that survivors still had to fight for their future. The final chapters offer a compelling and happy ending: Eli’s triumph is realized through his contribution to the creation of Israel and his eventual settlement there.
This is a story of survival, persistence, and eventual triumph over overwhelming darkness.
November 25, 2024
These stories are always equally interesting and devastating to read and this was no exception. You learn everything about young Moshe and what life was like prior to the war, what he and his family endured during, and ultimately what the conclusion of his story was to become. Given that this is a biography, you get a window into the emotional and psychological toll that enduring something like the Holocaust had on all those involved. I didn't know much about what life was like for survivors post war and this also gives a very good glimpse into that part of not well-known history. As a reader, you appreciate the vulnerability a person can display to not only re-live something like what Moshe experienced, but also his willingness to share it with the rest of us.
February 12, 2025
Riverting
I am not Jewish but I was a child of immigrant parents from Greece and Cyprus. They immigrated to America and I as born in 1946 and raised in the Bronx, NYC. There were many immigrants families namely Jews with tattoo numbers on arms, many Irish and two Greek families. I saw someone’s father scared with burns from the war. Too young to understand the horrors he experienced . Reading this book made me cringe. Sadly man’s inhumanity towards others different is mind boggling. This book awakened my heart and soul.
I am not Jewish but I was a child of immigrant parents from Greece and Cyprus. They immigrated to America and I as born in 1946 and raised in the Bronx, NYC. There were many immigrants families namely Jews with tattoo numbers on arms, many Irish and two Greek families. I saw someone’s father scared with burns from the war. Too young to understand the horrors he experienced . Reading this book made me cringe. Sadly man’s inhumanity towards others different is mind boggling. This book awakened my heart and soul.
March 17, 2025
So often we read a story from a survivor of the atrocities of the Holocaust and it ends with their liberation. This man’s haunting tale is a proper insight to the continuation of persecution of the Jewish community AFTER the war is over. After what the Jewish community had been put through under the Nazi regime, they then still had to go to camps (thankfully none were death camps) and be subject to violent reactions and treatment from countries other than Germany!
May 15, 2025
Heroic Needs A Redefinition
Rarely is mere survival of a tragedy, even an unimaginably daunting one, viewed as heroic. Miraculous maybe, or fortunate, but heroic implies a sacrifice for a larger group or purpose. Mjetek’s path to freedom was not selfless, but neither was it selfish, and his story highlights the power of offering help at the same one reaches out for help. His refusal to surrender hope and his willingness to share that hope is heroic indeed.
Rarely is mere survival of a tragedy, even an unimaginably daunting one, viewed as heroic. Miraculous maybe, or fortunate, but heroic implies a sacrifice for a larger group or purpose. Mjetek’s path to freedom was not selfless, but neither was it selfish, and his story highlights the power of offering help at the same one reaches out for help. His refusal to surrender hope and his willingness to share that hope is heroic indeed.
November 21, 2023
Understanding the tragedy of antisemitism
Gives the reader insight to one mans stuggles against the evils of racism and how strength,courage and luck defined survival or death for the Jewish people. Learn about history to avoid repeating it. Knowledge is powerful.
I enjoyed the book and will continue on with reading book 3.
Gives the reader insight to one mans stuggles against the evils of racism and how strength,courage and luck defined survival or death for the Jewish people. Learn about history to avoid repeating it. Knowledge is powerful.
I enjoyed the book and will continue on with reading book 3.
November 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and the resilience demonstrated by the author. The horror of the holocaust should never be forgotten or dismissed! So very many lives were lost, and the cruel treatment by the Nazis and their co-conspirators is hard to believe. I only gave the book 4 stars because some of the story was disjointed; however, the bravery and heroism of the author should be lauded.
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January 11, 2024We must never forget!
Especially with all the anti semitisim going on in the world right now, books like these must be written and read so people can know the Holocaust did happen. It's hideous to think fools believe otherwise. Mjetek's story is a must read. Heartbreaking, sad, unconscionable, but true. Lest we forget, read and tell other's! Evil is still alive and well.
Especially with all the anti semitisim going on in the world right now, books like these must be written and read so people can know the Holocaust did happen. It's hideous to think fools believe otherwise. Mjetek's story is a must read. Heartbreaking, sad, unconscionable, but true. Lest we forget, read and tell other's! Evil is still alive and well.
January 30, 2024
OMG. The atrocities that he suffered were unbelievable. How can anyone that suffered this kind of abuse and saw such horrific crimes ever trust anyone. It is sickening to think this actually happened. He is one of how many. I’ve read several books on the Holocaust and find it very disturbing that this actually happened by the hands of one man.
March 29, 2024
Awesome
I ENJOYED READING THIS STORY AS A REMÌNDER OF WAR OF GENOCIDE.WE MUST IN THE USA, GUARD AGAINST VOTING FOR FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP.HE IS SO DANGEROUS PREJUDICE AGAINST WOMEN AND OTHER NON WHITE ARYAN TYPES,LIKE HIS HITLER IDOL. PLEASE DONT SQUASH MY CALL TO WAKE UP.THANKS FOR THE GREAT READ,!
I ENJOYED READING THIS STORY AS A REMÌNDER OF WAR OF GENOCIDE.WE MUST IN THE USA, GUARD AGAINST VOTING FOR FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP.HE IS SO DANGEROUS PREJUDICE AGAINST WOMEN AND OTHER NON WHITE ARYAN TYPES,LIKE HIS HITLER IDOL. PLEASE DONT SQUASH MY CALL TO WAKE UP.THANKS FOR THE GREAT READ,!
April 8, 2024
Wonderful and riveting read!
I loved the story very much and truly felt for the author. The story had me so involved and I could almost imagine what it was like being there and the sadness felt throughout but also I felt the pride and happiness and was very relieved Mjetek made it to Israel where he reunited with his wife and made Aliyah!
I loved the story very much and truly felt for the author. The story had me so involved and I could almost imagine what it was like being there and the sadness felt throughout but also I felt the pride and happiness and was very relieved Mjetek made it to Israel where he reunited with his wife and made Aliyah!
May 18, 2024
One thing I liked a lot was the telling of what happened after the liberation. Many of the books I’ve read take place in the camps, with a small epilogue or summary of the rest of the life afterwards. This had great detail about the continued struggles as a Jewish person after their imprisonment at a death camp.
November 6, 2024
We Need to Remember
Personal stories from holocaust survivors such as Mjetek remind us to guard against such hatred and tragedy in ourselves, our communities, and our world. Thank you for sharing your journey. Very well written. Disturbing without explicit gore. A very worthy read.
Personal stories from holocaust survivors such as Mjetek remind us to guard against such hatred and tragedy in ourselves, our communities, and our world. Thank you for sharing your journey. Very well written. Disturbing without explicit gore. A very worthy read.
November 9, 2023
Thankfully a story of survival
Fast pace and held my interest and I finished it in a day. I still can't wrap my mind around the Holocaust and now in 2023 the pogrom in which 1400 Israeli were
slaughtered. I can only begin to comprehend it as evil from Satan himself
Fast pace and held my interest and I finished it in a day. I still can't wrap my mind around the Holocaust and now in 2023 the pogrom in which 1400 Israeli were
slaughtered. I can only begin to comprehend it as evil from Satan himself
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews