Dear reader,

When I’m asked how I got involved in the topic of music during the

Holocaust, I reply that my interest is a combination of my love of music

and my family’s history and fate during WWII. 

Though I was born and raised in Israel, where the topic of the

Holocaust is well taught and discussed, I grew up never really knowing

much about my family during those times.  Today, as a Classical composer,

educator and lecturer, it’s through music that I am able to open the dialogue to the stories that can no longer be told, the questions that remain unanswered, and the emotional chaos and confusion surrounding the Holocaust.

I began my journey by searching for music that was composed and performed during the Holocaust in

the ghettos and concentration camps.  I wanted to understand the meaning and purpose of music in people’s lives during those horrific times.  During my research, I realized that music was a powerful source of comfort and emotional relief for people.  The need to create was a sign of hope and people’s strong will to live.  Through personal stories by Holocaust survivors, I realized that the ability to compose or play music, at times saved people’s lives.

They Played For Their Lives embarks on its mission to preserve the legacy of music during the Holocaust, pass it on to the following generations and preserve the memory of the victims.  The film uniquely captures personal stories by Holocaust survivors through original images, interviews and archival recordings of the sounds of music that they created.

Thank you for visiting the official site of They Played For Their Lives.  I warmly invite you to contact us

if you would like to support our mission and get involved in the making of this film.

Sincerely yours,

Film Director and Project Manager

Holocaust Survivors Association