The Fighter of Auschwitz

The Fighter of Auschwitz

By Eric Brouwer

Genre:-Biography/Non Fiction

Pages:-256

Publisher:-Cassell/Octopus Books

Blurb:-'He had the dream again last night...He taps the gloves of his unbeaten Polish opponent. There are rumours that the loser will be sent to the gas chamber.'

In 1943, the Dutch champion boxer, Lean Sanders, was sent to Auschwitz. His wife and children were put to death while he was sent 'to the left' with the others who were fit enough for labour. Recognised by an SS officer, he was earmarked for a !privileged! post in the kitchen in exchange for weekly boxing matches for the entertainment of the Nazi guards. From there, he enacted his resistance to their limitless cruelty.

 With great risk and danger to his own life. Lean stole, concealed and smuggled food and clothing from SS nursing units for years to alleviate the  unbearable suffering of the prisoners in need. He also regularly supplied extra food to the Dutch women in Dr. Mengele's experiment, Block 10. To his fellow Jews in the camp, he acted as a rescuer, leader and role model, defending them even on their bitter death march to Dachau towards the end of the war.

 A story of astonishing resilience and compassion, The Fighter of Auschwitz is a testament to the endurance of humanity in the face of extraordinary evil.

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My Review:-The incredible true story of Leendert Josua Sanders, a professional Dutch boxer who boxed to help others survive. This is a book I knew was going to a hard read because of the genre, but one that I was looking forward to read. We are told the story of Leen before and after his time in Auschwitz. On 18th August 1942, Leen his wife, Selli and children, Jopie and David left home on Paviljoensgracht for the last time, but always having hope that one day they would return. On 14th January 1943 Leen walked through the gates to Auschwitz with the words "ARBEIT MACHT FREI" (Work sets you free) above the gates. After walking through those gates, he was sent to the left as he was healthy and fit and could work, unlike his family that were put to death. Working in the kitchen, Leen could hide food to give to others as well as other things. Leen knew he had to fight and win if it means someone doesn't go to the gas chamber. Boxing became more of a job for him, that brought helped himself as well as his 'organisation' (You will learn what his organisation means through reading the book). We learn the way Nazi's thought and how they invaded the Jewish community.  After the war Leen became an American citizen, but will never forget what he had to do or saw. His left arm bears his concentration camp number: 86764, something that holds a lot of memories.

I found this an emotional book but one that needs to be read. The back of the book holds a lot of information, Bibliography, Testimonies of Auschwitz survivors, Articles, Newpapers archives, Magazines and other sources.