Max Fischel
"Never forget what the Germans did to the Jews."
Name at birth
Motek Fischel
Date of birth
09/23/1921
Where did you grow up?
Bedzin, Poland
Name of father, occupation
Meyer Fischel,
Food merchant
Maiden name of mother, occupation
Pearl Lefkowitz,
Homemaker
Immediate family (names, birth order)
Parents, Binka, myself (Motek), Bacha, Victor and Fela
How many in entire extended family?
30
Who survived the Holocaust?
Binka, Fela and myself
I grew up in a comfortable household. I had a very happy childhood and many friends. I finished public school and did very well in school. I was taken to a labor camp in 1940.
Name of Concentration / Labor Camp(s)
Where did you go after being liberated?
Weiden, Germany
When did you come to the United States?
1949
Where did you settle?
Detroit, Michigan
Occupation after the war
Plumber
When and where were you married?
November 5, 1946 in Weiden, Germany
Spouse
Sophie,
Homemaker
Children
William, attorney; Barbara, psychologist
Grandchildren
Five
What do you think helped you to survive?
I had a good friend who worked in the kitchen in concentration camps. He smuggled food to me. I also had a relatively good plumbing job in the camps that allowed me to survive. I have always had an optimistic attitude in life.
What message would you like to leave for future generations?
Never forget what the Germans did to the Jews.
Interviewer:
Charles Silow
Interview date:
04/04/2011
Experiences
Survivor's map
