Escape From Sobibor

In 1942, SS-chief Heinrich Himmler

initiated "Operation Reinhardt".

Nazi-Germany's final solution

to the "Jewish question".

3 death-camps were built and staffed

under top secret orders.

These camps, all in

eastern Poland, were Belzec,

Treblinka and the most secret Sobibor.

Sobibor. It was here on October 14th

prisoner revolt in World War 2

took place.

This is that story.

- Did you speak to them?

- Yes, Leon.

But they're still going to do it.

- Leon, Leon...

- What's going on?

We're assigned to the

vegetable lot today.

While you're at the

station, we are going to go.

- We've been working on

that fence, it's our chance.

- In broad daylight through the minefield?

It's crazy, you'll never make it.

We have the courage now.

Who knows if we do tomorrow.

We're going to do it,

nobody can stop us.

Good luck.

Quick! Run!

It's nothing but a little

target practice.

I want no problems here today.

Is that clear?

Take your positions. Dismissed.

Attention, railroad brigade Jews.

As always, I expect you to be

smiling, when the train arrives.

Remember, we are welcoming these people.

This will run smoothly.

If there's a problem like yesterday's,

if people panic or try to run

I don't have to remind you,

you will be killed.

Water!

Give me water!

Remember, we've got to stay together.

Get moving!

You! You, get back!

Get back, I say!

- You must leave your bag.

- No!

Stay right next to me.

If you want to stay together,

volunteer.

When they ask you,

tell them you have a trade.

Quiet!

Quiet!

Stand where you are and be quiet.

You will be separated into

two groups, just temporarily.

Women and children on this side,

men and boys, 14 years of

age or older, on the other.

Those who are ill or too

weak to walk will be assisted.

Leave your luggage, it will

be brought to you later.

Now, move as quickly as possible.

Move!

- Shlomo, Moses...!

- Mama, he said we'd be

together in a little while.

- Yes, a little while. Kiss your sister.

- Mama, which side to go?

Don't start anything.

Move! Back!

All the sick on the top.

On the wagon, over here!

Observe...

Do you see? How I'm scattering this?

Grain by grain.

That is what will happen

with your filthy Reich.

It will vanish like flying dust

and passing smoke.

No.

You stand right here

and don't move until I tell you

Silence!

I want everyone to listen to me carefully.

You have arrived at Sobibor.

You are in eastern Poland.

This is a labour camp.

We have brought you here to work.

You will work hard, but hard

work is good for the soul.

So in reality, we are your benefactors.

You will be housed, you will be

fed. All we ask is your cooperation.

If you do your jobs, you

will have nothing to fear.

You will be given postcards.

Write to your relatives and friends to

tell them you have arrived here safely.

We will mail them for you.

Unfortunately, there

have been reports that

typhus have broken out

at several labour camps.

We do not want typhus at Sobibor.

Therefore, first you will be

taken to the shower facility

where you will each have a hot shower.

Naturally, men and women

will shower separately.

Women will have their hair

cut short before they shower

While you are showering, your clothing

will be disinfected.

Remember, the better your behaviour,

the easier your stay will be.

Hauptscharfhrer Wagner,

Oberscharfhrer Frenzel

- I need experienced shoemakers and tailors.

- Is anybody a qualified seamstress?

- Here, I am a seamstress.

- Where did you work? For how long?

In Warsaw for 2.. no 2,5 years

in a clothing store, Beloskis.

- I did alterations.

- Good, step forward.

- I am a seamstress.

- Step forward.

- Are there any first class

shoemakers? Any tailors?

- I am a shoemaker, sir.

- The best.

- Step forward.

- Qualified seamstresses?

- Here, sir. I am a seamstress.

- Is this your son? -

Yes. - No, can't use you.

- I am a seamstress.

- Step forward.

- I need experienced

shoemakers. Any tailors?

- Sir, I am a goldsmith.

See, I made that.

These are my tools, sir.

Alright, step forward.

And Sir, my brother...

He's a goldsmith too.

He helps me. We can

make jewellery, anything.

Alright, step forward.

- Sir, what about our father?

- Never mind him. Stay here, I'll be back.

- Any tailors?

- I'm a tailor, sir.

- From where?

- Bialystock, sir. Very experienced. See?

Alright, step forward.

Any more?

Women and children!

Follow me!

Men and boys!

Move!

- Did you come here with your husband?

- No, I'm not married.

- My name is Bajle.

- I'm Luka.

I'm Naomi. My husband is fighting

with the partisans.

Come on!

Hurry up!

Get in!

I'm Samuel.

Welcome. I am Itzhak.

We work here for the SS and

their Ukrainian guards

- How did you know I was a shoemaker?

- I didn't.

- But what if I'd been a

shopkeeper, or something?

- I'd have taught you.

- It happens here all the time.

- So why did you tell me to volunteer?

Because you like someone I could get

along with and that's important in Sobibor.

Where do you come from?

Come, come!

Come in! Come.

Wait over there!

- What do we do now?

- He said to wait.

Someone will tell us.

They can't allow babies in here.

Help me...

Come!

Stay in there. Don't leave for any reason.

That's sergeant Wagner's orders. Understand?

Look! Way over there.

Looks like a fire. I wonder what it is.

If it looks like a fire, then it

probably is a fire. I sound like grandpa.

- What could be burning?

- Who knows.

What's happening?

This isn't a normal roll-call.

- Complete.

- Complete.

The roll-call is complete,

Herr Hauptscharfhrer.

There's something you

don't seem to understand,

so I'm going to explain it to you.

Our Commandant wants me

to make it very clear

that he is responsible for you.

For each and everyone of you here.

Somewhat like, a large family.

Today 3 members of that

family decided that they

didnt want to be with us

this evening or ever again.

Now, we could not let that happen,

could we?

We have brought these 3 foolish men back,

to be with all of us this evening.

Understand the message these

There's no escape from Sobibor.

There's only death for

those insane enough to try.

Don't any of you ever forget that.

Dismissed!

- Leon, why didn't they listen to you?

- They couldn't stand the pain anymore.

We talk about escape all

the time and we do nothing.

Maybe it's true. Maybe

there is no chance.

No, I still think there is

a way. But not like this.

There has to be organization,

there has to be patience

and some new people whose spirits

have not yet been broken.

Yes, I want a chance to escape. To be free

or at least a chance to die trying.

Better to escape and live.

That would be real revenge.

This is Commandant Reichleitner.

Show the commandant your wallet.

- This is very handsome. You made it?

- Yes, sir.

SS. The initials are appropriate.

What do they stand for?

- My name, sir. Shlomo Szmajzner.

- Can you make rings?

- O yessir. I can make, we

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