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(The following article appeared in this weeks Spotlight.)
This past week, our High School was privileged to be addressed by Mr. Leibish Rubinstein. Mr. Rubinstein spoke to the young men about his experiences in pre-war Hungary, the Holocaust and the rebuilding of Jewish life after the war.
The talmidim sat spellbound as Mr. Rubinstein painted a detailed picture of his upbringing amongst Pupa Chassidim in the city of Pesht. He spoke about his large family and the close relationship he had with his father and cousins. As Hungary became drawn into WWII, Mr. Rubinstein was drafted to serve in the Hungarian army. He recalled many of his terrifying experiences during the war, which included being interred in the Mauthhausen concentration camp.
Mr. Rubinstein vividly recalled the day his camp was liberated by the American Army. "There was shelling all night. We were huddled together saying Shma and Viddui; we thought it was our last night on earth. But in the morning, the shelling stopped. American soldiers came through the gates and one called out, 'Acheinu Bais Yisroel, you are free.'"
He told of the panic that ensued as the starving inmates raided the camp's food stores. Thereafter, he was hospitalized for many weeks and learned the horrible fate of his entire family.
Mr. Rubinstein made his way to America and settled in Williamsburg. He married, raised a family, and helped the Pupa Rebbe to rebuild the Pupa Yeshivos, Talmudei Torah and the Pupa Chassidus in America.
Today, Mr. Rubinstein looks back and says, "From me, one man who survived, comes now a family of over 100 people. I see the Yeshivos rebuilt, and so many children leaning Torah."
One participant was particularly moved by the upbeat spirit and zest for life that Mr. Rubinstein exuded. "It's inspirational to see how an individual who has gone through such pain and sadness exhibits such emunah and bitachon. I feel privileged to have met him."
   
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