From Holocaust to Gritty Projects -- Tova Schiff's story
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- čas přidán 12. 05. 2023
- Tova Schiff has lived in the projects since almost from its very beginning in the early 1960s. She came to the United States after a very storied childhood, having been a young girl during the Holocaust and living in communist Romania, then Israel. Finally, she made her home in Williamsburg's projects. I ran into Tova during one of my shoots in the neighborhood (See my burning the bread video) and I was excited to visit her to hear her story. I am so grateful to Tova for welcoming me into her home, being so wonderful to talk to, and sharing her extraordinary story with all of you.
Filmed by Keith Pressman / kepress1.wixsite.com/keith-pr...
Edited by Steve Milligan / www.cliquemojo.com/
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To learn more about my work visit:
Website - friedavizel.com
Instagram - / friedavizel
Facebook - / toursbyfrieda
#orthodox #hasidic #jewish
Thank you for giving us this wonderful woman's testimony.
Thank you from bringing us this video. Bless Mrs. Schiff, she is such a remarkable woman. I was born in 1946 in a small village near Munich, Germany - my father saved my mother, siblings, grandmother and aunt from the train - My father was not Jewish, but he was a Sargent in the regular German Army, so with his status and some money he got my family off the train and told my mother to run into the forest and keep going South and he would find them! She also had help from the German farmers and they were able to stay in the barn and were given milk for my twin brothers and my sisters. So, she wound up in Schliersee, Germany where I was born. But my mother's family - the Misch family - went to Dachau! It is a time in history that should never be forgotten and should forever by remembered so that it will never, ever happen again!!!!
Preserving history should be a priority. I'm not Jewish but we as Americans period aren't taking advantage of what our elders can give to us. 😊🙏✡️✝️
Wonderful interview. This is history that needs to be shared and remembered. If we don’t learn from theses horrible times, they will be repeated. Thank you for your caring interviews.
And if we don't learn it from those who lived it, that history may be changed to suit whatever times may come. It's happened before.
Sadly, they’ve been Holocaust before this and as I type this there having mass killing at this moment in China, Africa, etc 😰😭 they wiping out entire populations of people. I don’t think the world learned anything!
Mrs Shiff tells the story of thousands and thousands of Jews that were killed in the Holocaust exactly as it was . My grandparents uncles and aunts cousin were all murdered in Auschwitz .my parents of blessed memory who were born in Hungary went through the camps and Auschwitz surviving and being liberated the same time as Mrs Tova Schiff . They also settled in the melting pot of Williamsburg Brooklyn in 1949 where I was born . Frieda keep up these interviews of survivors because in a few years none will be left .
Hello Frieda, Before I watch Tova's story, I wanted to express how delighted I am to have stumbled upon your channel this evening. Even though I am Catholic, I have always had a deep fascination about religions, most especially the Jewish religion. I initially watched your tour of Williamsburg and then the wonderful "Pearl" series. My gosh what a gem she is, and what a great interviewer you are! I'm hooked and can't wait to watch my way though your videos. Thank you for sharing this version of your tours for others to enjoy. Now on to Tova's story. Elizabeth, Ohio
Frieda, Thank you so very much for sharing these oral histories.
You could listen to Tova and Pearl for hours. You get a whole different perspective on life and take away so much! Thanks for the great interviews and gladly more of it!
So true!
47:23
Her “I’m going up and down!” is my absolute favorite. My great grandmother is 103 and I’m 100% sure one of the reasons shes made it this far is because she was always “going up and down” to her home with her loaf of bread from the corner bakery. Bless her heart and thank you for letting us hear her story. 🖤
Wonderful interview and so interesting. Please thank Tova for sharing her life and memories with all of your viewers. She was delightful!
The work you are doing to preserve first hand accounts of history is so important. Thank you for taking the time to do this, and thank you to this precious lady for sharing her story.
What a wonderful thing that you got to meet Tova and that she was willing to share her story with the rest of the world. Thank you, Tova, and thank you Frieda!
It was lovely!
You have so much respect and care for people that you interview. I wonder if it's hard to leave them, perhaps wanting to stay in touch or continue to follow their lives. You're very good at interviewing. I love how you allow them to tell their stories occasionally, guiding the direction when needed. Thank you for bringing us these stories.
I love this type of reality tv. I don’t watch much of anything else. Thanks for making these incredibly interesting videos.
I’m so happy you’re here for it! Some days it gets discouraging, especially for long content which doesn’t get as much interest in an age of very short content. Thanks for leaving a comment about it!
Your interviews are amazing. I watch from the UK, and am a catholic. I love learning about other faiths. This is living history. Thank you
Thank you!!
I'm Catholic also. I love watching your documentaries. Especially with the interviews.
I am watching this here in Ireland on a Sunday morning. I am loving it and learning so much from all your videos. I am not Jewish but love your culture. Thank you so much. 🇮🇪🇮🇪☘️☘️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Bless you, bless you, bless you for this wonderful interview. I went to primary school in Manhattan with a child who was the "second family" of Holocaust survivors. I remember being frozen in awe in her kitchen, seeing her mother's number tattoo on her arm. The same thing happened many years later while volunteering on a kibbutz in Israel. These stories are SO important.
Tova is a classic. Just love her energy. I can only hope when I am her age that I am walking down and up the stairs. Thank you for sharing!
My grandmother was from Satmar. I really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Outstanding work once again.
Frieda Vizel is becoming more and more of a journalist/anthropologist.
Looking forward to the future pearls!
CZcams is beyond honored to have Tova's story shared with us, the world.!
And I wonder, Frieda - if you could ever do a segment of the community's response to what happened on 9/11 seeing as many OGs like Pearl and Tova recall life in New York way longer before most of us could and I'm sure many would find it interesting to see if the attack impacted the community as it did to the rest of NYC. It would be interesting to hear Tova share her memories seeing as she lived in New York so long and Pearl too.
I’m from Australia, I tumbled down a utube rabbit hole and came across your channel. I’m not particularly religious but I really enjoy learning about different cultures and faiths. These women are amazing. How wonderful that you have documented their stories.
Yes, it's been my great honor and privilege. I feel lucky to have had these opportunities.
Frieda this woman is extraordinary! So wise and real. Also, you can tell your care and appreciation you have towards Tova bc of how lovingly you speak to her
I felt like Tova was extremely easy to talk to. After I spoke to her she told me that when she was a secretary in the girls' school, she always looked out for the girls who were lonely or were somehow not in a good place. She's such a no airs person, but something extremely kind at her core. It shows I think in how comfortable I am in her company.
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn it was for sure transparent
Thanks so much, Frieda!
Tova is amazing and reminds me of my own grandma actually coming from Transylvania too and being a Holocaust survivor too!
Isten àldjon, Tova! Nagyon köszönjük!
Fascinating. She is highly intelligent and versed in so many cultures. My family left Europe between the wars, same locale, also devoted to Satmar, but from Manhattan, and experienced life on a different plane, no longer strict,except for my grandfather.
Wonderful interview. I've been listening to this on mother's day as I'm tinkering around my house. What a nice gift - to hear a woman's inspiring life story. I agree with Andrea's comment. If people would listen to the wisdom of these amazing elders and emulate their example of perseverance through difficult times many ills of society could be healed. Thanks Frieda! Happy Mother's Day to you. ❤🌷💐🌼
Yet another beautiful woman full of intelligence, wisdom and grace!!!!! Thank you Frieda
What a blessing to meet her i wish i could meet her❤
Thanks Frieda ❤
Tova was lovely. My grandmother was from Hungary. I was fascinated by Tova's story.
She reminds me of my mother a"h. My father was in Siberia, they came to US to Williamsburg but took the opposite route and ended in Israel. These people faced adversity in a way we can never understand.
i love these interviews you do with survivors...do more please while they are still with us to
As an archaeologist interested every day more and more in modern and living archaeology this is incredible. I hope for the good of humanity her story reaches through your Chanel to youth so history is not forgotten so we preserve it love cherish it so we don’t go back to mistakes so hatred does not come back.
And the thing is.... fascism has come again in the form of Tr@mp cultists.
Thank you so much for recording these stories. Its so critical to remember these essential parts of our history !!!
What a fascinating woman! Thank you for sharing Tova with us.
I mentioned that my mom grew up in this neighborhood. My parents were married there. Many years later, my father was a supervisor in the school system. He was assigned to District 14 in Williamsburg. The people he was supervising told him that if he could not park directly in front of the school that he should not stop. This was the late ‘70’s. He retired.
Frieda, you did it AGAIN!! Another homerun. Tova is a treasure and a joy to listen to. Thank you so much for sharing her story. I'm not Jewish but could relate to her story as my grandmother came from Italy, worked as a sharecropper in NJ of all places; never learned to read or write and raised 7 children. A world long gone but a generation that displayed so much character and perseverance; we could use more people like that now. Great work as usual.
Thank you so much Nancy!
Thank you for sharing this video. I find it so interesting and educational.
We must give THANKS and HONOR to the treasure of these souls. I don't really think we can fathom their sacrifice and loss that in many ways has saved our freedoms. I am in awe of the tenacity and determination of the Jews. I can't express my gratitude enough, and I will listen to every word that they have to say! Peace, blessings, and prosperity.
I'd love to see a follow up of more details about the war and how the community changed to become Chassidic because when she arrived in the 60s it wasn't very Chassidic but during the 80s Chassidic Rebbes moved in and started their movements there. Like she was saying they started wearing white socks but she has a wealth of information of the times and how it changed to become how it is today.
I have done a lot of other interviews (if you check my blog and channel) where people explain how they experienced (especially from after ww2 until the 70s). See my interviews with Nelly Grussgott, Phillip Fishman, Gerald Friedman, among others. Also this blog post covers the story of the transformation and is one of my favorite posts from my archive: friedavizel.com/2021/10/11/williamsburg-is-stuck-in-the-1950s-part-1/
@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn very cool I'll have to check it out. Thanks!
I heard a story of an Amish man who was allergic to the black dye in the men's socks. They became Mennonite which is a similar religion in which they are more liberal as can drive cars and use cell phones. Women wear modesty front dresses and head coverings. Large families and no T.V. but music is o.k.
Sending my love to Tova from Poland ❤
Lovely interview fascinating!! Thank you for preserving history and honoring the memory of those lost in the Holocaust. As an Armenian I have always felt a deep connection to the Jewish people . Blessings
Loved your interview-- she is an amazing human ❤
I'm enjoying watching all the videos! Thank you for the "personal" touch. It is so important to document the stories of the survivors. The further we move from the holocaust, the more it is important to hear the stories and experiences. Thank you !
Wow This woman's life is such a testimony to the human spirit I could listen to her all day God Bless her
Excellent interview. Thanks Frieda - you are doing phenomenal job !
I loved listening to Tova’s story. So much interesting history. And your warm style of just being with her and drawing her out, thank you!
G-d bless Miss Tova. There are so few people left who shared her experience. Thank you, Frieda, and Tova, for bringing this to us. Her mind is still really sharp!
What a lovely conversation... Thank you so much Frieda... you are uncovering treasures for all of us who listen. Tova... thank you for sharing your memories and thoughts.
I know I tell you this in the comments a lot but your videos are just fantastic, you have such a way of understanding people and your friendly warm way you interact with everyone is outstanding thank you so much for your hard work
These interviews are so interesting and personal. I love hearing the stories from Tova and Pearl and others who are so gracious to allow us to understand their culture and hear about their past joys, hardships or heartaches. I'm slowly working my way through the videos. So appreciative. Thanks, Frieda.....
Thank you so much dear Joycie for watching and commenting. It’s been a great honor to share these voices with you.
Thank goodness you are getting these stories to preserve. I hope you write a book documenting all of your journeys with the Jewish community. I enjoy your channel so very much and feel you are doing cherished work. Thank you 😊
Beautiful interview. I agree with her about all the expensive fashion and the lifestyle generally (and the veiseh zachen). Here in Monsey it's the same, matching expensive outfits and shoes for all the children, I don't know how people afford it. It sort of puts the focus in the wrong places.
this is not the norm. i have many family members in Monsey. they all dress tastefully and affordably.
Matching doesn't automatically mean it's expensive. There are many affordable options. With large families, matching the kids help to keep track of them at a glance
Thank you. Such a testament to the strength of human spirit. God bless you both.
Tova is a real treasure. Thank you for doing this interview!
I’m a journalist and I got to interview a lovely woman who is a direct descendant of the founder of the Satmar sect of Judaism. I’m not Jewish but it was so beautiful getting to share her story & learn about such a big part of her identity & ancestry.
Sorry, the founder of satmer, had no surviving children
Thank you Tova for sharing your story. I’m from Romania and grew up during communism. We were not thought that history. It’s important that real people share their story because people can change history in books. We never ever want to repeat that. Please encourage more people to share their stories ❤
Your patient and gentle interviewing style is priceless and allowed Tovas story to be heard. This was really a wonderful living history experience.
Thanks for sharing this. I'm Australian, My paternal Grandfather enlisted to the Australian Army as Australia was actually the 1st country (After Britain finally stopped stuffing about! ), to join England & declare war on N*zi Germany. He perished after his treatment in a prisoner of war camp. My maternal Grandfather served & survived, but sadly 2 his brothers died fighting Rommel in the seige of Tobruk. (It's never publicised , but this was the 1st time the German Army had been turned back in any theatre of WW11). It gave ppl hope that this 'unstoppable force' was actually able to be beaten. It was always instilled in my brother & I that Australia got off lightly- what happened to Jewish European's was absolutely hideous & that we must never forget what had taken place. As we say on ANZAC Day every year during the minutes silence; 'lest we forget'. ❤️
"After Britain finally stopped stuffing about!". We could have stayed neutral like the Republic of Ireland, Sweden & Switzerland, but you don't kvetch about them do you?
This was fascinating! Tova was a living history lesson. And Freida you have such a lovely way of interviewing people. Thank you for your channel. I always enjoy your content.
Tova is a jewel and so interesting to listen to. Thank you for sharing her with us! I would love to listen to more of her life stories and how she was able to put the holocaust behind her and go on to live a normal life in a new place/country. It is a testament to her strength. I will never understand how slavery or the holocaust were able to go on for so long without people standing up against it.
It is because normal people do nothing. Everyday folks, are capable of evil when they do nothing. Look at what happened when Tr@mp put immigrant children in cages and ripped them from their families. ... Huge swaths of Americans either did nothing or supported this. They knew it was happening but they thought it was too risky or too untasteful or too inconvenient to take direct Action against this horror.
Frieda, you ask most interesting questions and are so kind as to take the time and effort to make sure anything viewers may not be clear about is answered fully. Thank you so much for that and these lovely informative videos.
Such an amazing life story told by such a charming woman.
She mentioned 1940, Satu Mare, the whole area of Northern Transylvania was ceded to Hungary of Horthy.
A mentionat anul 1940, Satu Mare, adica toata zona de Nord a Transilvaniei a fost cedata Ungariei lui Horthy.
Oh Frieda! Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful woman with us! I didn’t think it could get any better than Pearl but Tova opened up another avenue of the people of Williamsburg. I am really enjoying your videos.
Oh thanks so much. Tova is wonderful; it always perks me up to run into her in Williamsburg!
Great to see my country featured. Transylvania/Banat. Romania & Hungary.
19:22 - Großwardein is today's Oradea and in Hungarian Nagyvarad. Temeswar is now Timișoara and in German Temeschwar.
I appreciate you sharing this video with us. What a wonderful interview! It was a pleasure to meet such a lovely woman. Mrs. Tova, you are an amazing woman and an inspiration to many! With so many survivors passing on, these interviews are incredibly valuable. Frieda, thank you so much for sharing these fascinating stories with us.
My parents escaped communist Romania, my grandparents survived the Holocaust.
I see you changed clothes for this interview. That was a nice touch. I think it would be very beneficial for you and yiddishkeit to seek out more interviews of our remaining survivors. Their stories and lives can be tremendous sources of inspiration for the younger generation.
What an incredible interview and what a wonderful person she is. I absolutely loved learning from her life story. I think I’ll listen to it all again. Thank you both so much!
Tova is just a wonderful woman!
Wow what a powerful story!
Wow these stories are so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time keep making this wonderful content thank you Frieda 💕
So thankful they eventually found home. I really loved the tenderness she had when she spoke of her (step) father.
Thank you so much for the work you do. A wonderful interview with a darling , charming lady.
Thank you for this gift of stories and history and memories. I used to live in Baia Mare and visited Satu Mare. I have a whole new appreciation for the people and the history from the area.
Love all the context and definitions, you're doing such wonderful work Tova ✨
Wonderful story of survival at one of the most horrendous times in history. Thank God her mother went back to light Candles and got off that train.
Another wonderful interview~ thank you so much.
Wonderful and very interesting interview. Thank You, Frieda! ✨️🪔🕎
Wonderful interview/conversation, you have a gift Frieda! Thank you for Tova’s story.
Thank you Frieda and Tova, for the informative and warm interview❤
Once again, what a wonderful interview! Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful and informative video! Loved Tova ! Thank you.
Thank you!
Great great interview!
Just wonderful, what a life story. Thank you for following this up and enabling it to be told and shared.
Amazing. I can’t get enough ! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this interview with us. Two beautiful ladies. ❤️❤️
Your final words brought me to tears. Beautiful video! Thank you both.
Your ability to listen with intent and compassion as well as be able to ask questions, sometimes being able to push just a tiny bit to retrieve answers is what makes you so good at what you do. Another great video. Great job, thank you for documenting as history is being lost with the passing of each person of that generation.
Another great video, Freida! Thank you for this important testimony from the warm and charming Tova.
lol you said “ you have thighs of steal”, lol she replied I don’t know, to get the conversation going. I loved the video.
Thank you for sharing these stories
Wonderful! Thank you so much for this.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful interview! It is so fascinating to still hear the Hungarian accent in Tova's speech. I truly wish her all the best!
My Mother in law, lives in South 9. She has been knock on her door to light candles or to turn off the lights. She has leaved there, over 30 years.
The resilience of people to live. Its so hard for people now to understand the inhumanity of war and a war focused on errasing Jews. Great interview.
Such a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it.
I really really enjoyed it, thank you
Delightful! Keep ‘‘em coming.
Thanks so much for this. Really important content you preserved for generations.
Another great interview. I love to hear the stories of the fascinating people Frieda interviews. Such a lovely lady, i could listen all day.
This was a wonderful interview. So Interesting 😍
Tova, thank you for this generous interview. A treasure chest. Freida, you outdid yourself! The focus. The span. The compassion.