NORTH KINGSTOWN -- The daughter of two Holocaust survivors told students at the Davisville Middle School how her parents relied on love and faith to endure life in the concentration camps.

Clila Bau's visit was part of Student Awareness Day, and teachers hope the Israeli woman's story will promote tolerance and diversity at the middle school.

Tolerance is a lesson the school teaches every day, Principal Jane Kondon said.

"We want a school culture where students appreciate and understand differences. We hope students will be empowered to speak up and do the right thing," Kondon said. "We're working on an anti-bullying campaign and this program is a beautiful fit. This is an extreme example, but it's all part of understanding other people."

Clila told the 600 students how her parents, Joseph and Rebecca, met in a concentration camp and managed to marry in a secret ceremony. The story was illustrated by Joseph's art work, which is on display at Providence City Hall until May 28.

The Bau's wedding was featured in Steven Spielberg's 1993 movie, Schindler's List.

Nazis allowed Joseph to bring his art supplies into the camp so he could paint signs and maps for the Germans. At night, Joseph would paint to help keep his spirits up, Clila said.

"Art saved his life," Clila said. "He saved 400 Jews by forging documents. But he didn't forge his own and he didn't escape. My father said that miracles happen and that's why we're alive."

Joseph met his wife while making blueprints for the Nazis. The couple would sneak around, always saying goodbye to each other like it was the last time they would see each other, Clila said.

At the end of the work day, the women would have to cross through the men's camp to get to their bunks. Rebecca would whistle a few notes and listen to hear the tune sung back. Each night she would hear the notes whistled back and know her husband was still alive, Clila said.

Tired of the whistling, one night Joseph put a kerchief over his head and snuck into the women's camp, where the couple decided to get married. Joseph didn't eat for a week, saving enough bread to trade for two spoons, which were made into wedding rings.

The only one to come to the wedding was Joseph's mother. "Everyone was scared and said they were crazy to get married," Clila said.

But letting fear get to the couple would be virtually the same as dying at the hands of the Nazis, Clila said. The couple was separated, but managed to stay alive -- Joseph through his art and Rebecca with her faith.

"She wasn't afraid. She always walked straight, head up," Clila said.

Rebecca used that strength to talk her way out of the gas chamber three times and to help get her husband's name on Schlinder's list.

Joseph was sent to Schlinder's camp where he was rescued after the war ended. Rebecca was taken to Auschwitz, but survived until the camp was liberated. After the war was over, Joseph found his wife in a hospital, whistling the tune they used to call each other with.

The couple moved to Israel, where they had two daughters. Joseph went on to become the first graphic artist and animator in Israel, wanting to share his work and story, Clila said.

The couple has since died. Now Clila, and her older sister, Hadasa, bring their story to children around the world, hoping to end hate.

"It's very important for kids to understand what our parents went through," Clila said. "We should always talk about history, so it doesn't repeat."

Eighth grader Dami Obaro asked Clila why even after the Holocaust some people still hate Jews. "I'm not sure. I ask that question every day," Clila said.

Even though her parents and other survivors' stories have helped, Clila said she is scared that not everyone is listening. During her first visit to Providence she saw a crowd in the city and she ran the other way. Crowds attract suicide bombers in her home, Israel, Clila said.

But then she looks at her father's paintings and knows that she must have faith.

חזרה למעלה

www.josephbau.com