Siblings Whose Father Survived the Holocaust Learned About His Heroism Through a “Life” Magazine Article

The life of Erno “Zvi” Spiegel, a pivotal figure during the Holocaust, is the focal point of a profound new documentary entitled *The Last Twins*. This film sheds light on Spiegel’s extraordinary story through the testimonies of those whose lives he profoundly impacted during one of history’s darkest chapters.

Erno Spiegel’s experiences in Auschwitz were largely unknown to his family until a chance encounter in 1981 opened the door to the past. Judith Richter and her brother Israel had grown up without a clear understanding of their father’s harrowing memories. Their perspective shifted dramatically when Judith’s husband stumbled upon a Life magazine article featuring an image of Erno, alongside the notorious Nazi doctor Josef Mengele. “We were taught to refer to my father as a delicate, porcelain figure,” Judith reflects in the documentary. In their household, discussions about the Holocaust were held with a certain reverence and silence.

The documentary is narrated by actor Liev Schreiber and is available for streaming on PBS, coinciding with Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day. It chronicles Spiegel’s remarkable survival and heroism from his journey from Hungary to Auschwitz in 1944, where he was tasked with overseeing the twin children subjected to Mengele’s inhumane experiments. Given the horrific conditions in the camp, the selection of prisoners often resulted in immediate death for many, while the twins were spared to serve as subjects of Mengele’s cruel studies.

Spiegel himself was a twin, with his sister separated and sent to the women’s quarters. His background as a soldier led Mengele to appoint him as caretaker for the children, who affectionately referred to him as “Spiegel Bácsi” or Uncle Spiegel. Throughout his ordeal, Spiegel made numerous life-saving decisions, demonstrating remarkable courage and ingenuity. In one notable instance, he altered the birth dates of two brothers to protect them from being separated during the selection process.

The documentary provides personal accounts from survivors, including Ephraim Reichenberg, who recounts harrowing tales of the experiments they endured. Reichenberg’s story highlights the tragedy faced by him and his brother, who suffered greatly after being subjected to inhumane medical procedures. The trauma of their past resonates powerfully, illustrating the lasting impact of their experiences.

As Spiegel navigated life in the camp, he often found himself in perilous situations. On one occasion, he intervened to protect younger children from an SS officer’s barbaric intentions, a move that risked his life but ultimately spared them from execution. After their liberation, the children pleaded with Spiegel to stay with them, resulting in a perilous journey across Europe to safety, ultimately growing into a group of 153 refugees.

Upon resettling, Spiegel married fellow Auschwitz survivor Rachel Anna Hecht and subsequently moved to Israel, where they raised two children. Despite the trauma of his past, he enjoyed a life making significant contributions to society as the chief financial officer of the Cameri Theatre in Tel Aviv.

The revelations in the Life magazine article left Judith and Israel astounded, prompting them to reconsider their father’s legacy. Israel recalls reading the piece multiple times to fully comprehend its contents, while Judith remembers the joy of connecting with others who viewed their father as a saviour. One survivor famously declared, “We are the children of Spiegel Bácsi,” recognizing the bond they shared thanks to Erno’s care.

In 1985, Spiegel testified against Mengele during a mock trial in Jerusalem, where he was met with a standing ovation from twin survivors present in the audience. Judith reflects on this moment, stating, “All of a sudden, my father becomes a hero; he’s being remembered as somebody who saved lives. That’s a hero, no?” Over the years, Judith has kept in touch with many of the surviving twins, cultivating relationships that cemented her family’s legacy within the community.

In 2017, Judith organised a gathering of surviving twins in Jerusalem to honour the memory of those who perished. During this touching event, a plaque was unveiled, and a rabbi facilitated Bar Mitzvahs for the survivors, giving them an opportunity to reconnect with their roots.

Sadly, Erno Spiegel passed away in 1993, the same year that his twin sister also died. His legacy, however, endures through countless individuals whose lives he touched. *The Last Twins* serves not only as a tribute to him but also stands as a testament to the resilience of humanity in the face of unspeakable adversity. The documentary is available for viewing on PBS.org and is set for a national broadcast later this year.