The day a Holocaust survivor got revenge on his tormentor

nypost.com ^ | november 9, 2014 | martin greenfield

[lowbridge]

He survived the savagery of the Holocaust, made it to America with barely a penny and became a world-famous tailor in Brooklyn, dressing celebrities and presidents. In his new memoir, “Measure of a Man,” Martin Greenfield tells the story of his extraordinary life.

-snip

I whipped my head around toward the door. A gorgeous, smartly dressed blond woman holding a baby stood silhouetted in the door frame. It was the mayor of Weimar’s wife.

“I . . . I found your rabbits!” I stammered with a cheerful nervousness. “They’re alive and safe!”

“Why in the hell are you stealing my rabbits’ food?” barked the woman. “Animals!” I stood silent and stared at the floor.

“I’m reporting this immediately!” she said, stomping away. My heart pounded in my emaciated chest. A few minutes later, an SS soldier ordered me to come out of the cellar. I knew what was coming, and the knowing made it all the worse.

“Down on the ground, you dog! Fast!” yelled the German. He gripped his baton and bludgeoned my back. I do not know whether the mayor’s wife watched the beating. Given her cruelty, why would she want to miss it? On the hike back to Buchenwald, I replayed the scene over and over in my mind.

How could a woman carrying her own child find a walking skeleton saving her pets and have him beaten for nibbling on rotten animal food? I thought.

In that moment, my numbness to death melted. In its place rose an alien blood lust, a hunger for vengeance unlike any I had ever known. The surge of adrenaline and rush of rage felt good inside my withered frame.

Then and there I made a vow to myself: If I survived Buchenwald, I would return and kill the mayor’s wife.

[vladimir998]

“It seems to me you have no evidence whatsoever that Mr. Martin Greenfield’s published story is false but have written of it “This whole story may be BS.””

It seems that way to you, yes.

“That strikes me as irresponsible and provocative, given the nature of the story and this thread, and wholly unnecessary.”

I understand what you’re saying, but I think you are being overly sensitive.

“It is certainly not what I expect from your obvious abilities to post edifying comments.”

Oh, if you only knew.

“I suppose I look up to you for a high standard. I hope I’ve not troubled you by my minor criticisms.”

Not one bit.