Holocaust Survivor and Friend to Many Shluchim Passes Away

Leon Leyson was the youngest who survived the holocaust thanks to Oskar Schindler, the righteous gentile who saved over 1,100 Jews, and went on to speak all across the country at various Chabad Houses and became a close friend to many Shluchim. He passed away on Shabbos in Orange County California.

Leon grew up in Poland and survived the war along with his family thanks to the intervention of Oscar Schindler, and was the youngest survivor of Schindler’s List.

After the war Leon settled in Fullerton, California not far from the North County Chabad Center in Yorba Linda. After being interviewed for the Spielberg Oral History Project by Rebbitzen Stella Eliezrie he began speaking at Chabad Centers all over the country.

Leon was a true friend to Shluchim; he refused to take any remuneration for his speeches and traveled to many Chabad Centers. He was instrumental in helping many Shluchim in smaller communities who had a major boost by hosting Leon.

He would joke that after visiting dozens and dozens of  Shluchim he was “Halb-a-Shliach” [half-a-Shliach].

Leon Leyson and Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie at North County Chabad in Yorba Linda California. Photo: Cliff Lester.
Leon Leyson and Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie at North County Chabad in Yorba Linda California. Photo: Cliff Lester.
Leon Leyson lighting Menorah at Chabad of Riverside with Rabbi Shmuel Fuss.
Leon Leyson lighting Menorah at Chabad of Riverside with Rabbi Shmuel Fuss.

2 Comments