Youngest Survivor of Schindler’s List Visits Chabad of Laguna Niguel

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA [CHI] — Chabad of Laguna Niguel Community Lecture Series presented Mr. Leon Leyson, the youngest survivor of “Schindler’s List”. 200 people turned out to hear Mr. Leyson tell his moving story about his life inside the factory of Oscar Schindler, the man who kept the SS out and 1,200 Jews alive.

More pictures and videos in the Extended Article!

Born Leib Lejzon in Poland, his happy life with his parents and siblings ended with the Nazi invasion in 1939 when he was only ten years old and the family was imprisoned in the ghetto in Krakow. Three years later, his father brought him to work at Oscar Schindler’s enamelware factory. He was so small he had to stand on an upturned box to reach the machinery.

He caught the eye of Oscar Schindler, who became fond of the skinny Jewish kid. The factory owner called him “Little Leyson” and showed him many kindnesses such as providing extra rations of food and excusing him from the night shift when his vision began to fail. His two eldest brothers did not survive the war, but he, his parents and brother and sister were saved by Schindler.

Leyson’s miraculous survival inspired him to tell his story to school and community groups to ensure it is not forgotten. “Saved by an Angel” was a rare opportunity to hear an amazing, true story from an equally incredible man.

After his talk, Rabbi Mendy Paltiel, the director of Chabad of Laguna Niguel thanked Mr. Leyson for sharing his deeply personal and most inspiring story. He presented Leon with a special gift –a beautiful Mezuzah case & scroll.

“The parchment scroll that is found inside this mezuzah has the Shema Yisroel written on it. It expresses the commandment to love G-d and to be committed to His Mitzvot, and by placing it on the doorpost, G-d promises His protection. Just as G-d clearly sent His angel to save and protect you 60 years ago, may this Mezuzah protect you always, and bring blessing and success to you and your loved ones”.

“In my mind,” responded an emotional Leon Leyson, “I hear the voices of my grandparents reciting the Shema prayer. I used to stand next to my grandfather in the small synagogue..they were so observant, you could see their faces glowing.”

Rabbi Paltiel encouraged everyone to purchase their own Mezuzah to be placed at the entrance of their home and business.