Holocaust Survivor Ernest Rubinstein Marks Yom Hashoah at Stern with His Story

On Tuesday night, April 14, 2026, Yeshiva University marked Yom Hashoah with a touching memorial event in Stern College’s Koch Auditorium. The event featured a conversation between Jonathan Schwab, director of student life and his grandfather, Ernest Rubinstein, who survived the Holocaust as a young boy. The program began with the lighting of six candles in commemoration of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and was followed by the recitation of a Kel Maleh by Rabbi Azi Fine. Students then had the opportunity to hear Rubinstein’s heroic story.

Rubinstein, born in 1935 in Czechoslovakia, in a small town called Nitra, spoke of his experiences trekking across Europe to avoid the wrath of antisemitism. Rubinstein described crossing the border from Czechoslovakia to Hungary at age six, living in his grandparents’ shed with his mom and sister for two years, and eventually being forced into a ghetto. After a month and a half in the ghetto, Rubinstein and his family were transported to Austria on freight trains where there was barely enough air to breathe. 

Once in Austria, the family was forced to work on an apple orchard. Despite having to do work originally intended for a fully grown man as a young, under-nourished boy, Rubinstein recounted the experience with optimism and gratitude, expressing that “that was our mazel (luck), we went to Austria.” Shortly after, Rubinstein and his family were tragically transported to Bergen-Belsen where conditions were harrowing. Rubinstein explained that everyone “was hungry all the time,” receiving only one slice of bread for three or four days. Additionally, there was a lice infestation and not even pajamas to change into at night. Rubinstein recounted, with tears in his eyes, how his mother took care of him and his sister in the horrific conditions of the concentration camp, ensuring their survival by rationing their food. 

Despite the terrifying, inhumane conditions they endured, Rubinstein and his family survived. Rubinstein gave a moving account of his liberation that took place on April 13, 1945, explaining the excitement, relief and gratitude that was felt when the American army came to liberate him and his fellow prisoners. One of the most memorable parts of the liberation for Rubinstein was when an “American Jewish boy got up on a car and spoke Yiddish to [them],” explaining how being liberated by a Jew and hearing a familiar language was so powerful after everything they had experienced.

After liberation, Rubinstein and his family were reunited with their father and were able to rebuild their lives. Rubinstein traveled to England and then to Ireland, having his bar mitzvah in Dublin. He and his sister eventually made their way to America where they were later joined by their mother and father. Towards the end of the conversation, Rubinstein described his family and professional life in America after the war, and shared several humorous and practical pieces of advice for the students, ending the conversation on a positive and optimistic note. The program then concluded with a communal singing of HaTikvah. 

The event was extremely moving for the student body and staff who attended. Tova Berger (SCW ‘27) shared, “It was very powerful to hear from a survivor who has such clear memories of his experiences. It was especially striking that his most vivid memories were those of the individuals that were instrumental in his liberation.” 

“To hear Mr. Rubinstein speak with such clarity, composure and even humor about experiences so deeply marked by pain was very moving,” Tzivia Plotzker (SCW ‘27) told The Commentator. “I felt that more than just recounting his story, he brought his world into the room, speaking of his childhood, family and journey in a way that allowed us all to connect to his words personally.” 

Photo Caption: Jonathan Schwab and Ernest Rubinstein in Conversation

Photo Credit: Rabbi Azi Fine