Leo Rosner
| Leo Rosner | |
|---|---|
| Born |
June 26, 1918 Kraków, Poland |
| Died |
October 10, 2008 (aged 90) Melbourne, Australia |
| Resting place | Melbourne Chevra Kadisha Springvale Cemetery |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Spouse(s) |
Helen Rosner (m. 1943) |
| Children | 2, including Anna Rosner Blay |
Leopold "Leo" Rosner (26 June 1918 – 10 October 2008) was a Polish-born Australian musician. Rosner, who was Jewish, survived the Holocaust in Nazi concentration camps during World War II by playing his accordion for Nazi officials. This earned the attention of Oskar Schindler, who saved his life.[1] His story became known after Australian author Thomas Keneally's 1982 novel, Schindler's Ark, was adapted into Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning film, Schindler's List.[1] He appeared in the epilogue of the film at the Schindler's grave on Mount Zion.[1]
Early life
Rosner was born in Kraków, Poland, in 1918.[1] He was one of nine children within a family that performed in the music business.[1]
The Holocaust
Rosner was a successful cabaret artist and entertainer in Kraków, Poland by the time the country was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany in 1939.[1] The Rosner family fled to the rural town of Tyniece, where they played in barns for food. They were soon caught and sent to the Kraków Ghetto, where they lived in cramped and dangerous conditions. Leo continued to play music with his brother, Henry Rosner, who played the violin. They played at the ghetto's cafes, which is where he met his wife, Helen (born 1924)[2]. They were married on January 17, 1943, but on his wedding night Leo was deported to Płaszów concentration camp, alone. Helen was deported to the Płaszów later.[3][2]
While at Płaszów, Rosner, along with his brother Henry, were forced to perform for the notorious commandant Amon Göth.[1]
Rosner's talent with his accordion earned him the attention of Oskar Schindler. Schindler had Rosner moved to his camp in Brněnec, Czech Protectorate, in 1945.[1] However, Rosner's wife, Helen, along with the other female Schindlerjuden, was transferred to the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp.[1][4] After a harrowing few weeks, Schindler had her and the other women transferred out. The couple was reunited at Schindler's camp, the Brünnlitz labor camp, where they remained until the end of World War II.[1]
Post World War II
Leo and Helen Rosner immigrated to Australia in 1949 and settled in Melbourne.[1][5] He worked as a musician and eventually fronted a twelve piece band.[1] He continued to perform into his eighties.[1] He was well known in the Melbourne musician business as well as in the Australian Holocaust survivors community.
The couple had two daughters, Anna and Frances.[1]
Rosner suffered from Alzheimer's disease during his later years, but was still able to perform at his and Helen's 65th wedding anniversary celebration in 2008.[1]
Death
Leo Rosner died on 10 October 2008, at the age of 90, of complications from Alzheimer's disease in Melbourne, Australia.[1] He was survived by his wife, Helen Rosner, who was 84 years old at the time of Leo's death.[1] Rosner was also survived by his two daughters, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.[1]
His funeral was held at Melbourne Chevra Kadisha Cemetery in Springvale, Victoria.[1]
His wife, Helen Rosner, died in 2010, at age 86.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Campbell, James (2008-10-19). "Oskar Schindler survivor dies in Melbourne". Melbourne Herald Sun. Retrieved 2008-11-07.
- 1 2 3 Blay, Anna Rosner (2010-12-28). "Saved from Holocaust by spouse's talent and Schindler's list". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
- ↑ Blay, Anna Rosner (2008-12-03). "A hit on Schindler's music list". The Age. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
- ↑ Brecher, Elinor J (1994). Schindler's legacy : true stories of the list survivors. New York, NY: Plume. pp. 1–38. ISBN 0525939415. OCLC 31132329.
- ↑ "Anna Blay Official Web Site". Anna Blay. Retrieved 25 January 2014.