Walter Frankenstein’s life is a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and the indomitable human spirit. His story transcends the horrors of Nazi persecution, showcasing how courage and determination can triumph even in the darkest times. From his brave actions during Kristallnacht to his years of hiding with his young family, Walter’s experiences offer a compelling narrative of survival and hope.
This blog post explores the extraordinary life of Walter Frankenstein, tracing his path through the Holocaust and his legacy as a symbol of courage. Readers will also gain insights into how his story helps underscore the importance of remembering this tragic chapter in history.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Nazi Persecution
Walter Frankenstein was born on June 30, 1924, in Flatow, Germany (now Zlotow, Poland). Tragedy marked his early life when his father, Max, passed away in 1929. Walter’s mother, Martha, took over the family’s general store, but the rise of the Nazi regime soon overshadowed their lives.
Like many Jewish-owned businesses, their store became a target. It was boycotted, and bullets were fired into it, signaling the escalating harassment and violence that Jewish families faced. Walter’s education was also disrupted. Expelled from public school due to Nazi-imposed restrictions on Jewish students, he relocated to the Baruch Auerbach Orphanage for Jewish Boys and Girls in Berlin. Here, he could attend a Jewish school and find some stability.
Walter later described the orphanage as a refuge, a rare haven amid growing anti-Semitic oppression. However, this fragile peace would be shattered by one of the most infamous events of the time.
Kristallnacht Heroism
On November 9–10, 1938, the Nazis launched Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass), a violent pogrom against Jewish communities across Germany and Austria. Stormtroopers stormed the Baruch Auerbach Orphanage, intending to destroy it. However, Walter, alongside three other boys, displayed incredible bravery. They persuaded the attackers not to set fire to the building, arguing that the flames could spread to nearby structures.
Their courage didn’t stop there. When Nazi soldiers attempted to blow up the synagogue next door by releasing gas, Walter and the boys turned off the valves and flung open windows to dissipate the danger. Their heroic efforts saved not only the orphanage but also the surrounding community from devastating destruction.
Hiding in Berlin
Walter’s life took yet another harrowing turn as the Holocaust intensified. Along with his wife and infant sons, he went into hiding in Berlin, seeking refuge wherever possible. For more than two years, the family lived as “human U-boats,” a term used to describe Jews attempting to remain unseen beneath the oppressive Nazi regime.
The locations they hid in ranged from the unconventional to the desperate. They took refuge in an opera house, an abandoned car, a subway station converted into a bunker, and bombed-out buildings. Each day brought the fear of discovery, and they were forced to move frequently to stay ahead of suspicions.
Life as a U-Boat
Life as a U-boat was marked by constant vigilance and uncertainty. The average hidden Jew in Nazi Berlin changed hiding places about a dozen times, according to historian Richard N. Lutjens Jr. Air raids, watchful neighbors, and Nazi patrols made it impossible to stay in one location for too long.
Walter’s story reflects the precariousness of these hidden lives. Every decision carried the weight of survival, and small acts of bravery and ingenuity were essential to avoid detection. It was a daily test of endurance, both physically and mentally, as Walter and his family navigated a hostile, war-torn city.
Confrontation on the Train
One of Walter Frankenstein’s most perilous moments occurred in 1944. After spending the night in a bombed-out building, Walter boarded a train. A military policeman demanded his identification, a moment that could easily have led to his deportation or execution.
Thinking quickly, Walter feigned a foreign accent and claimed to be a forced laborer who had left his papers behind. When the officer insisted on contacting his employer, Walter made a bold decision to reveal his identity as a Jew. The officer’s reaction was unexpected. Instead of turning Walter in, he dismissed him with the words, “Get lost. I’m not looking for Jews; I’m looking for deserters.”
This encounter underscores the precarious tightrope Walter walked each day, where survival often hinged on quick thinking, luck, and occasional act of human decency within a system defined by inhumanity.
Survival and Legacy
Remarkably, Walter and his family survived the Holocaust, becoming one of the 1,700 known U-boats that endured until liberation. His post-war life led him to Stockholm, where he settled in 1956. He continued to share his story to ensure that the lessons of history were not forgotten.
Walter Frankenstein lived to be 100, passing away in April 2023. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through his bravery, resourcefulness, and determination, Walter not only survived but also left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.
Lessons from Walter’s Journey
Walter Frankenstein’s story is more than a historical account. It’s a call to action for all of us to remember, learn, and engage. Stories like his shed light on the worst and best of humanity, teaching us the importance of resilience, moral courage, and standing up against oppression.
Suggested FAQs
Who was Walter Frankenstein?
Walter Frankenstein was a Holocaust survivor who, along with his wife and infant sons, lived in hiding in Nazi Berlin for more than two years.
What was the Baruch Auerbach Orphanage?
It was a Jewish orphanage in Berlin where Walter was sent after being expelled from public school. It served as a temporary refuge for Jewish children during the early years of Nazi persecution.
What does the term’human U-boats’ mean?
It was a metaphorical term for Jews hiding in Nazi-controlled areas, likening their efforts to evade detection to submarines (“U-boats”) navigating beneath the surface.
How did Walter survive the train incident in 1944?
Walter convinced a military policeman that he was a forced laborer. Later, when the truth came out, the officer unexpectedly told him to “get lost,” sparing his life.
Why is Walter Frankenstein’s story important?
Walter’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and serves as a reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust, urging future generations to prevent such events.