A Train Near Megdeburg - A Teacher’s Journey Into The Holocaust

From the author of The Things Our Fathers Saw comes a powerful exploration of a pivotal moment in history. In this book, Matthew Rozell uncovers a forgotten chapter of World War II—the liberation of a Nazi 'death train' in the final days of the war. Using never-before-published eyewitness accounts, survivor testimonies, memoirs, wartime reports, and letters, Rozell brings to life the incredible true stories behind the iconic photographs taken by the soldiers who were there.

The book traces the unfolding of the Holocaust across Europe and retraces the steps of the survivors and the American soldiers who freed them. Rozell’s work has led to joyful reunions across three continents, decades later. He also reflects on the lessons of the Holocaust and the profound impact one person—a teacher—can have on future generations.

Highlights of the book include:

• Testimonies from 15 American liberators and over 30 Holocaust survivors
• 10 custom maps
• 72 photographs and illustrations, many never-before-published
• Extensive notes and bibliographical references

The book is divided into four sections:

1. The Holocaust
2. The Americans
3. Liberation
4. Reunion

This is a deeply moving and meticulously researched account of history that ensures the voices of those who lived it are never forgotten.

Quotes from the book A Train Near Magdeburg: A Teacher's Journey into the Holocaust, and the reuniting of the survivors and liberators, 70 years on:

'I survived because of many miracles. But for me to actually meet, shake hands, hug, and cry together with my liberators—the ‘angels of life’ who literally gave me back my life—was just beyond imagination.'–Leslie Meisels, Holocaust Survivor

'Battle-hardened veterans learn to contain their emotions, but it was difficult then, and I cry now to think about it. What stamina and regenerative spirit those brave people showed!'–George C. Gross, Liberator

'Never in our training were we taught to be humanitarians. We were taught to be soldiers.'–Frank Towers, Liberator

'I cannot believe, today, that the world almost ignored those people and what was happening. How could we have all stood by and have let that happen? They do not owe us anything. We owe them, for what we allowed to happen to them.'–Carrol Walsh, Liberator

'[People say it] cannot happen here in this country; yes, it can happen here. I was 21 years old. I was there to see it happen.'–Luca Furnari, US Army

'[After I got home] I cried a lot. My parents couldn’t understand why I couldn’t sleep at times.'–Walter ‘Babe’ Gantz, US Army medic

'I grew up and spent all my years being angry. This means I don’t have to be angry anymore.'–Paul Arato, Holocaust Survivor

'For the first time after going through sheer hell, I felt that there was such a thing as simple love coming from good people—young men who had left their families far behind, who wrapped us in warmth and love and cared for our well-being.'–Sara Atzmon, Holocaust Survivor

'It’s not for my sake, it’s for the sake of humanity, that they will remember.'–Steve Barry, Holocaust Survivor