What does it take to survive four different armies in World War II as a Jewish man in Europe?

In this powerful, emotional conversation, Martin Bodek shares the extraordinary true story of his grandfather—documented in his book Zaidy’s War. Born in Romania, drafted into multiple armies, captured, starved, and forced to make impossible choices, his grandfather’s journey spans four armies, three continents, and one relentless will to live.

This is not just a World War II story. It’s a story about family, endurance, identity, and the weight of choices made under unimaginable circumstances.

Martin reflects on: His grandfather’s survival during the Holocaust. Moral decisions made at the edge of humanity. Post-war rebuilding, immigration, and legacy. Why preserving these stories matters now more than ever

🎧 Content Warning:

This conversation includes sensitive historical topics related to war, starvation, and survival. Some difficult themes—including cannibalism in extreme wartime conditions—are discussed respectfully and within historical context.

📚 About the Book

Zaidy’s War: Four Armies, Three Continents, Two Brothers. One Man’s Impossible Story of Endurance

👉 Buy the book here: https://martinbodekbooks.com/

👤 Guest Information

Martin Bodek

Author & Storyteller

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2tixBVnGPx8h72oOyjQNqC

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441

🔑 Key Takeaways

Survival during WWII required constant moral and strategic decisions

Endurance was rooted in mindset as much as circumstance

Faith, identity, and belief were deeply challenged during the Holocaust

Family storytelling preserves history when official records failImmigration brought hope—but not closureSome questions are never asked, yet shape generations

#WorldWarII #HolocaustSurvivor #JewishHistory #SurvivalStory #WWIIHistory