Most Holocaust novels focus on the horrors of concentration camp life during World War II. They paint a picture of a living nightmare people of today cannot imagine. Siggi Wilzig was one of these survivors. At only 16, he was sent to Auschwitz. Later, he was transported to Mauthausen-Gusen. He lost his entire family with the exception of one brother, including many extended family members. He survived because of his quick wit, his ingenuity, his indomitable spirit. He also gave credit to God.
Siggi’s story didn’t end on the day he was liberated by the U.S. army. He went on to assist the United States in capturing Nazis for two years, finally traveling to the United States. He arrived with little money in his pockets, no higher education, and no specialized skills. That didn’t stop Siggi from rising to the challenges of life. No job was beneath him as he scoured the streets of New York City, taking any work he could find.
His drive pushed him higher in life. Eventually, his shrewd business sense launched him into the position of president and CEO for an oil company and a bank. In the midst of accumulating a massive fortune, Siggi never forgot his roots. He spoke to cadets and their superiors at West Point about his experiences during the Holocaust. He was also a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. His story ranks at the top with other Holocaust novels sharing the story of courageous survivors. Visit to learn more about a man who went from rags to riches, overcoming adversity time and again.