Today, Yavneh Middle School hosted Mr. Shmuel Gross as a speaker to our 8th grade students. Members of the 8th grade are currently under way writing the script for this year's dramatic production, which will be the story of Pinchas Rosenbaum. z"l.Pinchas Rosenbaum was a descendant of one of Hungary's most prominent Rabbinic families. His father and grandfather served as chief rabbis of Kisvarda (also called Kleinwardein), Hungary. In the years before the Second World War Pinchas became quietly involved with the Bnei Akiva youth movement. This was both foreign to and opposed by many members of Hungary's Orthodox community. During the war he, together with other members of the movement, led extremely dangerous rescue operations. He dressed in disguise, utilizing both Hungarian and German Nazi uniforms. One of the many hundreds he rescued was his longtime friend, Mr. Shmuel Gross.
While here at Yavneh, Mr. Gross spoke personally about his recollections of Pinchas. He explained the conditions of life before the war. as well as conditions in the "safe house" where thousands of rescued Jews took cover. We are grateful to Mr. Gross for sharing his time and his memories with our students.
