Leopold Engleitner, Austrian Holocaust survivor, author, and educator (b. 1905)

Leopold Engleitner, born on July 23, 1905, in Austria, became an extraordinary testament to human resilience and moral steadfastness. A devout Jehovah's Witness, he was a conscientious objector whose unwavering commitment to his faith led him to endure the horrific persecution of the Nazi regime. His remarkable life journey, marked by survival in multiple concentration camps, culminated in his role as a public advocate for peace and remembrance, particularly among students, until his passing on April 21, 2013.

Engleitner's refusal to conform to the Nazi ideology, specifically his conscientious objection to military service based on his religious beliefs, made him a target. In the oppressive climate of wartime Austria, such a stance was deemed subversive and met with extreme brutality. He was subsequently arrested and interned in several notorious concentration camps. He survived imprisonment in Buchenwald, a large and brutal camp known for its forced labor; Niederhagen, a smaller, particularly harsh camp; and Ravensbrück, originally designed for female prisoners but where he was also held. His survival through these unimaginable conditions stands as a powerful symbol of courage against systematic dehumanization.

After the war, Leopold Engleitner dedicated himself to sharing his harrowing experiences, recognizing the vital importance of education in preventing future atrocities. He spoke extensively, engaging with diverse audiences, especially students, to impart firsthand accounts of the Holocaust and the dangers of intolerance and authoritarianism. His story gained wider recognition through the critically acclaimed documentary "Unbroken Will", which vividly chronicled his life, his principled stand, and his enduring spirit. This film helped to immortalize his message for future generations.

Before his death at the remarkable age of 107, Leopold Engleitner held the distinction of being the world's oldest known male concentration camp survivor. He was also, at that time, the oldest male Austrian. His long life, marked by both profound suffering and an unyielding commitment to his convictions, left an indelible legacy, serving as a powerful reminder of the individual's capacity for resistance and the imperative of remembering history's darkest chapters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Leopold Engleitner?

Leopold Engleitner (1905–2013) was an Austrian conscientious objector, a Jehovah's Witness, and a survivor of multiple Nazi concentration camps who dedicated his later life to sharing his experiences publicly, especially with students, as a warning against intolerance.

Why was he imprisoned by the Nazis?

Engleitner was imprisoned because, as a devout Jehovah's Witness, he refused to bear arms or swear allegiance to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, a stance known as conscientious objection, which was severely persecuted.

Which concentration camps was he held in?

He was held in three different Nazi concentration camps: Buchenwald, Niederhagen, and Ravensbrück.

What is "Unbroken Will"?

"Unbroken Will" is a documentary film that tells the story of Leopold Engleitner's life, his principled stand against the Nazis, his experiences in concentration camps, and his efforts to educate others about the Holocaust.

What was Leopold Engleitner's unique significance before his death?

Before his passing in 2013 at the age of 107, Leopold Engleitner was recognized as the world's oldest known male concentration camp survivor and also the oldest male Austrian.

Why did he choose to speak publicly about his experiences?

He felt a deep sense of responsibility to share his firsthand account of the Nazi era and the concentration camps. His aim was to educate people, particularly young generations, about the dangers of extremism, hatred, and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and human rights.