The Shirt That Made a Prisoner Feel Human: A Story of Defiance and Resilience

Throughout the many trials faced by the Jewish people, unique spiritual strength is required to overcome each challenge.

One poignant account exemplifying this strength is the tale of Martin Greenfield, shared by Moshe Ratt: Born in 1928 to a Jewish family in Czechoslovakia, at 14, Martin was deported with his family to Auschwitz, most of whom were immediately sent to the gas chambers. Martin was assigned work in the camp's tailor shop.

One day, Martin received a German officer's shirt for repair, but in a twist of fate, he destroyed it and faced punishment. He decided to keep the shirt, fixing it for himself and wearing it beneath his prisoner uniform. The chief tailor was astounded – prisoners were forbidden from wearing any clothing other than the issued striped uniforms, let alone an officer's shirt! But Martin simply replied, "I'm used to wearing a shirt, and I feel more comfortable with it."

When Martin left the tailor shop with the shirt on, the kapo looked at him in amazement but said nothing. From that day until the war's end, Martin consistently wore the shirt beneath his clothes, even pulling up the collar to make it visible, and remarkably, no German guard ever questioned him. Perhaps they thought he was a privileged prisoner allowed such attire, as no one could imagine someone daring to pull off such a bold act in plain view.

After liberation, Martin moved to the United States to join relatives, started working as a tailor, and over time became a world-renowned designer, dressing American presidents, public figures, and many celebrities.

When asked why he insisted on wearing the officer's shirt, Martin said it empowered him and gave him strength: the Nazis attempted to erase the Jews' personal identities, and through the shirt, he felt he held onto being 'somebody.'

This week, Martin Greenfield passed away peacefully at the age of 95. May his memory be blessed.