Survived the Holocaust But Not the Simchat Torah Massacre: Stories About Moshe Ridler

Moshe Ridler, may his memory be blessed, was affectionately known as 'The Grandpa of Holit.' At 91, he was the oldest person in the kibbutz until he was murdered in the Simchat Torah massacre, along with a foreign worker employed in his home.

In an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, his grandchildren tell the fascinating story of his life – how someone who survived the Holocaust didn't survive the horror at the kibbutz. It turns out that Moshe was at home with his caregiver when terrorists infiltrated the kibbutz. He was in contact with his family, but then any connection was lost. That night, his family received the notification of his murder. It turns out the day he was murdered was the same day Jews were expelled from his town during the war.

"Grandpa was born in Romania and was nine years old when World War II broke out," said his grandson Amir Tesler. "His father and older sister Fanny were taken to labor camps, and he was taken to Transnistria with his mother and younger sister Mina. Both fell ill with typhus and passed away, leaving him alone."

"At age 11, he saw a group of youngsters escaping the camp and joined them," continued the grandson. "He told us he didn't stop running until he lost consciousness. When he awoke, he was in the home of a family in a rural Ukrainian town. He helped with farm work and tended their sheep. He would wake up every morning and follow a set route, passing the sheep by the Nazi station, greeting them and continuing on his way. That's how he survived until the war ended. After the war, he returned alone to his birthplace, sat on the synagogue steps, and suddenly his father appeared in front of him. He was sure he wouldn't see him again. Later, he was reunited with Fanny, his sister."

Moshe immigrated to Israel at age 20, worked in the police force, and met his wife Pia, may she rest in peace. They had three children, followed by ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He moved to Kibbutz Holit about three years ago to be near them.

"He was the grandpa of Holit, but also our grandpa," shared Amir. "When I was little, he was in charge of everything, driving us around, coming in the morning with croissants and bourekas. He loved to dance and travel abroad. As the years went by, age took its course, but even then it wasn't noticeable. With his love for family and life, he continued to give us strength even past 90."

Grandson Liav Hendler added: "He didn't find his place in assisted living or retirement homes. The kibbutz has spaces, views, and the pool he loved so much. Family was always the most important thing to him. In the last decade, he became more open, sharing more about what happened during the war as he aged. He had a sense of humor even when sharing difficult stories. It was important for him that we know the family history and carry it forward."

"Grandpa always said if you have something to be proud of, then be proud," concluded Amir. "All these war stories, they're stories of hope. He would tell them with great pride. It was important for him to pass on the legacy of 'never giving up.' We were blessed with the best grandpa we could ever ask for. Until his last day, there was nothing more important to him than family. It strengthens us, gives us power these days. We want him remembered not for the end he didn't deserve, but for the life he brought to every place he was in. That's Grandpa's legacy. To overcome everything he went through and still give us strength."