While he was imprisoned at Auschwitz during World War II, David Wisnia found comfort in a romantic friendship with a fellow prisoner named Zippi. In later years, he came to understand that she had altered Nazi transportation orders, saving his life. “They expected you to be cruel,” Zippi said. “But you could always act like a human being.”
TRANSCRIPT
-DAVID WISNIA: [humming] One day, Zippi comes and we start exchanging glances.
[continues humming] -ZIPPI: [claps] Bravo!
-Zippi was my girlfriend.
She used to come and visit me every couple of weeks.
I looked forward to it.
It was unbelievable.
-DAVID: I was flabbergasted that she didn't even have any guards checking on her.
Nobody questioned Zippi.
She became my paramour.
In the clothing, you put the package one on top of the other.
That's where we met.
-DAVID: She was able to organize prisoners who was making sure that we weren't caught.
-ZIPPI: [giggling] -DAVID: It-it was physical.
She taught me everything.
I knew nothing.
I was a kid!
[birds chirping] [hopeful music] [birds chirping]
