A Life Well Lived: An Account of David Kaufmann

Welcome to the official website of:

the feature documentary film from Chimney Rock Media

About

The story of German/Jewish immigrant David Kaufmann is profound and unique for Nebraskans. Unknown to most, this quiet and successful immigrant worked behind the scenes to rescue hundreds from the Nazi terror taking hold of his native country. As a result, these lifesaving actions have resulted in many beneficial and ongoing contributions that have stretched from Grand Island, NE throughout the world. And yet, there was a time of disenchantment with his new surroundings that nearly caused Mr. Kaufmann to return to Europe and start anew, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives, including his own, via the holocaust and a diminished quality of life for the rest of us. Documentary viewers will come to a new revelation of homegrown heroes and how one person’s close family ties in Europe impacted generations by caring enough to intervene and provide a means of rescue to a new life.

SMALL ACTS OF COMPASSION CAN CHANGE THE WORLD AROUND US.

Chimney Rock will explore David Kaufmanns early life as a butcher’s son raised on a farm. He and his five siblings were very acquainted with the routine and demanding chores of handling livestock and produce.

But, limited career opportunities, escalating anti-Semitism, and political uncertainty were a daily reminder that led this 28-year-old to venture to the New World of America. The adventure to America would prove a lifesaving decision for hundreds of families left behind in Germany as Hitler rose to power.

With an offer to help one family leave an increasingly brutal regime quickly turned into another, and then another, whoever would ask; David Kaufmann was there to sponsor as well as give financial assistance.

The only reimbursement David Kaufmann ever desired to see was these travelers adapting successfully to this new life in America.

IHE Mission

The Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) provides educational resources, workshops, survivor testimony, and integrated arts programming to students, educators, and the public. The IHE provides support to Holocaust survivors in our community.

IHE Vision

Our goal is to ensure that the tragedy and history of the Holocaust are remembered, that appropriate, fact-based instruction and materials are available to students, educators, and the public to enable them to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and that, as a result, we inspire our community to create a more just and equitable society.

IHE Educational Philosophy

Resources and programs recommended and developed by the IHE are designed to appropriately enable learners of all ages to:

  • Understand the political, social, and intellectual conditions that led to the Holocaust

  • Recognize stereotypes, prejudices, and racism

  • Consider the fragile nature of the legal and moral structure of Western society and the vigilance necessary to preserve it

  • Evaluate the extent to which governments can either safe guard or violate human rights

  • Consider potential conflicts between civic obligation and moral beliefs

  • Assess the consequences of indifference to the plight of others

  • Grapple with moral dilemmas posed by the Holocaust and reflect upon the sanctity of human life as a standard for guiding behavior.

In Partnership With