Hatikva @ Bergen Belsen - A Chilling Sound

Originally published 11/5/07, 5:29 PM, Eastern Daylight Time. Note: either the link no longer works, or requires registration.

This week marks the anniversary of Kystallnacht; how appropriate! -RRW

It was recorded by a British reporter on April 20, 1945 in Bergen-Belsen when the British army liberated the few thousand survivors in the concentration camp, half of which were Jewish, most of them at the extremes of their strength. It was recently discovered and apparently was loaned to NPR by the Smithsonian Institute.

The British priest organized prayers for Kabbalat Shabbat for the Jews. It was the first time after six years of war and after more than 10 years of persecution. With a lot of effort the Jews organized themselves and, knowing they were recorded, sang " Hatikva".

As you can hear they sang the original version as it was written by Naftali Imber. Picturing them in the midst of the concentration camp singing after all they had been through renders this a very moving scenario.

Put Your Speaksers and THEN CLICK ON THE LINE BELOW - THIS IS A TREASURE TO HOLD.

http://genealogy.org.il/BergenBelsenHatikva.mp3

This is a rare recording of "Hatikva " from almost 62 years ago. If this doesn't give you goosebumps nothing will.

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Kol Tuv / Best Regards,
RabbiRichWolpoe@Gmail.com