Prisoner 88: The Man in Stripes

John Stanley is a policy advisor at the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and
Universities.

Sigmund Sobolewski, in his striped prisoner’s uniform (number 88), has
become a public figure in Canada as he promotes Holocaust awareness and
battles Holocaust deniers. Sobolewski was on the first transport to
Auschwitz, among that tiny number who survived the entire span of the
concentration camp’s existence. Although Sobolewski managed to
survive, “[A]nyone who has been in Auschwitz remains in Auschwitz.”

Although he came to Canada via England, the usual immigrant path was
not for Sobolewski. His political consciousness raised in reaction to
the Nazis, he became involved in supporting Castro’s Cuba as well as
Sandanista Nicaragua. When political involvement proved insufficient, he
once again donned his striped uniform. To the chagrin of business
associates, the dismay of close friends, and the embarrassment of his
family, Sobolewski appeared in costume at every occasion conceivable to
make the world aware of the Holocaust. He maintains that “the very
presence of Achtundachtzig [88] testifies.”

The author’s verdict that “Sigmund’s life carries societal
significance” cannot be denied. However, virtually all his financial
and emotional resources have been poured into what those close to him
soon came to regard as an irrational obsession. The numerous examples of
family crisis and personal anguish detailed in this book indicate the
extent to which Sobolewski views the roles of husband and father as
secondary. Although family members have slowly come to accept
Sobolewski’s mission, there’s no gainsaying the pain and confusion
he has caused them. As Tanenbaum puts it, “[Prisoner 88] documents the
human struggle to derive meaning from depravity. At the same time, it
attests to the toll such a struggle exacts on human endurance.”