Presentation by Survivor Descendant

 

Oscar Zaretsky survived what he calls “the Holocaust by Bullets” in eastern Poland. He and his siblings were orphaned when the Germans invaded the Soviet Union, and they were forced to spend many months alone in the forests, perilously clinging to life. After the war, Oscar came to Canada as a refugee and was adopted by the Zaretsky family in Winnipeg. He settled in Toronto and built a family and career. Oscar’s life is an inspiring story about catastrophe, perseverance, luck, and survival. His history is told by his grandson, Samuel Buckstein.

 

Samuel Buckstein is a third generation Canadian and engineering scientist with a passion for sustainable energy, the environment, and history. Samuel believes that history provides invaluable insight into the past and present human condition, and the best source of warning and counsel for the future.