Essay Sample about Joseph Fenton

The Holocaust, a tragic gruesome event in history that brought many people despair and pain. However, some individuals used this despair and turned it into hope and resilience. “My mindset whatever will happen hope was hoped that maybe someday I will see.”(1:50) Joseph Fenton's testimony was significant because it demonstrated how he had hope despite being placed in a difficult position where he worked from sunrise to sunset without rest. Holocaust survivor Joseph Fenton was liberated in 1971.

Joseph Fenton, born on May 6, 1919, in Poland, worked at a factory with his family. One day when he was at work he was evacuated and sent to Auschwitz for 2 years. Unfortunately, he could not meet up with his family who was also deported. At the camp, their job at the camp was to mine for cole. During this depressing time, Joseph Fenton met his wife who kept him going. He also met an American in Poland who was captured as well. The American told him that the allies were close to victory, this gave him hope that one day he would be freed.

“My mindset whatever will happen hope was hoped that maybe someday I will see”(1:50). With this mindset, he managed to survive the holocaust. ​​He learned to work hard in a concentration camp and eventually married his wife whom he met there. At the concentration camp, he turned his memory to the strength that he could accomplish anything. He experienced happiness after he was liberated because he had waited for so long and now he can finally enjoy freedom again.

My understanding of life with courage, resilience, and hope is that all of those things are important if you want to accomplish greater things in life. Joseph Fenton believes that hope lies within everyone and if you use hope you can accomplish anything. After watching Joseph Fenton's testimony I believe turning memory into strength is the best way to overcome the past and become stronger. After the war courage and resilience helped him make good decisions and move to Los Angeles. He got a job there which helped him support his family. My survivor's hope, courage, and resilience inspire me to strive for more and thrive in the future.