“Trapped in Hitler’s Hell” is not to be missed! This gripping and dramatic story is told in the words of Holocaust survivor Anita Dittman. This amazing woman recounts her Jewish heritage, her conversion to Christianity, her mother’s conversion, and the horrors of Nazi hatred toward the Jews. Yet she also tells of her ultimate survival due to God’s faithfulness. Archived footage of explosions and fires and tanks is used, along with a few quick glimpses of photos of corpses. These are brief and, though graphic, only in the documentary for an abbreviated time. These photos are the only thing we need to note, although the DVD is not intended for the young as it also mentions how soldiers raped some of the women. Anita’s stories tell of God looking out for her and how she survived several close calls until the war finally, and mercifully, ended.
From the young girl who took ballet classes and “danced my cares away” to the elderly but spunky lady she still is, Anita shares her life story in this fascinating documentary. Her father, a German, was an atheist and abandoned her family, but she had the love of her older sister and her mother. A loving pastor helped the family and she credits his influence with winning her mother to Christianity. As Anita wisely says, he convinced her mother and her of Christ’s love, and “if we don’t show the love of Christ in our actions, then we’re not very convincing.” The ominous voice of Hitler is heard in the background, along with color footage of him during the war.
Anita speaks of the purification of the Jews, the forced labor, the sickness in the camps, the hunger, and the fact that death was constantly around her and her companions. The stirring conclusion speaks of her search for her mother, and her story will bring tears to many eyes. Ultimately, as she comes to Ellis Island and sees the Statue of Liberty, her story of God’s faithfulness concludes with powerful impact. We are happy to award “Trapped in Hitler’s Hell” our “Faith-Friendly” Seal for ages twelve plus. This is a powerful tool to use for sharing the history of the Holocaust and also to share God’s faithfulness to many who trusted Him. This one gets five Doves, our best rating.