Thomas Blatt
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Thomas "Toivi" Blatt (b. 1927) was one of the few survivors who successfully escaped Sobibór, a German extermination camp. While fleeing the SS he was shot in the jaw, and the bullet remains there to this day. Toivi went on to write From The Ashes of Sobibor about his experience in Sobibór, including his part in the plot that led the 600-prisoner revolt on October 14, 1943, as well as his life before the war leading up to the German occupation of his village, Izbica.
Blatt also interviewed a former German guard from Sobibór, Karl Frenzel, who was given life in prison for his actions at Sobibór, but after serving 16 years, was released on appeal due to a technicality. Blatt believes his interview was the first time after World War II during which the accused spoke face-to-face with the victim.
The award winning 1987 TV movie Escape from Sobibor depicts the events at the death camp Sobibór. Blatt was portrayed in the film as well as revolt leaders Leon Feldhandler and Alexander Pechersky.
