1 00:00:02,167 --> 00:00:04,500 - A killing center at the edge of Nazi-controlled Europe. 2 00:00:04,583 --> 00:00:09,125 - A death camp-- the primary mission was murder. 3 00:00:09,208 --> 00:00:10,458 - The place of no return 4 00:00:10,542 --> 00:00:13,042 for thousands of Jewish prisoners... 5 00:00:13,125 --> 00:00:15,167 - They are weak. They are sickly. 6 00:00:15,208 --> 00:00:19,833 They are in no condition to overcome these hardships. 7 00:00:19,917 --> 00:00:22,833 - Where any attempt to escape leads to more death. 8 00:00:22,917 --> 00:00:24,958 - If one person attempted to escape, 9 00:00:25,042 --> 00:00:27,958 they held everyone responsible. 10 00:00:28,042 --> 00:00:30,083 - But in their darkest hour, 11 00:00:30,167 --> 00:00:32,542 they will hatch a daring escape plan 12 00:00:32,625 --> 00:00:33,917 to fight tyranny... 13 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:37,667 - It became the biggest escape of World War II. 14 00:00:37,750 --> 00:00:38,833 - And win their freedom. 15 00:00:39,000 --> 00:00:42,333 [dramatic music] 16 00:00:42,417 --> 00:00:49,167 ♪ 17 00:00:49,292 --> 00:00:52,708 Some of the greatest stories ever told 18 00:00:52,792 --> 00:00:54,333 start behind bars. 19 00:00:54,417 --> 00:00:55,708 ♪ 20 00:00:55,792 --> 00:00:58,000 Locked up in the most notorious prisons 21 00:00:58,083 --> 00:00:59,500 in the world, 22 00:00:59,542 --> 00:01:03,667 spied on by guards and fellow prisoners... 23 00:01:03,750 --> 00:01:07,958 it takes a devious mind to find a way out. 24 00:01:08,042 --> 00:01:09,708 ♪ 25 00:01:09,792 --> 00:01:12,000 It could lead you to freedom, 26 00:01:12,083 --> 00:01:14,667 or it could cost you your life. 27 00:01:14,708 --> 00:01:16,583 ♪ 28 00:01:16,667 --> 00:01:18,875 But wouldn't you try 29 00:01:18,958 --> 00:01:20,958 when you have nothing left to lose? 30 00:01:21,042 --> 00:01:26,000 ♪ 31 00:01:26,125 --> 00:01:27,500 [cell door closes] 32 00:01:27,583 --> 00:01:34,333 ♪ 33 00:01:34,417 --> 00:01:37,167 An isolated forest in eastern Poland 34 00:01:37,292 --> 00:01:38,917 is the end of the line 35 00:01:38,917 --> 00:01:42,833 for a railroad that stretches across Nazi-occupied Europe 36 00:01:42,958 --> 00:01:45,083 from the shores of the Netherlands 37 00:01:45,167 --> 00:01:47,583 to the Ukrainian border. 38 00:01:47,667 --> 00:01:49,458 The final stop-- 39 00:01:49,542 --> 00:01:54,292 a secret Nazi death camp named Sobibor. 40 00:01:54,375 --> 00:01:59,292 In 1942, as part of Hitler's Final Solution, 41 00:01:59,375 --> 00:02:02,792 the Nazis are trying to exterminate all the Jews 42 00:02:02,875 --> 00:02:04,667 in occupied Poland. 43 00:02:04,708 --> 00:02:07,292 To accomplish this sinister goal, 44 00:02:07,375 --> 00:02:10,542 they operate three specialized death camps-- 45 00:02:10,667 --> 00:02:14,500 Treblinka, Belzec, and Sobibor. 46 00:02:14,625 --> 00:02:16,208 ♪ 47 00:02:16,292 --> 00:02:17,542 - A concentration camp 48 00:02:17,667 --> 00:02:20,208 was a place where people weren't put to work 49 00:02:20,333 --> 00:02:22,667 in the service of the Germans. 50 00:02:22,750 --> 00:02:26,667 A death camp--the primary mission was murder. 51 00:02:26,750 --> 00:02:27,708 ♪ 52 00:02:27,833 --> 00:02:30,000 - But by 1943, 53 00:02:30,083 --> 00:02:33,333 after a crushing defeat by the Soviets, 54 00:02:33,375 --> 00:02:36,833 the Nazi war machine is breaking down 55 00:02:36,875 --> 00:02:38,375 and on the run. 56 00:02:38,458 --> 00:02:39,875 To cover their tracks, 57 00:02:39,958 --> 00:02:42,875 the Nazis began to dismantle their killing centers 58 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:45,583 and murder the remaining prisoners. 59 00:02:45,667 --> 00:02:49,000 - Rumor was that the Russians were not far away 60 00:02:49,083 --> 00:02:53,292 and that the reason the Nazis were eliminating death camps 61 00:02:53,375 --> 00:02:56,333 is because the Russians were coming. 62 00:02:56,375 --> 00:02:59,208 - And there is another grisly reality. 63 00:02:59,292 --> 00:03:01,583 The death camps are so effective, 64 00:03:01,667 --> 00:03:03,458 they're running out of victims. 65 00:03:03,542 --> 00:03:04,875 - At the end of ten months, 66 00:03:04,958 --> 00:03:09,625 there were no Jews left in the region to murder, 67 00:03:09,708 --> 00:03:13,250 and that meant that that killing was coming to a close. 68 00:03:13,333 --> 00:03:16,667 - But as long as there are any Jewish people left, 69 00:03:16,750 --> 00:03:20,458 the Nazis continue to operate Sobibor. 70 00:03:20,542 --> 00:03:22,208 From the railway platform, 71 00:03:22,333 --> 00:03:25,500 Sobibor stretches out 150 acres, 72 00:03:25,583 --> 00:03:28,625 the size of 45 football fields. 73 00:03:28,708 --> 00:03:30,833 A central watchtower with armed guards 74 00:03:30,958 --> 00:03:32,375 looms over the camp. 75 00:03:32,500 --> 00:03:36,417 Two impenetrable barbed-wire fences with a patrol path 76 00:03:36,500 --> 00:03:38,500 keep prisoners trapped inside. 77 00:03:38,583 --> 00:03:41,083 Anyone lucky enough to sneak out 78 00:03:41,167 --> 00:03:43,250 faces a ring of guard stations 79 00:03:43,333 --> 00:03:46,917 and a deadly 15-meter minefield. 80 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:50,500 Sections of the fences are covered by pine branches 81 00:03:50,583 --> 00:03:54,208 to keep the camp's hideous secret from escaping. 82 00:03:54,292 --> 00:03:57,542 It's a sinister machinery of death. 83 00:03:57,625 --> 00:03:59,458 ♪ 84 00:03:59,542 --> 00:04:03,750 The average lifespan upon arrival is under an hour. 85 00:04:03,875 --> 00:04:06,625 The vast majority are led from the train platform 86 00:04:06,708 --> 00:04:10,125 into the camp, where they are stripped of their possessions, 87 00:04:10,208 --> 00:04:13,333 clothing, hair, and lives, 88 00:04:13,375 --> 00:04:16,250 executed in a gas chamber large enough 89 00:04:16,333 --> 00:04:19,458 to hold 500 people at a time. 90 00:04:19,542 --> 00:04:22,125 ♪ 91 00:04:22,208 --> 00:04:26,417 But even death factories require workers. 92 00:04:26,542 --> 00:04:29,583 - The Jews would be unloaded off the trains, 93 00:04:29,667 --> 00:04:32,417 and it was here that the prisoners 94 00:04:32,500 --> 00:04:34,958 had the greatest chance of survival. 95 00:04:35,042 --> 00:04:37,083 If they could figure out 96 00:04:37,167 --> 00:04:40,292 some skill that the Germans would need to run the camp-- 97 00:04:40,375 --> 00:04:42,750 a tailor or a carpenter 98 00:04:42,833 --> 00:04:45,583 or a leather worker, a painter-- 99 00:04:45,667 --> 00:04:49,333 they would shout out as the prisoners were lined up. 100 00:04:49,417 --> 00:04:52,125 - Those worker Jews strived as hard as they could 101 00:04:52,208 --> 00:04:54,167 to become indispensable. 102 00:04:54,208 --> 00:04:55,833 And that way, 103 00:04:55,917 --> 00:04:58,125 if the Nazis wanted to torture them and kill them, 104 00:04:58,208 --> 00:05:00,667 they wouldn't take the essential workers. 105 00:05:00,708 --> 00:05:04,125 They would take those that were easily replaced. 106 00:05:04,208 --> 00:05:07,458 - At any time, about 600 Jewish workers 107 00:05:07,583 --> 00:05:10,000 are kept alive to keep the camp running. 108 00:05:10,042 --> 00:05:11,333 They're kept in check 109 00:05:11,417 --> 00:05:14,833 by 30 or so German SS officers, 110 00:05:14,917 --> 00:05:16,833 or Schutzstaffel-- 111 00:05:16,917 --> 00:05:20,083 the elite and feared paramilitary enforcers 112 00:05:20,167 --> 00:05:21,625 of the Nazi party. 113 00:05:21,708 --> 00:05:25,542 Under the SS, 120 Ukrainian civilians 114 00:05:25,667 --> 00:05:28,208 and former Soviet POW guards 115 00:05:28,292 --> 00:05:32,625 make sure Sobibor runs as designed. 116 00:05:32,708 --> 00:05:36,625 - Sobibor was constructed like a machine. 117 00:05:36,708 --> 00:05:41,292 Everything had a position, a role, a purpose, a function, 118 00:05:41,292 --> 00:05:44,625 and the Nazis operated it like a Swiss clock. 119 00:05:44,708 --> 00:05:47,625 - To maximize its cruel efficiency, 120 00:05:47,708 --> 00:05:50,000 the camp is set up with a garrison 121 00:05:50,083 --> 00:05:52,750 and three distinct sub-camps. 122 00:05:52,833 --> 00:05:57,042 The garrison houses SS officers and guards. 123 00:05:57,125 --> 00:05:59,917 Next to that is camp one, 124 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:04,250 where 400 Jewish prisoners live and maintain workshops. 125 00:06:04,333 --> 00:06:06,625 Camp two contains the sorting barracks, 126 00:06:06,625 --> 00:06:09,333 where all the confiscated possessions 127 00:06:09,417 --> 00:06:10,833 are stored. 128 00:06:10,917 --> 00:06:14,500 Finally, at the end of a 300-foot path 129 00:06:14,500 --> 00:06:18,458 called The Road to Heaven is camp three, 130 00:06:18,542 --> 00:06:21,667 which contains a gas chamber 131 00:06:21,708 --> 00:06:25,500 powered by the exhaust of a covered tank engine. 132 00:06:25,583 --> 00:06:29,708 Machinery like this makes death inevitable. 133 00:06:29,792 --> 00:06:32,958 ♪ 134 00:06:33,042 --> 00:06:37,292 But back at camp one, one prisoner keeps hope alive 135 00:06:37,375 --> 00:06:39,500 that escape is possible, 136 00:06:39,583 --> 00:06:44,125 a man determined to find a way out for everyone. 137 00:06:44,208 --> 00:06:48,500 ♪ 138 00:06:48,542 --> 00:06:51,333 - Leon Feldhendler is considered a leader 139 00:06:51,417 --> 00:06:53,333 among the 600 Jews 140 00:06:53,375 --> 00:06:56,125 who were part of the labor force in Sobibor. 141 00:06:56,208 --> 00:06:58,625 He's a charismatic individual. 142 00:06:58,708 --> 00:07:01,333 - Feldhendler was the son of a rabbi. 143 00:07:01,375 --> 00:07:04,000 He arrived quite early in Sobibor's history, 144 00:07:04,042 --> 00:07:06,917 and his entire family was sent to the gas chambers, 145 00:07:07,042 --> 00:07:09,833 but he survived claiming that he was a carpenter. 146 00:07:09,875 --> 00:07:12,208 - He looks out for everyone in the camp, 147 00:07:12,208 --> 00:07:13,792 and he's constantly looking 148 00:07:13,875 --> 00:07:18,500 for a way in which they could escape. 149 00:07:18,583 --> 00:07:20,500 - But time is running out 150 00:07:20,583 --> 00:07:23,875 for Feldhendler and the other prisoners. 151 00:07:23,958 --> 00:07:27,542 ♪ 152 00:07:27,625 --> 00:07:31,958 By June of 1943, activity is slowing down at Sobibor. 153 00:07:32,042 --> 00:07:34,083 - There were fewer and fewer trains coming in. 154 00:07:34,167 --> 00:07:36,542 There were rumors the camp would be dismantled 155 00:07:36,625 --> 00:07:38,542 and that they would be gassed and killed. 156 00:07:38,667 --> 00:07:42,333 - Feldhendler is unsure whether to believe the rumors. 157 00:07:42,458 --> 00:07:45,208 Are they really going to liquidate the camp? 158 00:07:45,208 --> 00:07:49,375 He needs to know for certain before trying an escape 159 00:07:49,458 --> 00:07:51,958 that could get people killed. 160 00:07:52,042 --> 00:07:55,750 Then on June 26th, he gets his answer. 161 00:07:55,833 --> 00:07:59,875 A rare train arrives, carrying the last 300 prisoners 162 00:07:59,875 --> 00:08:02,542 of the Belzec death camp. 163 00:08:02,625 --> 00:08:05,958 When the 300 arrive, instead of being gassed, 164 00:08:06,042 --> 00:08:10,333 they are immediately shot on the train platform. 165 00:08:10,417 --> 00:08:16,208 ♪ 166 00:08:16,292 --> 00:08:19,167 These victims bring with them a foreboding message 167 00:08:19,250 --> 00:08:20,500 that inspires other prisoners 168 00:08:20,542 --> 00:08:22,417 to start looking for a way out. 169 00:08:22,500 --> 00:08:25,500 One such prisoner is Chaim Engel, 170 00:08:25,583 --> 00:08:29,375 whose family was also murdered at the camp. 171 00:08:29,458 --> 00:08:31,667 Engel works in the sorting barracks, 172 00:08:31,750 --> 00:08:34,875 forced to search the clothes for valuables. 173 00:08:34,958 --> 00:08:36,792 He discovers a handwritten note 174 00:08:36,875 --> 00:08:40,292 in the pocket of a recently murdered Belzec prisoner. 175 00:08:40,417 --> 00:08:43,083 - He'd written a note saying, "If you find this note, 176 00:08:43,167 --> 00:08:46,958 "it means that we, the Jews who have worked at Belzec, 177 00:08:47,042 --> 00:08:48,625 "have been murdered. 178 00:08:48,708 --> 00:08:51,000 "Although the Germans promised us a different future, 179 00:08:51,083 --> 00:08:55,125 don't believe them and take revenge for us." 180 00:08:55,208 --> 00:08:59,250 - Engel panics and shows the note to Feldhendler. 181 00:08:59,333 --> 00:09:03,375 It's the spark that ignites the flame of resistance. 182 00:09:03,500 --> 00:09:05,000 - Feldhendler concluded, 183 00:09:05,083 --> 00:09:09,083 "We are all going to be exterminated." 184 00:09:09,208 --> 00:09:12,417 ♪ 185 00:09:12,500 --> 00:09:15,750 - If Belzec was shut down and liquidated, 186 00:09:15,833 --> 00:09:17,250 it's only a matter of time 187 00:09:17,333 --> 00:09:20,167 before the Nazis do the same with Sobibor. 188 00:09:20,250 --> 00:09:21,833 Feldhendler starts looking 189 00:09:21,958 --> 00:09:24,750 for fellow Jews he can join forces with. 190 00:09:24,875 --> 00:09:28,333 He handpicks a dozen or so prisoners that he trusts. 191 00:09:28,458 --> 00:09:31,792 - And so he put together what he called the Organization. 192 00:09:31,875 --> 00:09:33,792 ♪ 193 00:09:33,875 --> 00:09:36,917 - The Organization is an escape committee. 194 00:09:37,042 --> 00:09:40,417 Each member has knowledge of or access 195 00:09:40,500 --> 00:09:42,417 to different parts of the camp. 196 00:09:42,500 --> 00:09:44,167 Feldhendler tells them 197 00:09:44,208 --> 00:09:47,333 they must come up with a way to escape. 198 00:09:47,375 --> 00:09:49,125 ♪ 199 00:09:49,208 --> 00:09:50,625 Over the next few weeks, 200 00:09:50,708 --> 00:09:52,792 the men consider different plans, 201 00:09:52,875 --> 00:09:55,333 but there was a problem. 202 00:09:55,375 --> 00:09:56,833 ♪ 203 00:09:56,917 --> 00:09:59,292 Feldhendler knows that the Nazis treat 204 00:09:59,375 --> 00:10:03,000 every escape attempt with extreme severity. 205 00:10:03,083 --> 00:10:05,500 - If one person attempted to escape, 206 00:10:05,542 --> 00:10:07,292 they held everyone responsible, 207 00:10:07,375 --> 00:10:10,292 and they could say, "We will shoot one of ten prisoners." 208 00:10:10,375 --> 00:10:12,333 [gunshot] 209 00:10:12,375 --> 00:10:15,417 - This means that even if some of them escape, 210 00:10:15,542 --> 00:10:17,000 the rest are doomed. 211 00:10:17,042 --> 00:10:19,833 Feldhendler knows the only right way to escape 212 00:10:19,875 --> 00:10:22,833 is to try to get every prisoner out of the camp. 213 00:10:22,917 --> 00:10:25,333 Another problem the Organization has 214 00:10:25,417 --> 00:10:29,625 is that they lack any military or tactical experience. 215 00:10:29,708 --> 00:10:32,000 They're farmers and artisans. 216 00:10:32,042 --> 00:10:35,833 At this point, it's going to take a miracle. 217 00:10:35,917 --> 00:10:37,417 But that's just what they get. 218 00:10:37,542 --> 00:10:41,333 ♪ 219 00:10:41,417 --> 00:10:42,667 - That miracle 220 00:10:42,750 --> 00:10:47,000 came on September 23, 1943. 221 00:10:47,042 --> 00:10:51,500 ♪ 222 00:10:51,583 --> 00:10:55,958 - Alexander "Sasha" Pechersky is a Russian army lieutenant-- 223 00:10:56,042 --> 00:10:59,125 tall, handsome, experienced. 224 00:10:59,208 --> 00:11:03,208 He and a contingent of Soviet Jewish POWs 225 00:11:03,292 --> 00:11:07,125 arrive at Sobibor and are selected for work. 226 00:11:07,208 --> 00:11:10,875 - He had escaped every place they put him. 227 00:11:10,958 --> 00:11:14,208 The last place left was Sobibor. 228 00:11:14,208 --> 00:11:17,625 Leon Feldhendler saw an opportunity. 229 00:11:17,708 --> 00:11:19,042 ♪ 230 00:11:19,125 --> 00:11:21,833 - Feldhendler knows he needs Pechersky, 231 00:11:21,875 --> 00:11:25,125 his comrades, and their military experience 232 00:11:25,208 --> 00:11:26,500 for the escape, 233 00:11:26,542 --> 00:11:28,042 so he makes contact, 234 00:11:28,125 --> 00:11:32,000 first by passing notes, then in person. 235 00:11:32,125 --> 00:11:35,250 A translator helps Pechersky and Feldhendler talk 236 00:11:35,333 --> 00:11:38,625 by translating between Russian and Yiddish. 237 00:11:38,708 --> 00:11:42,583 When Pechersky asks how many are to escape, 238 00:11:42,667 --> 00:11:46,583 Feldhendler tells him, "All of them." 239 00:11:46,667 --> 00:11:49,292 Pechersky agrees on one condition-- 240 00:11:49,375 --> 00:11:54,167 the Organization is kept small until the very end. 241 00:11:54,208 --> 00:11:58,167 Feldhendler accepts, and Pechersky gets to work. 242 00:11:58,250 --> 00:12:04,000 ♪ 243 00:12:04,083 --> 00:12:06,917 Pechersky knows they'll never be able to tunnel 244 00:12:07,000 --> 00:12:09,375 and sneak 600 people out. 245 00:12:09,458 --> 00:12:11,083 The camp is too secure. 246 00:12:11,167 --> 00:12:14,542 This is going to require something a lot bolder. 247 00:12:14,625 --> 00:12:18,792 As a soldier, Pechersky knows that the best tactic 248 00:12:18,875 --> 00:12:21,667 is to exploit your enemy's greatest weakness. 249 00:12:21,708 --> 00:12:25,083 In the case of these Nazis, it's greed. 250 00:12:25,167 --> 00:12:27,500 The SS regularly help themselves 251 00:12:27,625 --> 00:12:30,083 to the Jews' confiscated luxury items 252 00:12:30,167 --> 00:12:35,000 after they've been cleaned and repaired by the prisoners. 253 00:12:35,083 --> 00:12:38,083 When the SS officers pick up these items, 254 00:12:38,167 --> 00:12:40,667 Alexander Pechersky comes up 255 00:12:40,792 --> 00:12:42,583 with an audacious escape plan-- 256 00:12:42,667 --> 00:12:45,042 eliminate their Nazi captors 257 00:12:45,167 --> 00:12:48,917 and walk right out the front gate. 258 00:12:49,000 --> 00:12:52,875 Feldhendler and the Organization are stunned. 259 00:12:57,042 --> 00:13:00,083 - In 1943, Sobibor, Poland, is home 260 00:13:00,208 --> 00:13:03,750 to an escape-proof death camp so secretive, 261 00:13:03,875 --> 00:13:06,708 few even know it exists. 262 00:13:06,792 --> 00:13:09,833 But a plot is brewing to escape 263 00:13:09,917 --> 00:13:12,417 and expose this nightmare to the world. 264 00:13:12,500 --> 00:13:15,375 [dramatic music] 265 00:13:15,458 --> 00:13:17,000 ♪ 266 00:13:17,042 --> 00:13:20,083 Rumors swirl that the camp and all its prisoners 267 00:13:20,167 --> 00:13:23,042 will be liquidated within a month. 268 00:13:23,125 --> 00:13:25,625 Lieutenant Sasha Pechersky lays out the plan 269 00:13:25,708 --> 00:13:27,333 to Leon Feldhendler 270 00:13:27,375 --> 00:13:30,000 and a small group of co-conspirators. 271 00:13:30,083 --> 00:13:33,500 The plan involves three stages. 272 00:13:33,583 --> 00:13:34,833 ♪ 273 00:13:34,875 --> 00:13:36,542 First, equip. 274 00:13:36,625 --> 00:13:39,792 The prisoners must arm themselves with weapons 275 00:13:39,875 --> 00:13:43,667 so they can kill trained SS officers. 276 00:13:43,750 --> 00:13:45,792 Second, execute. 277 00:13:45,875 --> 00:13:48,417 In the hour before evening roll call, 278 00:13:48,500 --> 00:13:51,542 a few prisoners will lead a dozen SS officers 279 00:13:51,542 --> 00:13:53,708 to workshops at set times 280 00:13:53,792 --> 00:13:56,833 to pick up refurbished luxury goods. 281 00:13:56,958 --> 00:13:59,125 Out of sight, kill teams, 282 00:13:59,208 --> 00:14:02,167 led by Russian prisoners loyal to Pechersky, 283 00:14:02,208 --> 00:14:05,167 will execute the senior SS officers 284 00:14:05,208 --> 00:14:08,458 and as many lower-ranking SS as possible. 285 00:14:08,542 --> 00:14:12,083 Pechersky knows they can't kill all 30 SS officers, 286 00:14:12,167 --> 00:14:14,292 but killing the SS leadership 287 00:14:14,375 --> 00:14:17,750 would make it more difficult to mount a counterattack. 288 00:14:17,875 --> 00:14:19,917 And if they're caught in the act, 289 00:14:20,042 --> 00:14:22,833 he's hoping the lack of Nazi leaders 290 00:14:22,917 --> 00:14:26,167 will cause the 120 guards to stand down. 291 00:14:26,250 --> 00:14:28,000 ♪ 292 00:14:28,042 --> 00:14:30,917 The third and final stage--exit. 293 00:14:31,042 --> 00:14:33,333 They will cut the power and phone lines, 294 00:14:33,458 --> 00:14:37,167 and Pechersky's men, disguised as SS officers, 295 00:14:37,292 --> 00:14:40,292 will lead the prisoners out the front gate, 296 00:14:40,375 --> 00:14:43,083 where everyone can disappear into the forest. 297 00:14:43,167 --> 00:14:47,125 It's an ambitious plan that will take time to prepare, 298 00:14:47,208 --> 00:14:52,000 so first things first-- weapons. 299 00:14:52,083 --> 00:14:53,583 - Over the course of several weeks, 300 00:14:53,667 --> 00:14:56,917 the workers in the warehouse collect up knives, 301 00:14:57,000 --> 00:14:59,667 like pocket knives and butchers' knives-- 302 00:14:59,750 --> 00:15:00,875 every knife that they can find-- 303 00:15:00,875 --> 00:15:02,750 and they'd smuggle back to camp one. 304 00:15:02,750 --> 00:15:06,917 The other way that they get weapons is the forest brigade. 305 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:08,333 Those prisoners 306 00:15:08,417 --> 00:15:10,500 who were charged with chopping down wood-- 307 00:15:10,583 --> 00:15:13,917 they bring their axes by the carpenter's shop every day, 308 00:15:14,042 --> 00:15:15,333 where they're sharpened. 309 00:15:15,417 --> 00:15:16,625 ♪ 310 00:15:16,708 --> 00:15:19,167 - Other equipment that was going to prove essential 311 00:15:19,250 --> 00:15:21,167 for the escape was rifles. 312 00:15:21,250 --> 00:15:24,000 And they know some Ukrainian rifles 313 00:15:24,083 --> 00:15:26,333 are locked up in one of the barracks. 314 00:15:26,375 --> 00:15:28,750 - This is where one member of the Organization 315 00:15:28,875 --> 00:15:30,417 comes up big-- 316 00:15:30,500 --> 00:15:34,167 Shlomo Szmajzner, a young Polish Jew 317 00:15:34,250 --> 00:15:37,917 whose job as the foreman of the maintenance mechanics 318 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:41,375 gives him access to almost every part of the camp. 319 00:15:41,500 --> 00:15:44,750 This includes a guard barrack where rifles are stored. 320 00:15:44,875 --> 00:15:46,375 - He says to the guard outside 321 00:15:46,458 --> 00:15:49,500 that he needs to go inside to repair a stove. 322 00:15:49,625 --> 00:15:50,833 The guard thinks nothing of it 323 00:15:50,917 --> 00:15:52,667 because he's the shop machinist. 324 00:15:52,708 --> 00:15:55,292 Once he gets inside, he's able to steal the rifles. 325 00:15:55,375 --> 00:15:58,083 And his plan is to hide them up the chimney, 326 00:15:58,167 --> 00:16:01,417 but they prove to be too long, and they just won't fit. 327 00:16:01,542 --> 00:16:03,625 So very quickly he needs to come up with another plan. 328 00:16:03,708 --> 00:16:07,958 - Szmajzner quietly wraps the rifles in canvas sacks, 329 00:16:08,042 --> 00:16:10,958 then slowly drops them out the back window. 330 00:16:11,042 --> 00:16:13,333 - He then very calmly exits the building, 331 00:16:13,375 --> 00:16:16,375 says goodbye to the guard, goes around the side, 332 00:16:16,458 --> 00:16:19,917 and retrieves rifles that will be essential 333 00:16:20,042 --> 00:16:21,750 for the forthcoming escape. 334 00:16:21,875 --> 00:16:24,667 - The Organization is in business. 335 00:16:24,708 --> 00:16:26,083 They are armed. 336 00:16:26,167 --> 00:16:28,208 But the idea of killing Germans 337 00:16:28,333 --> 00:16:30,667 still seems like an impossibility. 338 00:16:30,708 --> 00:16:32,333 And who can blame them? 339 00:16:32,417 --> 00:16:35,208 The SS rule with an iron fist. 340 00:16:35,333 --> 00:16:37,000 Three Nazis in particular 341 00:16:37,167 --> 00:16:39,792 rule over every aspect of their lives 342 00:16:39,875 --> 00:16:43,000 and are at the top of their hit list. 343 00:16:43,083 --> 00:16:45,875 Camp one is overseen by Karl Frenzel. 344 00:16:45,958 --> 00:16:47,875 He monitors roll call 345 00:16:47,958 --> 00:16:51,167 and sadistically lords his power over the prisoners. 346 00:16:51,208 --> 00:16:53,375 The camp two boss is Rudolf Beckmann-- 347 00:16:53,458 --> 00:16:55,625 in charge of the sorting barracks 348 00:16:55,708 --> 00:16:57,958 and communications office. 349 00:16:58,042 --> 00:17:01,000 Last but not least is Gustav Wagner-- 350 00:17:01,083 --> 00:17:02,417 in charge of camp three, 351 00:17:02,500 --> 00:17:05,042 as well as who is selected for work. 352 00:17:05,125 --> 00:17:08,875 Wagner has the power to say who lives and who dies. 353 00:17:08,958 --> 00:17:11,792 He is the worst of the worst. 354 00:17:11,875 --> 00:17:13,208 ♪ 355 00:17:13,292 --> 00:17:15,958 - Every camp had a devil. 356 00:17:16,042 --> 00:17:18,625 Sobibor had Gustav Wagner-- 357 00:17:18,625 --> 00:17:21,917 6'4", 240 pounds, 358 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:25,250 arms almost stretching down to his knees, 359 00:17:25,333 --> 00:17:28,167 so incredibly vicious. 360 00:17:28,208 --> 00:17:31,000 He was always looking for Jews who were breaking the rules 361 00:17:31,125 --> 00:17:32,500 so he could punish them. 362 00:17:32,542 --> 00:17:35,792 - Wagner was known for his attention to detail. 363 00:17:35,875 --> 00:17:37,292 They knew that if he were there, 364 00:17:37,375 --> 00:17:38,792 it would be much more difficult 365 00:17:38,875 --> 00:17:40,542 for them to succeed in their plans. 366 00:17:40,625 --> 00:17:43,500 - Further complicating Pechersky's plan 367 00:17:43,625 --> 00:17:47,375 is that before they can dream of taking out the SS, 368 00:17:47,500 --> 00:17:50,208 they have to take care of the kapos-- 369 00:17:50,292 --> 00:17:53,458 Jewish prisoners the Nazis used to monitor 370 00:17:53,542 --> 00:17:55,875 and discipline the rest of the Jews. 371 00:17:55,958 --> 00:17:57,583 - The kapos were prison foremen, 372 00:17:57,667 --> 00:18:00,375 and there were bad kapos and good kapos, 373 00:18:00,458 --> 00:18:04,000 as there are bad and good people who exercise power-- 374 00:18:04,083 --> 00:18:06,125 unjust power over others. 375 00:18:06,208 --> 00:18:08,667 - Some kapos are part of the Organization, 376 00:18:08,792 --> 00:18:11,750 but there is one kapo who is just as bad 377 00:18:11,833 --> 00:18:13,417 as any of the Nazis-- 378 00:18:13,500 --> 00:18:17,167 the one they call Berliner. 379 00:18:17,250 --> 00:18:21,125 - Berliner had apparently ratted on his fellow Jews 380 00:18:21,208 --> 00:18:23,833 to the Germans involving another escape. 381 00:18:23,875 --> 00:18:27,750 He was such a liability to the plan 382 00:18:27,833 --> 00:18:29,167 that they had to get rid of him 383 00:18:29,250 --> 00:18:32,000 before the actual escape plan was hatched. 384 00:18:32,042 --> 00:18:33,875 ♪ 385 00:18:33,958 --> 00:18:35,625 - Pechersky is very clear. 386 00:18:35,708 --> 00:18:38,500 It may be unfortunate, but the lives of everyone else in camp 387 00:18:38,583 --> 00:18:42,417 will depend upon the execution of this specific individual. 388 00:18:42,500 --> 00:18:44,000 - The prisoners have to make 389 00:18:44,167 --> 00:18:46,458 the biggest decision of their lives. 390 00:18:46,458 --> 00:18:48,458 Are they willing to kill one of their own? 391 00:18:48,542 --> 00:18:52,750 ♪ 392 00:18:52,875 --> 00:18:56,542 Finally, they make the choice about Berliner. 393 00:18:56,708 --> 00:19:00,000 - Pechersky said, "He's got to go." 394 00:19:00,083 --> 00:19:03,000 Feldhendler said, "We'll take care of it." 395 00:19:03,042 --> 00:19:06,208 ♪ 396 00:19:06,292 --> 00:19:08,167 - They come up with a shrewd way 397 00:19:08,250 --> 00:19:11,792 to get the bad kapo out of the picture. 398 00:19:11,875 --> 00:19:14,333 They beat him to within an inch of his life 399 00:19:14,417 --> 00:19:16,750 but without leaving physical marks. 400 00:19:16,875 --> 00:19:18,708 - They went for the spleen and the kidneys 401 00:19:18,792 --> 00:19:21,583 until he was unconscious. 402 00:19:21,583 --> 00:19:24,708 The next morning at roll call, the good kapo said, 403 00:19:24,792 --> 00:19:29,458 "Herr Kapitan, there is one kapo sick in bed, 404 00:19:29,542 --> 00:19:31,333 and I don't think he's going to last." 405 00:19:31,458 --> 00:19:34,000 So they carried him out, and Frenzel says, 406 00:19:34,125 --> 00:19:35,583 "Take him to camp three." 407 00:19:35,667 --> 00:19:38,500 - Camp three means the gas chamber 408 00:19:38,583 --> 00:19:41,167 and the end for Berliner. 409 00:19:41,250 --> 00:19:43,375 - So it worked. They got rid of this guy. 410 00:19:43,458 --> 00:19:46,667 These planners were smart. 411 00:19:46,708 --> 00:19:49,500 - With their first hurdle out of the way, 412 00:19:49,583 --> 00:19:51,625 Pechersky and Feldhendler can concentrate 413 00:19:51,708 --> 00:19:54,167 on taking out their main obstacle-- 414 00:19:54,250 --> 00:19:56,375 the SS officers. 415 00:19:56,458 --> 00:19:58,667 And the clock is ticking. 416 00:19:58,750 --> 00:20:01,333 It's only a matter of days before Sobibor 417 00:20:01,417 --> 00:20:05,792 and all of its prisoners are to be totally annihilated. 418 00:20:10,125 --> 00:20:13,417 - A group of prisoners at Sobibor death camp 419 00:20:13,500 --> 00:20:17,875 is plotting a mass escape that will free the entire camp. 420 00:20:17,958 --> 00:20:19,417 Their plan-- 421 00:20:19,500 --> 00:20:22,208 to eliminate the camp's SS officers-- 422 00:20:22,208 --> 00:20:25,750 requires secrecy and precision. 423 00:20:25,833 --> 00:20:27,250 [dramatic music] 424 00:20:27,375 --> 00:20:30,958 Only an inner circle knows the details. 425 00:20:31,042 --> 00:20:34,167 Knowing how the plan will work is key. 426 00:20:34,250 --> 00:20:35,625 ♪ 427 00:20:35,708 --> 00:20:36,958 So is when. 428 00:20:37,042 --> 00:20:41,333 ♪ 429 00:20:41,375 --> 00:20:43,333 The team chooses a single hour, 430 00:20:43,417 --> 00:20:45,792 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on October 13th, 431 00:20:45,875 --> 00:20:47,500 to enact the plan. 432 00:20:47,583 --> 00:20:50,167 This date is chosen for several reasons. 433 00:20:50,250 --> 00:20:53,833 - The prisoners had heard rumors of October 15th 434 00:20:53,917 --> 00:20:57,667 as the date that they would liquidate Sobibor prison. 435 00:20:57,750 --> 00:21:01,083 - Targeting October 13th gives them a two-day buffer 436 00:21:01,208 --> 00:21:03,042 in case something goes wrong. 437 00:21:03,125 --> 00:21:05,167 It's also an ideal date 438 00:21:05,250 --> 00:21:07,917 when it comes to camp personnel. 439 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:09,292 - A number of Germans 440 00:21:09,375 --> 00:21:11,667 were going on leave for the holidays. 441 00:21:11,708 --> 00:21:13,875 And so that would naturally reduce 442 00:21:13,875 --> 00:21:15,500 the number of Germans that were there. 443 00:21:15,583 --> 00:21:19,167 - This timing cuts the SS numbers in half, 444 00:21:19,333 --> 00:21:22,542 from 30 to about 15. 445 00:21:22,625 --> 00:21:24,958 This comes with a bonus they did not expect. 446 00:21:25,042 --> 00:21:29,333 Young Shlomo Szmajzner discovers that Gustav Wagner, 447 00:21:29,375 --> 00:21:31,667 the most brutal and feared guard, 448 00:21:31,708 --> 00:21:34,083 will be one of the SS on leave. 449 00:21:34,208 --> 00:21:37,000 ♪ 450 00:21:37,042 --> 00:21:40,333 - They scheduled the escape for the 13th of October, 451 00:21:40,458 --> 00:21:43,250 precisely at a time when Wagner wasn't there. 452 00:21:43,375 --> 00:21:45,958 - It's a stroke of luck they can hardly believe. 453 00:21:46,042 --> 00:21:49,708 The Organization crosses Wagner off their hit list. 454 00:21:49,792 --> 00:21:52,042 With Wagner out of the picture, 455 00:21:52,125 --> 00:21:54,917 their plan might just have a chance. 456 00:21:54,917 --> 00:21:56,542 ♪ 457 00:21:56,667 --> 00:21:59,292 For the rest of the Nazis, timing is everything. 458 00:21:59,375 --> 00:22:01,792 They come up with a strict schedule 459 00:22:01,875 --> 00:22:05,667 for the executions and other steps of the plan. 460 00:22:05,708 --> 00:22:07,917 ♪ 461 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:09,458 At 4:00 p.m., 462 00:22:09,542 --> 00:22:12,667 each SS officer will be asked to arrive 463 00:22:12,708 --> 00:22:15,083 at a particular workshop or warehouse 464 00:22:15,167 --> 00:22:19,125 to pick up their ill-gotten clothing and jewelry items. 465 00:22:19,208 --> 00:22:20,708 ♪ 466 00:22:20,792 --> 00:22:23,500 The killings must start promptly. 467 00:22:23,583 --> 00:22:25,500 - They would begin in the shops, 468 00:22:25,542 --> 00:22:29,042 but at 4:30 on the dot, they would stop. 469 00:22:29,125 --> 00:22:31,500 ♪ 470 00:22:31,542 --> 00:22:34,333 - As soon as the killing is done at 4:30, 471 00:22:34,417 --> 00:22:37,208 they will cut the phone and power lines. 472 00:22:37,292 --> 00:22:39,792 Any SS who have avoided death 473 00:22:39,875 --> 00:22:43,333 will find it hard to manage the prisoners in the dark 474 00:22:43,417 --> 00:22:45,958 and impossible to call for outside help. 475 00:22:46,042 --> 00:22:49,667 - The lack of electricity will confuse the guards 476 00:22:49,750 --> 00:22:51,917 and allow them just that much more time 477 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:55,167 to put distance between themselves and the camp. 478 00:22:55,250 --> 00:22:57,542 ♪ 479 00:22:57,542 --> 00:23:01,875 - At 5:00 p.m., good kapo will blow roll call as usual. 480 00:23:01,958 --> 00:23:05,000 Pechersky and Feldhendler will finally let 481 00:23:05,042 --> 00:23:08,125 the rest of the 300 prisoners in on the plan. 482 00:23:08,125 --> 00:23:11,583 Then they will make their exit through the front gates 483 00:23:11,667 --> 00:23:12,875 just before dusk. 484 00:23:12,958 --> 00:23:15,125 - By 5:00 in the middle of October, 485 00:23:15,208 --> 00:23:17,458 they knew they would have the cover of darkness 486 00:23:17,583 --> 00:23:19,917 to help them in getting away from the camp. 487 00:23:19,917 --> 00:23:22,250 - With such a narrow window of time, 488 00:23:22,333 --> 00:23:24,000 the plan to stand a chance, 489 00:23:24,042 --> 00:23:27,167 they have to figure out a way to synchronize. 490 00:23:27,250 --> 00:23:29,333 - Timing was absolutely critical 491 00:23:29,417 --> 00:23:31,458 to pulling off the escape plan. 492 00:23:31,542 --> 00:23:33,500 The only way that they could have done this 493 00:23:33,583 --> 00:23:35,958 is if everyone had watches. 494 00:23:36,042 --> 00:23:38,625 - But the jewelers in the camp gathered the watches 495 00:23:38,708 --> 00:23:39,958 off arriving prisoners, 496 00:23:40,042 --> 00:23:41,833 and they had a collection of watches. 497 00:23:41,875 --> 00:23:45,417 They had to provide watches to the individuals 498 00:23:45,542 --> 00:23:48,292 who were involved in the uprising. 499 00:23:48,375 --> 00:23:50,750 - Another key to keeping things on track 500 00:23:50,833 --> 00:23:54,667 is the youngest member of the Organization-- 501 00:23:54,708 --> 00:23:56,625 Thomas "Toivi" Blatt. 502 00:23:56,708 --> 00:24:01,542 His job is to make sure the Nazis show up on time 503 00:24:01,667 --> 00:24:04,417 by reminding them to pick up their new coats, 504 00:24:04,500 --> 00:24:06,167 jewelry, and boots. 505 00:24:06,292 --> 00:24:09,375 - By luring the German officer away from the other men, 506 00:24:09,500 --> 00:24:11,625 he put that officer in a position to be murdered 507 00:24:11,708 --> 00:24:13,667 by one of the other prisoners. 508 00:24:13,708 --> 00:24:18,458 ♪ 509 00:24:18,542 --> 00:24:22,167 - So everything now was ready for a final meeting. 510 00:24:22,250 --> 00:24:23,500 ♪ 511 00:24:23,500 --> 00:24:25,542 And they met in the carpenter's shop. 512 00:24:25,625 --> 00:24:27,708 They all accepted the escape plan. 513 00:24:27,792 --> 00:24:31,500 - The Organization has to wait until morning. 514 00:24:31,625 --> 00:24:35,667 But when morning comes, something happens 515 00:24:35,750 --> 00:24:38,667 that threatens to derail the entire plan. 516 00:24:38,708 --> 00:24:44,333 ♪ 517 00:24:44,375 --> 00:24:46,375 - So October 13th, everyone was primed-- 518 00:24:46,542 --> 00:24:48,167 the sleepless night the night before, 519 00:24:48,250 --> 00:24:50,708 energy up, adrenaline flowing. 520 00:24:50,833 --> 00:24:53,667 [footsteps approaching] - And then, without warning, 521 00:24:53,750 --> 00:24:57,125 more German troops arrive at Sobibor. 522 00:24:57,208 --> 00:25:01,958 Pechersky and Feldhendler can't believe their eyes. 523 00:25:02,042 --> 00:25:03,708 ♪ 524 00:25:03,792 --> 00:25:05,875 - For some unknown reason, 525 00:25:06,042 --> 00:25:08,292 a load of SS officers 526 00:25:08,292 --> 00:25:11,833 came to the prison and simply started looking around. 527 00:25:11,875 --> 00:25:15,583 - This would be far too many Germans to take on. 528 00:25:15,708 --> 00:25:18,833 All the Organization's precise planning 529 00:25:18,875 --> 00:25:21,042 may be ruined. 530 00:25:21,125 --> 00:25:23,708 Are the soldiers here to liquidate the camp 531 00:25:23,792 --> 00:25:25,583 or to crush the escape? 532 00:25:25,708 --> 00:25:28,042 Did someone betray the plan? 533 00:25:28,125 --> 00:25:31,708 The escape committee goes into quiet panic. 534 00:25:31,792 --> 00:25:32,917 ♪ 535 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:35,458 - They arrived about 9:00 in the morning, 536 00:25:35,542 --> 00:25:37,125 completely threw off their schedule. 537 00:25:37,208 --> 00:25:39,708 By noon, when the SS officers hadn't left, 538 00:25:39,833 --> 00:25:41,750 Pechersky decides it's too late. 539 00:25:41,833 --> 00:25:44,500 There's too much going on. It's too much confusion. 540 00:25:44,500 --> 00:25:46,708 - Pechersky calls off the escape. 541 00:25:46,875 --> 00:25:49,958 Then the grim reality sets in 542 00:25:50,042 --> 00:25:53,375 that they might not get another chance to escape. 543 00:25:53,458 --> 00:25:54,833 If the extra German troops 544 00:25:54,875 --> 00:25:57,792 have come to help with extermination, 545 00:25:57,875 --> 00:26:01,042 all the prisoners might be dead by nightfall. 546 00:26:01,042 --> 00:26:03,667 ♪ 547 00:26:08,208 --> 00:26:11,167 [dramatic music] 548 00:26:11,208 --> 00:26:13,667 - The prisoners of the Sobibor death camp 549 00:26:13,750 --> 00:26:16,792 are about to set in motion a mass breakout. 550 00:26:16,875 --> 00:26:19,375 The whole plan begins to crumble 551 00:26:19,458 --> 00:26:22,958 when an unexpected contingent of armed German soldiers 552 00:26:23,042 --> 00:26:25,167 marches in through the main gate. 553 00:26:25,292 --> 00:26:28,500 These soldiers must be here to shut down the escape 554 00:26:28,583 --> 00:26:30,875 and liquidate the camp. 555 00:26:30,958 --> 00:26:34,333 ♪ 556 00:26:34,417 --> 00:26:36,667 [light music plays] 557 00:26:36,792 --> 00:26:39,875 But as they observe the Nazis throughout the day, 558 00:26:40,000 --> 00:26:41,833 the prisoners realize something-- 559 00:26:41,917 --> 00:26:46,167 the new arrivals are not here to kill anyone. 560 00:26:46,208 --> 00:26:48,833 The Germans have only arrived for a social visit 561 00:26:48,917 --> 00:26:50,917 with their fellow soldiers. 562 00:26:50,917 --> 00:26:53,208 - There was some partying going on, 563 00:26:53,292 --> 00:26:55,708 but it certainly wasn't to put down an attempted escape, 564 00:26:55,792 --> 00:26:57,792 because the Germans really didn't have any idea 565 00:26:57,875 --> 00:26:59,333 about what was being planned. 566 00:26:59,417 --> 00:27:00,500 ♪ 567 00:27:00,583 --> 00:27:03,042 - The relief is palpable. 568 00:27:03,167 --> 00:27:06,250 Pechersky and Feldhendler will live to fight another day. 569 00:27:06,333 --> 00:27:08,708 [dramatic music] 570 00:27:08,833 --> 00:27:12,333 When the German visitors leave the camp later that day, 571 00:27:12,417 --> 00:27:15,167 Pechersky, Feldhendler, and the Organization 572 00:27:15,208 --> 00:27:19,000 know they've been given a second chance. 573 00:27:19,083 --> 00:27:21,500 They reschedule the escape for the next day, 574 00:27:21,542 --> 00:27:24,292 October 14th, at 4:00 p.m. 575 00:27:24,375 --> 00:27:27,000 The plan is back on. 576 00:27:27,042 --> 00:27:28,375 ♪ 577 00:27:28,500 --> 00:27:30,708 This would be their last chance. 578 00:27:30,792 --> 00:27:34,833 Everyone in the Organization remains fully committed. 579 00:27:34,917 --> 00:27:39,667 ♪ 580 00:27:39,750 --> 00:27:41,042 The morning of the escape, 581 00:27:41,125 --> 00:27:43,375 Pechersky stakes out the carpenter's workshop 582 00:27:43,500 --> 00:27:46,458 with Feldhendler to make sure everything is ready 583 00:27:46,542 --> 00:27:49,167 and to direct and monitor the escape. 584 00:27:49,250 --> 00:27:51,875 Everything looks clear. 585 00:27:51,958 --> 00:27:55,333 As 4:00 nears, Pechersky gives the go-ahead, 586 00:27:55,458 --> 00:27:57,542 and the plan is set in motion. 587 00:27:57,625 --> 00:27:59,792 It's now or never. 588 00:27:59,917 --> 00:28:02,042 ♪ 589 00:28:02,125 --> 00:28:05,583 - Knives are distributed to the main prisoners, 590 00:28:05,667 --> 00:28:08,417 who are going to take part in killing the German guards, 591 00:28:08,542 --> 00:28:10,917 and the axes are distributed as well. 592 00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:13,708 - The kill teams hide weapons and themselves 593 00:28:13,792 --> 00:28:15,500 around the camp. 594 00:28:15,542 --> 00:28:17,000 They're ready to pounce. 595 00:28:17,083 --> 00:28:21,917 ♪ 596 00:28:22,000 --> 00:28:23,458 With watches synchronized, 597 00:28:23,542 --> 00:28:27,625 the prisoners go into action exactly at 4:00 p.m. 598 00:28:27,625 --> 00:28:29,833 The killings begin in the tailor barracks, 599 00:28:29,875 --> 00:28:31,417 with the deputy commandant 600 00:28:31,500 --> 00:28:35,708 and highest-ranking officer on the day, Johann Niemann. 601 00:28:35,833 --> 00:28:38,250 They want to cut off the head of the snake. 602 00:28:38,375 --> 00:28:41,917 Thomas Blatt makes sure Niemann is on time. 603 00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:44,167 - Niemann wanted a new uniform. 604 00:28:44,250 --> 00:28:45,167 ♪ 605 00:28:45,250 --> 00:28:48,667 And they told him, "Come by at 4:00." 606 00:28:48,750 --> 00:28:50,542 And he went in to have the coat fitted, 607 00:28:50,625 --> 00:28:53,625 and when Niemann's back was turned 608 00:28:53,708 --> 00:28:56,208 and was getting his arms in the coat, 609 00:28:56,292 --> 00:28:58,958 they set upon him with axes and killed him. 610 00:28:59,042 --> 00:29:03,750 ♪ 611 00:29:03,833 --> 00:29:05,833 - The kill team is suddenly quiet. 612 00:29:05,875 --> 00:29:08,333 This could actually work. 613 00:29:08,417 --> 00:29:09,708 ♪ 614 00:29:09,792 --> 00:29:12,167 Pechersky gets a sign from Blatt 615 00:29:12,250 --> 00:29:15,292 and gives the signal-- full steam ahead. 616 00:29:15,375 --> 00:29:18,167 ♪ 617 00:29:18,208 --> 00:29:20,375 The Organization unleashes a flurry 618 00:29:20,375 --> 00:29:22,333 of precise and brutal attacks. 619 00:29:22,417 --> 00:29:24,208 One SS officer after another 620 00:29:24,208 --> 00:29:27,500 is led to a pre-appointed out-of-sight kill spot 621 00:29:27,542 --> 00:29:28,833 and executed. 622 00:29:28,917 --> 00:29:31,042 Their bodies are hidden behind tables 623 00:29:31,042 --> 00:29:33,167 or in closets in the workshops. 624 00:29:33,208 --> 00:29:35,500 Pechersky and Feldhendler monitor things 625 00:29:35,583 --> 00:29:37,792 from the carpenter's barracks. 626 00:29:37,875 --> 00:29:42,333 - Things were going smoothly, except for Beckmann. 627 00:29:42,417 --> 00:29:44,208 ♪ 628 00:29:44,333 --> 00:29:48,500 - The team has killed 10 out of nearly 15 SS officers, 629 00:29:48,583 --> 00:29:50,833 including top-ranking leaders. 630 00:29:50,875 --> 00:29:53,375 But one of the most important on their list, 631 00:29:53,500 --> 00:29:56,833 Rudolf Beckmann, slips through their fingers. 632 00:29:56,958 --> 00:29:59,500 Instead of going to his scheduled kill spot, 633 00:29:59,542 --> 00:30:02,417 Beckmann returns to his office in camp two. 634 00:30:02,542 --> 00:30:05,875 - He was the chief communicator in the camp. 635 00:30:05,958 --> 00:30:08,583 He had one of the rare telephones in the camp, 636 00:30:08,667 --> 00:30:11,500 and he had access to the outside. 637 00:30:11,583 --> 00:30:16,167 So it was essential that they get to Beckmann. 638 00:30:16,250 --> 00:30:18,542 - If Beckmann remains alive, 639 00:30:18,625 --> 00:30:21,000 the whole plan will unravel. 640 00:30:21,083 --> 00:30:24,167 Someone has to step up. 641 00:30:24,208 --> 00:30:25,333 ♪ 642 00:30:25,417 --> 00:30:27,333 - They put together a kill team 643 00:30:27,417 --> 00:30:29,875 to go into the administration building. 644 00:30:29,958 --> 00:30:34,375 Chaim Engel said that he would be part of the kill team 645 00:30:34,500 --> 00:30:36,792 to go and take care of this. 646 00:30:36,875 --> 00:30:38,542 - Engel's future wife, Selma, 647 00:30:38,625 --> 00:30:41,333 who worked beside him in the sorting barracks, 648 00:30:41,458 --> 00:30:43,167 hands him a knife. 649 00:30:43,250 --> 00:30:45,417 - He's not a violent man, but he thinks about 650 00:30:45,500 --> 00:30:47,958 all of the people who have been killed in Sobibor 651 00:30:48,042 --> 00:30:51,000 and that this is an act of revenge for them. 652 00:30:51,083 --> 00:30:52,458 ♪ 653 00:30:52,542 --> 00:30:54,042 - The impromptu kill team 654 00:30:54,125 --> 00:30:56,333 enters Rudolf Beckmann's office. 655 00:30:56,458 --> 00:30:59,208 Before the Nazi realizes what's happening, 656 00:30:59,292 --> 00:31:02,042 they headlock him and take his pistol. 657 00:31:02,167 --> 00:31:04,792 He goes for the phone, but the team stops him. 658 00:31:04,875 --> 00:31:06,417 ♪ 659 00:31:06,500 --> 00:31:11,042 Then Chaim Engel gives his own message to the SS... 660 00:31:11,125 --> 00:31:12,167 ♪ 661 00:31:12,208 --> 00:31:15,708 Stabbing and killing Rudolf Beckmann. 662 00:31:15,792 --> 00:31:17,500 - The whole time he's screaming, 663 00:31:17,583 --> 00:31:18,958 "This is for my father! 664 00:31:19,042 --> 00:31:21,000 "This is for my mother! 665 00:31:21,042 --> 00:31:23,375 This is for my sister and my brother!" 666 00:31:23,375 --> 00:31:28,208 ♪ 667 00:31:28,292 --> 00:31:31,458 - The plan is succeeding. 668 00:31:31,542 --> 00:31:35,458 In total, they are able to kill 11 SS officers. 669 00:31:35,542 --> 00:31:39,958 The only snag--SS officer Karl Frenzel is a no-show, 670 00:31:40,042 --> 00:31:42,750 and nobody knows where he is. 671 00:31:42,833 --> 00:31:45,000 As the overseer of camp one, 672 00:31:45,083 --> 00:31:48,500 killing Frenzel is an important part of the plan, 673 00:31:48,542 --> 00:31:50,042 but the clock is ticking. 674 00:31:50,125 --> 00:31:51,917 Pechersky knows they've reached 675 00:31:52,042 --> 00:31:53,333 the point of no return, 676 00:31:53,417 --> 00:31:56,417 and he pushes the plan on to the next step-- 677 00:31:56,500 --> 00:31:57,583 cutting the power. 678 00:31:57,708 --> 00:31:59,750 ♪ 679 00:31:59,833 --> 00:32:01,333 - To attack the electricity 680 00:32:01,417 --> 00:32:03,500 means the lights and the telephone, 681 00:32:03,542 --> 00:32:06,208 which means not only internal communication 682 00:32:06,292 --> 00:32:09,792 but the capacity to call for additional troops. 683 00:32:09,875 --> 00:32:11,833 - No power and no phones 684 00:32:11,958 --> 00:32:14,125 will make searching for escapees harder, 685 00:32:14,208 --> 00:32:16,333 especially when night falls. 686 00:32:16,375 --> 00:32:19,750 Time to move on to the final stage of the plan... 687 00:32:19,875 --> 00:32:20,833 ♪ 688 00:32:20,958 --> 00:32:23,167 Exiting the camp. 689 00:32:23,250 --> 00:32:26,292 But that's just when things start to unravel. 690 00:32:26,375 --> 00:32:29,750 ♪ 691 00:32:29,833 --> 00:32:31,333 As roll call nears, 692 00:32:31,417 --> 00:32:34,250 though the prisoners did their best to hide them, 693 00:32:34,333 --> 00:32:36,542 one of the guards doing his rounds 694 00:32:36,542 --> 00:32:39,292 comes upon the dead body of an SS officer. 695 00:32:39,375 --> 00:32:41,583 - They were used to dead bodies of Jews, 696 00:32:41,583 --> 00:32:43,667 not of Germans, not of SS men. 697 00:32:43,792 --> 00:32:46,375 And this was the tip-off, 698 00:32:46,458 --> 00:32:48,792 and this also would have called forth the alert 699 00:32:48,875 --> 00:32:50,917 from the entire camp. 700 00:32:51,042 --> 00:32:53,375 - When Pechersky notices a ruckus among the guards, 701 00:32:53,458 --> 00:32:57,083 he realizes they just lost their advantage. 702 00:32:57,167 --> 00:33:00,500 Roll call and escape needs to happen now. 703 00:33:00,583 --> 00:33:04,000 Pechersky runs outside, giving the signal to a kapo 704 00:33:04,125 --> 00:33:07,125 who is in on the plan to blow his whistle, 705 00:33:07,208 --> 00:33:09,500 calling the prisoners to roll call 706 00:33:09,583 --> 00:33:11,375 almost 20 minutes early. 707 00:33:11,458 --> 00:33:15,542 - The plan was for them all come to roll call, 708 00:33:15,625 --> 00:33:17,125 and they would all escape. 709 00:33:17,208 --> 00:33:19,125 - The prisoners begin to assemble, 710 00:33:19,208 --> 00:33:21,375 though the vast majority of them 711 00:33:21,458 --> 00:33:24,083 are still in the dark about the escape. 712 00:33:24,208 --> 00:33:27,458 The remaining Germans realize what's happening. 713 00:33:27,542 --> 00:33:29,250 The Ukrainian guards 714 00:33:29,333 --> 00:33:31,500 are not backing down as he hoped. 715 00:33:31,583 --> 00:33:33,667 Pechersky sees them moving to cut off 716 00:33:33,750 --> 00:33:35,833 all access to the main gate. 717 00:33:35,917 --> 00:33:38,167 If the prisoners don't go now, 718 00:33:38,250 --> 00:33:41,500 the guards will destroy their one chance for freedom. 719 00:33:41,542 --> 00:33:45,750 On the spot, Pechersky gives a rousing speech. 720 00:33:45,833 --> 00:33:47,583 - He shouted for all to hear, 721 00:33:47,667 --> 00:33:51,708 "Brothers, sisters, the time has come. 722 00:33:51,792 --> 00:33:53,375 "Anybody survive here, 723 00:33:53,458 --> 00:33:57,167 let them tell the world what went on." 724 00:33:57,292 --> 00:34:00,000 - Pechersky tells them they must all take their lives 725 00:34:00,167 --> 00:34:02,375 in their own hands and flee 726 00:34:02,458 --> 00:34:04,917 and rush the gate and fences. 727 00:34:05,042 --> 00:34:06,333 If they can make it out 728 00:34:06,375 --> 00:34:08,917 and to the forest edge 100 yards away, 729 00:34:09,042 --> 00:34:11,333 they'll have a chance at survival. 730 00:34:11,417 --> 00:34:13,042 ♪ 731 00:34:13,125 --> 00:34:15,083 His speech inspires the prisoners. 732 00:34:15,167 --> 00:34:17,292 They begin to rush the fences. 733 00:34:17,375 --> 00:34:21,667 Then at the worst possible time, Karl Frenzel, 734 00:34:21,708 --> 00:34:25,000 the SS officer who missed his date with death, 735 00:34:25,083 --> 00:34:26,667 finally shows up. 736 00:34:26,708 --> 00:34:28,208 ♪ 737 00:34:28,292 --> 00:34:29,958 And he's armed. 738 00:34:30,042 --> 00:34:31,167 ♪ 739 00:34:31,250 --> 00:34:34,333 - Frenzel begins firing into the crowd. 740 00:34:34,417 --> 00:34:37,875 Pechersky pulls his pistol and shoots... 741 00:34:37,958 --> 00:34:40,167 [gunshots] But misses. 742 00:34:40,250 --> 00:34:43,083 And in that moment, he thinks to himself, 743 00:34:43,167 --> 00:34:44,875 the devil will get him. 744 00:34:45,000 --> 00:34:46,833 - As the sun begins to set, 745 00:34:46,875 --> 00:34:50,417 the prisoners of Sobibor have only two choices-- 746 00:34:50,500 --> 00:34:54,250 topple the fences and take their chances in the minefield 747 00:34:54,333 --> 00:34:57,042 or stay and die. 748 00:35:01,875 --> 00:35:04,333 - It's nighttime on October 14, 1943. 749 00:35:04,458 --> 00:35:08,167 And the mass escape attempt has transformed Sobibor death camp 750 00:35:08,250 --> 00:35:11,167 from the height of Nazi discipline 751 00:35:11,250 --> 00:35:14,292 into a place of utter chaos... 752 00:35:14,375 --> 00:35:16,500 all within one hour. 753 00:35:16,583 --> 00:35:20,417 [dramatic music] 754 00:35:20,500 --> 00:35:23,667 Pechersky's plan to quietly exit through the main gate 755 00:35:23,750 --> 00:35:25,125 has failed. 756 00:35:25,208 --> 00:35:27,917 It's now a frantic full-scale uprising. 757 00:35:28,000 --> 00:35:30,208 The Germans use a backup generator 758 00:35:30,292 --> 00:35:32,667 to power a few camp floodlights, 759 00:35:32,750 --> 00:35:34,458 frustrating the prisoners' plan 760 00:35:34,542 --> 00:35:37,000 to escape in total darkness. 761 00:35:37,083 --> 00:35:38,833 This only adds to the chaos. 762 00:35:38,917 --> 00:35:40,500 - People are trying to figure out 763 00:35:40,583 --> 00:35:43,125 almost on a moment's notice, "What do I do? 764 00:35:43,208 --> 00:35:45,333 "Do I escape? 765 00:35:45,417 --> 00:35:47,667 "Do I stay here and hope that the Germans 766 00:35:47,708 --> 00:35:50,333 will have mercy on me?" 767 00:35:50,458 --> 00:35:52,292 It's really pandemonium. 768 00:35:52,375 --> 00:35:54,458 - Though the main gate is now blocked, 769 00:35:54,542 --> 00:35:57,917 there is still one chance to get out of Sobibor... 770 00:35:58,000 --> 00:36:00,208 over the fence. 771 00:36:00,292 --> 00:36:02,625 Hundreds of prisoners decide to make a break for it. 772 00:36:02,708 --> 00:36:03,833 ♪ 773 00:36:03,875 --> 00:36:06,083 - The carpenters-- they put the ladder up. 774 00:36:06,167 --> 00:36:09,417 People rush the fences until they collapse. 775 00:36:09,500 --> 00:36:11,833 Other Jews walked over, ran over them, 776 00:36:11,917 --> 00:36:14,000 and went across the minefield. 777 00:36:14,125 --> 00:36:15,667 The mines were exploding. 778 00:36:15,708 --> 00:36:17,500 ♪ 779 00:36:17,542 --> 00:36:20,542 There were bodies and pieces everywhere. 780 00:36:20,625 --> 00:36:23,417 - The race over the fences and minefield, 781 00:36:23,500 --> 00:36:26,667 all in an effort to get to the forest's edge, 782 00:36:26,750 --> 00:36:29,000 becomes a horror show. [gunfire] 783 00:36:29,083 --> 00:36:32,167 Dozens of the escapees are shot by Frenzel and the guards 784 00:36:32,292 --> 00:36:34,458 before they get over the fence. 785 00:36:34,542 --> 00:36:37,208 Others don't make it much further. 786 00:36:37,333 --> 00:36:40,375 - Many were killed in the minefield. 787 00:36:40,458 --> 00:36:42,250 But that, of course, created a path 788 00:36:42,333 --> 00:36:44,167 for the others to follow. 789 00:36:44,250 --> 00:36:47,083 [gunshots] 790 00:36:47,208 --> 00:36:49,375 - Toivi got caught in the fence. 791 00:36:49,458 --> 00:36:51,792 ♪ 792 00:36:51,875 --> 00:36:53,125 - Getting caught on the fence 793 00:36:53,208 --> 00:36:55,792 ends up saving young Thomas Blatt's life. 794 00:36:55,875 --> 00:36:57,500 While he's trapped, 795 00:36:57,542 --> 00:37:00,042 other prisoners run ahead and trigger the mines. 796 00:37:00,125 --> 00:37:03,042 ♪ 797 00:37:03,125 --> 00:37:04,583 Once Blatt frees himself, 798 00:37:04,667 --> 00:37:07,208 he has a clearer path to escape, 799 00:37:07,208 --> 00:37:10,917 through a field covered with exploded mines 800 00:37:11,000 --> 00:37:12,125 and prisoners' bodies. 801 00:37:12,208 --> 00:37:14,250 ♪ 802 00:37:14,333 --> 00:37:17,500 Pechersky, Feldhendler, Engel, and Szmajzner 803 00:37:17,542 --> 00:37:20,417 join in the chaotic exit. 804 00:37:20,500 --> 00:37:24,208 They and about 300 prisoners make it to the forest. 805 00:37:24,333 --> 00:37:26,708 They're able to breathe... 806 00:37:26,792 --> 00:37:28,625 but only for a moment. 807 00:37:28,708 --> 00:37:32,000 It's here, in the midst of their momentary victory, 808 00:37:32,042 --> 00:37:34,667 that the Organization disbands. 809 00:37:34,750 --> 00:37:36,167 ♪ 810 00:37:36,250 --> 00:37:39,500 - Once the Jews got into the forest, 811 00:37:39,583 --> 00:37:42,333 they all followed Pechersky, 812 00:37:42,417 --> 00:37:44,458 and they gathered all in one place. 813 00:37:44,542 --> 00:37:47,792 They wanted him to lead them, 814 00:37:47,875 --> 00:37:49,208 but he was a soldier, 815 00:37:49,208 --> 00:37:52,625 and he had an allegiance to the Red Army. 816 00:37:52,708 --> 00:37:55,708 So he left with all of his men. 817 00:37:55,792 --> 00:37:58,333 ♪ 818 00:37:58,375 --> 00:38:00,792 - Losing Pechersky is a blow to all prisoners, 819 00:38:00,875 --> 00:38:04,167 especially because the Germans are now on the hunt. 820 00:38:04,208 --> 00:38:06,750 The whole exit takes only 12 minutes, 821 00:38:06,875 --> 00:38:09,458 leaving the remaining Nazis and guards 822 00:38:09,542 --> 00:38:11,625 in a state of shock. 823 00:38:11,708 --> 00:38:15,000 - This came as a total surprise to the Germans, 824 00:38:15,083 --> 00:38:16,625 something they couldn't anticipate 825 00:38:16,708 --> 00:38:18,667 because they had already internalized 826 00:38:18,708 --> 00:38:21,333 that these were subhuman people. 827 00:38:21,458 --> 00:38:23,500 They were the great men. They were the giants. 828 00:38:23,542 --> 00:38:25,375 They were the master race. 829 00:38:25,500 --> 00:38:26,792 - Frenzel was shocked. 830 00:38:26,875 --> 00:38:29,750 He couldn't call. The phones were down. 831 00:38:29,833 --> 00:38:33,125 He actually orders one of the other soldiers 832 00:38:33,208 --> 00:38:35,833 to run down to the train station 833 00:38:35,917 --> 00:38:37,167 and place a call, 834 00:38:37,208 --> 00:38:39,625 but everyone's terrified that there are Jews out there 835 00:38:39,708 --> 00:38:42,000 who are just waiting to pounce 836 00:38:42,083 --> 00:38:44,500 on a lone guard or a lone sentry, 837 00:38:44,583 --> 00:38:46,750 and so nobody really wants to do it. 838 00:38:46,833 --> 00:38:50,583 So Frenzel is actually the one who runs down the road 839 00:38:50,667 --> 00:38:52,833 by himself to the train station 840 00:38:52,875 --> 00:38:56,458 in order to place a call requesting backup. 841 00:38:56,542 --> 00:38:58,833 - The Nazis initiate a ruthless manhunt 842 00:38:58,958 --> 00:39:02,500 for over 300 Jews hiding or running in the forest. 843 00:39:02,583 --> 00:39:04,042 - On the orders of Berlin, 844 00:39:04,125 --> 00:39:05,542 they went into the woods immediately 845 00:39:05,625 --> 00:39:07,250 and started to pick up the stragglers 846 00:39:07,333 --> 00:39:08,792 and just killed them in the woods. 847 00:39:08,875 --> 00:39:10,042 [gunshot] 848 00:39:10,125 --> 00:39:15,000 ♪ 849 00:39:15,083 --> 00:39:18,167 - After midnight, two additional military units 850 00:39:18,250 --> 00:39:20,875 arrive in Sobibor and take control. 851 00:39:20,875 --> 00:39:24,000 The manhunt swings into full gear. 852 00:39:24,042 --> 00:39:27,625 For the Germans, the risk is not just the loss of prisoners 853 00:39:27,708 --> 00:39:30,167 but what happens if the secret of Sobibor 854 00:39:30,250 --> 00:39:32,167 gets out to the civilized world. 855 00:39:32,250 --> 00:39:34,333 [gunshot] 856 00:39:38,875 --> 00:39:40,333 - In October 1943, 857 00:39:40,417 --> 00:39:43,083 hundreds of prisoners from the Sobibor death camp 858 00:39:43,208 --> 00:39:48,083 participate in the greatest mass escape of World War II. 859 00:39:48,167 --> 00:39:50,292 Many are shot during the escape 860 00:39:50,292 --> 00:39:54,000 or die in the minefields around the camp. 861 00:39:54,042 --> 00:39:58,167 Others are caught and killed during a massive manhunt 862 00:39:58,167 --> 00:40:01,250 run by the SS and German army units 863 00:40:01,333 --> 00:40:03,667 in the days following the uprising. 864 00:40:03,750 --> 00:40:07,083 For the prisoners that made it to the forest, 865 00:40:07,167 --> 00:40:10,458 there is no guarantee that they are now safe. 866 00:40:10,542 --> 00:40:12,917 Without Pechersky and his soldiers, 867 00:40:13,000 --> 00:40:16,667 the escapees are left to fend for themselves. 868 00:40:16,750 --> 00:40:18,833 - Sobibor wasn't surrounded 869 00:40:18,958 --> 00:40:21,667 by places you could easily disappear to. 870 00:40:21,750 --> 00:40:23,833 There were no large villages around, 871 00:40:24,000 --> 00:40:27,500 no cities that you could get into and somehow disappear. 872 00:40:27,583 --> 00:40:30,125 There were dogs. There were soldiers. 873 00:40:30,208 --> 00:40:31,875 And there also were villagers 874 00:40:31,958 --> 00:40:34,917 who were prepared to turn you in for very steep rewards. 875 00:40:35,000 --> 00:40:37,625 The lucky ones were prepared with money 876 00:40:37,750 --> 00:40:40,958 and with some valuables so you were in a situation 877 00:40:41,042 --> 00:40:42,417 where you could bribe. 878 00:40:42,500 --> 00:40:45,250 - They are weak. They are sickly. 879 00:40:45,375 --> 00:40:47,500 They are in no condition 880 00:40:47,583 --> 00:40:50,000 to overcome these hardships. 881 00:40:50,042 --> 00:40:51,708 The camps are located 882 00:40:51,792 --> 00:40:54,833 in the heart of very anti-Semitic Poland, 883 00:40:54,917 --> 00:40:57,083 where you've got no friends on the outside, 884 00:40:57,208 --> 00:40:59,292 even if you can escape. 885 00:40:59,375 --> 00:41:01,833 - Pechersky, Feldhendler, Engel, Szmajzner, and Blatt 886 00:41:01,917 --> 00:41:04,583 all eventually make their way to freedom, 887 00:41:04,667 --> 00:41:07,458 one way or the other. 888 00:41:07,542 --> 00:41:10,667 But most do not. 889 00:41:10,750 --> 00:41:14,000 Of the 600 Jewish prisoners at Sobibor, 890 00:41:14,042 --> 00:41:15,833 400 tried to escape. 891 00:41:15,917 --> 00:41:19,292 80 are immediately killed in combat 892 00:41:19,375 --> 00:41:21,667 or in the minefields. 893 00:41:21,708 --> 00:41:23,667 Of those who make it away from the camp, 894 00:41:23,750 --> 00:41:27,750 262 are captured and executed 895 00:41:27,833 --> 00:41:30,625 by the Nazis or by Polish locals. 896 00:41:30,708 --> 00:41:35,458 Only 53 fully escape and find freedom. 897 00:41:35,542 --> 00:41:37,958 The Nazis know that more than a few prisoners 898 00:41:38,042 --> 00:41:39,375 have fully escaped, 899 00:41:39,458 --> 00:41:41,708 so they quickly work to hide the evidence 900 00:41:41,792 --> 00:41:44,667 of their crimes against humanity. 901 00:41:44,708 --> 00:41:47,667 - It was a huge shock for the German authorities 902 00:41:47,750 --> 00:41:48,958 that this happened. 903 00:41:49,042 --> 00:41:51,833 They decided to close down Sobibor. 904 00:41:51,875 --> 00:41:54,500 They murdered all of the Jews that remained there, 905 00:41:54,542 --> 00:41:56,208 and they ceased operation. 906 00:41:56,292 --> 00:42:00,083 They basically plowed it over as if it had never existed. 907 00:42:00,167 --> 00:42:03,083 - Thanks to those who successfully escaped, 908 00:42:03,208 --> 00:42:04,958 the Nazi death camp 909 00:42:05,042 --> 00:42:07,583 and the Jewish lives that were taken there 910 00:42:07,667 --> 00:42:10,375 become known to the world. 911 00:42:10,458 --> 00:42:14,000 - In the end, about 50 people who were part of the escape 912 00:42:14,042 --> 00:42:17,208 actually survived the war and went on to tell the story. 913 00:42:17,292 --> 00:42:19,833 It was the kind of antidote to this notion 914 00:42:19,917 --> 00:42:22,125 that Jews were entirely passive 915 00:42:22,208 --> 00:42:24,500 and, you know, walked willingly to their deaths. 916 00:42:24,583 --> 00:42:29,000 It was a demonstration of courage and resistance. 917 00:42:29,083 --> 00:42:32,958 - It became the biggest escape of World War II. 918 00:42:33,042 --> 00:42:36,708 And therefore, I consider it the crown jewel 919 00:42:36,792 --> 00:42:39,000 of resistance in Europe. 920 00:42:39,083 --> 00:42:40,542 ♪ 921 00:42:40,667 --> 00:42:42,417 - The escape from Sobibor death camp 922 00:42:42,500 --> 00:42:44,625 is bittersweet-- 923 00:42:44,708 --> 00:42:47,625 successful on the one hand... 924 00:42:47,708 --> 00:42:50,083 but shrouded in tragedy. 925 00:42:50,167 --> 00:42:52,208 For those who managed to survive the war 926 00:42:52,292 --> 00:42:55,833 and tell the world about the horrors of Sobibor, 927 00:42:55,875 --> 00:42:59,792 their escape offers the ultimate revenge... 928 00:42:59,875 --> 00:43:03,042 the survivors, not the killers, 929 00:43:03,125 --> 00:43:05,167 are writing the history. 930 00:43:05,250 --> 00:43:06,792 ♪