Welcome to the official website of:

A Life Well Lived: An Account of David Kaufmann

the feature documentary film from Chimney Rock Media

About

The story of German/Jewish immigrant David Kaufmann is profound and unique for Nebraskans. Unknown to most, this quiet and successful immigrant worked behind the scenes to rescue hundreds from the Nazi terror taking hold of his native country. As a result, these lifesaving actions have resulted in many beneficial and ongoing contributions that have stretched from Grand Island, NE throughout the world. And yet, there was a time of disenchantment with his new surroundings that nearly caused Mr. Kaufmann to return to Europe and start anew, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives, including his own, via the holocaust and a diminished quality of life for the rest of us. Documentary viewers will come to a new revelation of homegrown heroes and how one person’s close family ties in Europe impacted generations by caring enough to intervene and provide a means of rescue to a new life.

SMALL ACTS OF COMPASSION CAN CHANGE THE WORLD AROUND US.

Chimney Rock will explore David Kaufmanns early life as a butcher’s son raised on a farm. He and his five siblings were very acquainted with the routine and demanding chores of handling livestock and produce.

But, limited career opportunities, escalating anti-Semitism, and political uncertainty were a daily reminder that led this 28-year-old to venture to the New World of America. The adventure to America would prove a lifesaving decision for hundreds of families left behind in Germany as Hitler rose to power.

With an offer to help one family leave an increasingly brutal regime quickly turned into another, and then another, whoever would ask; David Kaufmann was there to sponsor as well as give financial assistance.

The only reimbursement David Kaufmann ever desired to see was these travelers adapting successfully to this new life in America.

In Association With

HALL COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A Life Well Lived: David Kaufmann Documentary Film

"Most of us have more good thoughts than we have bad ones, and all we have to do is to follow the good thoughts. The handicap is that often the good thoughts are not followed by required action."
                                                                                      David Kaufmann, accepting 1934 Grand Island Service Award 

Grand Island businessman, civic leader, and humanitarian, David Kaufmann was a “quiet philanthropist” who did what he could, from where he was, to benefit others in his community and beyond. Although he was recognized in the Grand Island community for the work he did here, he never sought recognition for himself. Kaufmann not only gave of himself; he inspired others to also do good where they could. Through his actions and words, he made a difference in the lives of many people in the Grand Island community and beyond.
 
The greatest impact however was likely his least known role in sponsoring Jewish families who were fleeing from the horrors of the Nazi regime leading up to World War II. Kaufmann never spoke publicly about this important humanitarian work during his lifetime. However, the families who were saved due to his actions taken in Grand Island, Nebraska never forgot what he had done for them and the generations that followed.

This project, supported by the Hall County Historical Society and the Institute for Holocaust Education, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, will tell the story of David Kaufmann and his work to save families from the Holocaust. We are working with a professional documentary film team to bring Kaufmann's story, and the stories of those whose lives he impacted, to the big screen and into classrooms, museums, libraries, and homes across the State of Nebraska. 

Donations can be made to Hall County Historical Society online or by check​Please designate: Kaufmann Film on your donation 
Checks should be mailed to: Hall County Historical Society, 603 N Plum St, Grand Island, NE 68801. 

IHE Mission

The Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) provides educational resources, workshops, survivor testimony, and integrated arts programming to students, educators, and the public. The IHE provides support to Holocaust survivors in our community.

IHE Vision

Our goal is to ensure that the tragedy and history of the Holocaust are remembered, that appropriate, fact-based instruction and materials are available to students, educators, and the public to enable them to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and that, as a result, we inspire our community to create a more just and equitable society.

IHE Educational Philosophy

Resources and programs recommended and developed by the IHE are designed to appropriately enable learners of all ages to:

  • Understand the political, social, and intellectual conditions that led to the Holocaust

  • Recognize stereotypes, prejudices, and racism

  • Consider the fragile nature of the legal and moral structure of Western society and the vigilance necessary to preserve it

  • Evaluate the extent to which governments can either safe guard or violate human rights

  • Consider potential conflicts between civic obligation and moral beliefs

  • Assess the consequences of indifference to the plight of others

  • Grapple with moral dilemmas posed by the Holocaust and reflect upon the sanctity of human life as a standard for guiding behavior.

In Collaboration With