Jewish American soldier Sydney Goodman was taken prisoner by Nazi forces in December 1944, just over a year after joining the United States Army. Like many young men of his generation, Sydney answered the call to serve his country during World War II. But his journey would take a harrowing turn when he was captured and held in a German POW camp.
During his captivity, Sydney managed to hold onto small but deeply meaningful tokens—family photographs. These images became more than just reminders of home; they became pages of a makeshift diary. On the backs of these photos, Sydney documented his daily experiences and conditions in the camp. He also recorded the names of fellow prisoners who did not survive—an effort to preserve their memory in the face of unimaginable hardship.
His notes paint a bleak picture: freezing temperatures, severe food shortages, and a constant lack of basic supplies. Yet through it all, Sydney clung to hope. In one poignant message, he wrote, “‘When I get home,’ sounds like a fairy story or dream now but soon it will be a reality.” These words reveal his inner strength, resilience, and an unwavering belief in his return.
In April 1945, with Allied forces pushing into Germany, Sydney and other American POWs were forced to march south from the labor camp where they were being held. This grueling march was meant to prevent their liberation by advancing forces. However, their route was soon intercepted by U.S. Army troops, and Sydney was finally freed.
Though Sydney survived the war and returned home, many of his fellow servicemen were not as fortunate. His story is not only one of survival but also of remembrance. He bore witness, documented what others could not, and honored those who were lost.
Sydney is pictured in the first photo on the right—a symbol of quiet courage and perseverance in the face of cruelty.
