An Unbreakable Bond: The Târgu Mureș Holocaust Survivors and their Scottish Saviours

In the Jewish community of Târgu Mureș, Transylvania, Holocaust concentration and labour camp survivors struggle with the weight of their tragic past. Having endured unspeakable horrors, these men and women live in isolation, many haunted by both Nazi and Communist repression.

While resources run thin, their wise leaders fight to preserve their spirit. Then in 1999 two strangers from Scotland arrive, and a spark of hope begins to flicker. This transformative encounter, led by Jewish community member Ethne Woldman, marked the beginning of a remarkable bond of friendship and love.

Teaming up with ophthalmologist Colin Black and businessman David Bishop, a trust is established in Glasgow, committed to the long-term support of the Holocaust survivors in Târgu Mureș. They arrive four times a year, often accompanied by other well-wishers and professionals, to develop a programme to enhance the quality of life for these warm, dignified survivors in Transylvania. They vow to provide medicines, hearing aids, glasses, home care and companionship for each and every survivor for their remaining years.

This is the heartwarming story of how the lives of a small, impoverished community were transformed through the support and love of their Scottish saviours. Through intimate case studies and individual stories, Sharon Mail's AN UNBREAKABLE BOND delves into the lives changed forever following a chance encounter.

"This is a story of despair and hope; despair at the plight of an abandoned group of Holocaust survivors and the hope provided by a small band of determined Glaswegian Jews. It is important that Sharon Mail has recorded this story for future generations. No other cause has ever motivated me to walk barefoot over hot coals. But the Targu Mures Trust did just that to help raise funds for these Holocaust survivors in Romania." - The Right Honourable Jim Murphy, former Secretary of State for Scotland and supporter of the Targu Mures Trust