My World Renewed is a story of a girl-woman within an impossible reality, which teaches and commands her to act; an activist feminism created out of necessity. From constant fear and anxiety, but also meaningful action, Donna is born: on the streets of Paris, in metro stations and train platforms, between trams and sidewalks and Gestapo soldiers, disguised as a German, and among vineyards in Bordeaux in southern France with Rudy, her young love, with whom she undertakes life-threatening counter-operations. They searched for hidden Jews and provided them with forged documents and food stamps. Donna’s tumultuous journey passes through Holland, France, and continues until she immigrates to Israel.
The story of Donna Rubel is one of courage, resilience, and survival in the shadow of the Nazi horrors. A Jewish-Austrian girl from Vienna, Donna grew up in a warm and loving home. Her father was a skilled pastry chef, and her mother managed a successful family business. This idyllic life was shattered when the Nazis occupied Austria in 1938. From that moment on, her life became a fight for survival, shaped by extraordinary challenges and acts of bravery.
The changes came swiftly and dramatically. As a young, innocent child, Donna had no understanding of the larger forces at play. She even helped her friend Eli decorate windows for Hitler’s parade, unaware of its sinister significance. These early moments were marked by confusion and innocence, but soon the harsh reality pierced her world: her father was taken to a concentration camp, her brother Gusty managed to escape to Palestine through Youth Aliyah, and Donna herself was sent to Holland—the only chance to save her life.
In Holland, Donna’s journey of transformation began. Once a sheltered child, she grew into an independent teenager, learning to navigate an uncertain and dangerous world. She lived in children’s homes and training centers, where she was taught practical skills and survival techniques. Donna worked on farms, gained an understanding of self-reliance, and began to comprehend the gravity of her circumstances. During this time, she met Rudy, an instructor who would become the love of her life and her partner in the underground resistance. Their bond was immediate and profound, offering Donna a rare source of hope and comfort.
The Nazi occupation of Holland forced Donna into hiding. She moved between families, each new home presenting unique challenges and dangers. At first, she stayed with a deeply religious Protestant couple, where she experienced intense loneliness and homesickness. While they provided her with safety, the isolation weighed heavily on her young spirit. Her longing for her family and the familiar life she had lost was ever-present.
As the war intensified, so did the risks. Informant reports and betrayals meant constant movement and fear. Despite the dangers, Donna’s resilience only grew stronger. She eventually joined the resistance alongside Rudy, Milek, and Johan. This marked a turning point in her life, as she transitioned from merely surviving to actively fighting against the oppressive regime. It was during this period that her bravery and resourcefulness truly came to the forefront.
Donna’s work in the resistance was both dangerous and critical. She passed forged documents, assumed new identities, and even disguised herself as a German to evade detection. Her ability to adapt and remain composed under immense pressure was remarkable. There were moments of intense tension, such as a train ride where Rudy played the Nazi anthem on a harmonica to calm Gestapo soldiers. Such instances demonstrated not only their ingenuity but also their unyielding determination to resist.
Her relationship with Rudy became a cornerstone of her strength during these turbulent times. Their love provided her with a sense of purpose and a reason to hope for a better future. While working in the vineyards near Bordeaux, they managed to carve out small moments of joy amid the chaos of war. These brief interludes of happiness were a testament to their resilience and the power of love to endure even in the bleakest circumstances.
Tragically, their love story was cut short. Near the end of the war, Rudy was captured and executed. The news of his death was a devastating blow to Donna. Having endured years of hardship and loss, this final tragedy nearly broke her spirit. She had survived so much, but Rudy’s absence left a void that could never be filled. Her comrade Johan provided solace during this difficult time, helping her to find the strength to carry on.
In September 1945, Donna immigrated to Palestine, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Her arrival with a group of refugees was a deeply emotional moment, as she was reunited with her parents and brother Gusty after seven years of separation. However, the transition to life in Palestine was far from easy. The trauma of her experiences in Europe lingered, making it difficult for her to fully adapt to her new surroundings. She worked in her parents’ factory, seeking comfort in the familiar routines of family life. Yet, her heart remained tied to the past, to the memories of those she had lost and the life she had left behind.
Donna’s enlistment in the IDF as a welfare officer was a continuation of her journey of survival and service. In the army, she found a sense of purpose and a way to contribute to her new homeland. It was during this time that she met Peter, a former British soldier. Their marriage, while not born out of deep love, represented a step forward for Donna—a compromise with life after the profound loss of Rudy. In Peter, she found stability and a partner who could help her build a new life.
Donna Rubel’s story is not merely a Holocaust narrative; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It is the story of a young girl who faced unimaginable adversity and emerged as a woman of remarkable courage and determination. Her journey—from the innocence of childhood to the harsh realities of war, from the depths of loss to the resilience of survival—is an inspiring example of hope and perseverance.
Even in the darkest moments, Donna found ways to keep moving forward. Whether through her resistance work, her love for Rudy, or her commitment to rebuilding her life in Palestine, she demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for resilience. Her story is a reminder of the power of the human spirit to endure and overcome, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
As time passed, Donna’s experiences became an integral part of her identity. She carried the memories of her lost loved ones with her, honoring their legacy through her own survival and achievements. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of those who lived through the Holocaust and the importance of remembering their struggles and triumphs.
Today, Donna Rubel’s life stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Her journey from a young girl in Vienna to a resistance fighter, and finally to a new life in Palestine, is a powerful narrative of survival, love, and hope. It is a story that continues to inspire and remind us of the enduring power of courage and perseverance.
