After death march, 70 years of marriage

The Woodmere home of Bonnie and Jack Rybsztajn is chock-full of photos of their three children and seven grandchildren; pride and love of family permeates the place.

While reaching 70 years of marriage is a tremendous milestone for any couple, it’s even more exceptional for the Rybsztajns: both bride and groom survived several concentration camps as well as separate death marches.

Feb. 24 marked the anniversary itself, and far-flung family members joined the Rybsztajns for Shabbos, where Jack davened at Ohr Torah in North Woodmere. A festive family dinner at Traditions on Sunday evening rounded out the weekend.

The Rybsztajns were married in Brussels, Belgium, a year after being liberated from the camps, he by American troops and she by the Russians. As their tale unfolded, details of their torment became clear too.

Pointing to an enlarged, framed  photograph of their wedding day, Jack Rybsztajn recalled the Shaydels, a well-to-do couple next door who welcomed him and his bride to their home and gave them nice clothing to wear for their special day. This gesture of kindness and friendship meant the world, for the couple had no belongings and next to no family.

“I wear a pocket handkerchief to this day, in honor of Mr. Shaydel,” he said. “All these photos are my diet, my soul food.”

They met in Germany through Bonnie Rybsztajn’s friend Rushka, and traveled to Brussels when Jack learned he had a sister there, but she had left for Palestine one day before they arrived. Then Bonnie, sole survivor of nine children, discovered she had an aunt there, who was unfortunately on her deathbed by the time they arrived. The Rybsztajns stayed in Brussels for five years, while Bonnie worked as a seamstress in high-end fashions. Jack became a teacher, and ultimately a fashion designer and a sweater manufacturer.