12 Years That Shook the World
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
12 Years That Shook the World explores stories of real people, the choices they made, and specific moments in Holocaust history from 1933-1945. From the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, this podcast is released annually.
- 35 minutes 34 secondsA World Destroyed
Torn down, heartbroken, and losing hope, Zvi, Miriam and Leon face even more loss. Then in Spring 1944, Eyshishok is liberated. They return home and face the question, with their world destroyed, what happens now?
9 October 2025, 10:00 am - 34 minutes 37 secondsAn Enemy Around Every Corner
The threat only grows: suspicious neighbors, ghetto massacres, and violent attacks. Miriam, Leon and Zvi go on the run — hiding, resisting, and fighting to stay alive.
1 October 2025, 10:00 am - 27 minutes 26 seconds“A Matter of Savagery”
Nazi killing squads have descended onto the shtetl, attempting to destroy all traces of Jewish life. Leon witnesses the terror, and Zvi comes face-to-face with a Nazi killer.
25 September 2025, 10:00 am - 28 minutes 31 secondsThe Shtetl Crumbles
Zvi, Miriam and Leon are preparing to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, when suddenly, more armed men arrive in Eyshishok. Terror ensues, and Eyshishok begins to unravel.
18 September 2025, 10:00 am - 24 minutes 11 seconds“A Cloud Coming Down Over Our Head”
It’s June 1941. Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union, and German soldiers arrive in Eyshishok. Zvi, Miriam and Leon’s lives are flipped upside down.
11 September 2025, 10:00 am - 26 minutes 8 seconds"A Happy Little Town"
It’s 1938. In Eastern Europe, life is bustling for three young Jews growing up in their vibrant Jewish community. Miriam Kabacznik, Leon Kahn, and Zvi Michaeli. But soon, the Nazi threat emerges on the horizon.
4 September 2025, 10:00 am - 1 minute 50 secondsSeason Four Trailer
From the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, welcome to 12 Years That Shook the World. This season is a six-part series: the true story of three young Jews who face the Nazi reign of terror in their hometown: Zvi Michaeli, Miriam Kabacznik, and Leon Kahn — three young Jews from a town called Eyshishok. Featuring historians from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum: Dr. Edna Friedberg, Dr. Lindsay MacNeill, and Dr. J. Luke Ryder.
4 September 2025, 10:00 am - 19 minutes 45 secondsWatching from the Window
When the Nazis boycott Jewish-owned businesses in Lorrach, Germany, Bernard Loeb’s neighbors turn on him. When the Nazis attack Jews, his neighbors burn his synagogue. And when the Nazis deport Bernhard, his neighbors watch it happen. So who are these neighbors? And what role did they play in Nazi crimes? Featuring Museum curator Kassandra LaPrade Seuthe. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution.
Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to [email protected].
15 September 2022, 9:04 am - 23 minutes 40 secondsAn American Soldier’s Two Fronts
In 1943, amid the American Jim Crow era, a young Black American named Leon Bass enlists in the Army to fight Nazi Fascism. But once Leon enters WWII and becomes a witness to the Holocaust, he discovers something that will forever change his perspective on his home in the US, and on the world. Featuring Museum educator Lynn Williams. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution.
Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to [email protected].
15 September 2022, 9:03 am - 20 minutesThe Rioter
In 1931—before the Nazis come to power— radical antisemite, Wolf-Heinrich Graf von Helldorff, organizes a violent riot against Jews on a vibrant Berlin avenue. This catches the attention of high-ranking Nazis. What role will Helldorff play once the Nazis take control? Featuring Museum historian Dr. Lindsay MacNeill. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution.
Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to [email protected].
15 September 2022, 9:02 am - 24 minutes 52 secondsYoung Guardian
In 1937, Erwin Haber, a Jewish boy from Austria, had just turned 13. But months later when the Nazis take over his country, Erwin will be forced to navigate the world without his parents— and help his little sister and grandmother survive the Nazi reign of terror. Featuring Museum researcher Dr. Belinda Blomberg. Please be advised: This podcast contains stories that listeners may find disturbing. Listen with caution.
Thank you for listening. What did you think of the show? Take a quick survey, send your comments via email to [email protected].
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