Explore the plays, films, books, and educational resources that bring Esther’s story to life.
Each offers a different way to learn, reflect, and help carry her story—and its lessons—forward.
Dear Esther, by Richard Rashke, tells the true story of Holocaust survivor Esther Terner Raab as she confronts painful memories of persecution, loss, resistance, and her escape from the Sobibor death camp.
Through a conversation with her younger self and the heartfelt letters of schoolchildren touched by her testimony, the play explores the enduring power of truth, remembrance, courage, and healing.
The play has been produced at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Poland (in Polish), universities, high schools, and community theaters. Learn more about producing the play.
The complete script of Dear Esther is available by request for those interested in reading, studying, or exploring a production of the play.
The play is also available in Polish and in Spanish (Mexican and Puerto Rican variants); translated scripts are available on request.
Children’s Letters to a Holocaust Survivor: Dear Esther is a curated collection of letters, poems, and drawings created by middle and high school students in response to Esther Terner Raab’s remarkable story.
Compiled by Richard Rashke, author of the play Dear Esther, these reflections were created after students watched Escape from Sobibor, attended a performance of Dear Esther, and/or heard Esther speak about her experiences during and after her imprisonment at Sobibor, a Nazi death camp in eastern Poland.
It is our hope that this book will be a valuable resource in supporting and extending history, literature, drama, and ESOL curricula. The book is also an excellent resource for tolerance and anti-bullying programs. In sharing her story, Esther Raab’s goal was to spread love and empathy and to fight hatred and bigotry.
Select to explore handwritten letters and poems from students to Esther.
excerpts from Children's Letters to a Holocaust Survivor
“Dear Esther, After attending the play I have a new outlook on life. I want to make sure that people never have to go through the horrible events of the Holocaust again.
… Your story will never be forgotten.”
The German death camp in Sobibor, Poland, killed 250,000 Jewish people. It also had the most successful prisoner escape in World War II on October 14, 1943. Esther Raab is a central character in the film, which dramatizes the uprising and escape she helped make possible.
Please note: Groups of 20 or more expected guests can request an online program. A host will guide the experience with opening and closing remarks, along with time for questions and conversation.
Directed by Paula Apsell
The film, told through the voices of survivors, their descendants, and experts, highlights the often-overlooked story of Jewish resistance against the Nazis. The film’s third section features Esther Raab and her story of resistance at Sobibor. Available to watch on PBS for members.
Please note: Groups of 20 or more expected guests can request an online program. A host will guide the experience with opening and closing remarks, along with time for questions and conversation.
“Dear Esther, As a member of the next generation, I feel that it is…my responsibility to make sure that the Holocaust never happens again. I can do this by speaking out against religious persecution and by re-telling your story to others.”
by Shaindy Perl
The book follows Esther Raab from her childhood in Chelm through the Nazi occupation, the loss of her family, her imprisonment at Sobibor, and her role in the prisoners’ revolt and escape. It also traces her life after the war and her determination to bear witness, preserving the story of Sobibor and those who resisted there for future generations.
PDF · 238 pages · English
by Irving Raab with Carol Cunningham Suplee
Irving Raab, Esther’s husband and Marvin’s father, shares his remarkable life story, from a Jewish childhood in Poland through war, displacement, survival, and the rebuilding of a life in America. Along the way, Irving reflects on family, faith, loss, resilience, and the people and choices that shaped his 99 years.
PDF · 310 pages · English
From Marvin Raab:
When World War II reached its conclusion, the unexpected sanctuary for Jews emerged in Germany. My parents, survivors of the war's harrowing ordeals, sought solace in post-war Berlin, specifically within the English sector.
On July 4, 1946, amidst the war's aftermath, my parents celebrated their union and planned their honeymoon at a cousin's home in the Russian sector of Berlin.
However, fate took a cruel turn for both my parents, with Russian authorities arresting my mother with false accusations of espionage on behalf of England. When my father offered himself in her place, his journey led to imprisonment, torture, and eventual release after three years. This tapestry commemorates their wedding and the ensuing story of resilience, persistence, and love.
Select to explore images.
Below is a list of Marvin Raab’s family members who were murdered in the Holocaust, along with their relation to either Marvin’s father or mother.
USC Shoah Foundation — Visual History Archive
Esther Raab shares her firsthand testimony, preserving her experiences of persecution, Sobibor, resistance, survival, and life after the Holocaust.
USC Shoah Foundation — Visual History Archive
Irving Raab — Holocaust Survivor TestimonyIrving Raab shares his firsthand testimony of his experiences before, during, and after the Holocaust.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Esther Raab Describes the Uprising in SobiborOral history testimony about Esther’s role in the planning, uprising, and escape from Sobibor.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Esther Raab Recalls the Arrival of Transports in SobiborOral history testimony describing the arrival of transports and Esther’s experiences working in the camp’s sorting shed.
New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education
Esther Raab: Selected Extracts from a 1992 USHMM InterviewExtended excerpts from Esther’s oral history, covering her arrival at Sobibor, life in the camp, the uprising, and escape. · PDF
Sobibor Interviews Foundation
Esther Raab: Survivor Profile & InterviewsA detailed account of Esther’s experiences at Sobibor, her escape, and her life after the war, with links to recorded interviews.
Jewish Virtual Library
Esther Raab on the Escape from SobiborA brief account of Esther’s role in the Sobibor uprising and her escape from the camp.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Esther Raab, 92, Holocaust SurvivorEsther’s 2015 obituary (subscription required), reflecting on her survival, escape from Sobibor, family, and life after the Holocaust.
Esther Raab Holocaust Museum & Goodwin Education Center
The Esther Raab Holocaust Museum & Goodwin Education CenterHolocaust education, survivor testimony, teaching resources, student programs, events, and initiatives dedicated to preserving memory and confronting prejudice.
The Times of Israel — The Blogs
Esther Raab — Holocaust Survivor, Escape from SobiborA personal profile reflecting on Esther’s survival, family, lifelong commitment to sharing her testimony, and legacy. Contributor blog.
Stockton University
Play Brings Holocaust Story to Local StudentsA look at 2023 student performances of Dear Esther and the play’s message of resistance, remembrance, and confronting hatred.
New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education
About the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust EducationThe Commission’s mission, educational mandate, and approach to teaching Holocaust and genocide studies in New Jersey schools.
New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education
Dear Esther Educational ResourceEducational materials related to Dear Esther for teaching and learning about the Holocaust.