On 7^th August 2025, Erwin Schenkelbach, an outstanding photographer and a Holocaust survivor, passed away in Herzliya.

Erwin Schenkelbach was born in Drohobych on 17^th January 1929. In his work, he drew inspiration from Bruno Schulz, Giorgio de Chirico and Max Ernst. He was introduced to photography by his father, Bertold, himself a respected photographer. His father was also a friend of Bruno Schulz, who was a frequent guest in their home.

During the German occupation, in 1942, Erwin’s parents were deported to the Nazi German death camp in Bełżec. Erwin and his older sister Tusia survived. Alone, Erwin made his way to Warsaw. Along the way, he was robbed by a paid “guardian”. He had survived the war on “Aryan papers”. Under the name “Jan Szeliński”, he worked, in among other places, an antiquarian bookshop on ul. Muranowska. On several occasions, he narrowly escaped blackmailers, who preyed on Jews in hiding.

He witnessed the Warsaw Uprising, which he remembered as one of his greatest traumas.

After the war, he graduated from the Warsaw University of Technology. He was one of the founders of Polish Television, working as a cameraman and screenwriter. It was during this time that he began photographing, which became a passion to which he eventually devoted himself entirely. He also wrote poetry and published several books. He was active in the musical and artistic life of postwar Warsaw, photographing figures from the artistic milieu, including Franciszek Starowieyski.

In 1963, he emigrated to Israel. He stated that he could not reconcile himself to “life in a cage”, without the freedom to travel. In Israel, he continued his photographic work, holding numerous exhibitions, including in France, Canada, and also in Poland[1.1]]. Toward the end of his life, he and his wife Cyna moved from Jerusalem to Herzliya, where he died on 7^th August 2025.

Until the end of his life, Erwin Schenkelbach felt a deep connection with Poland. The POLIN Museum has archived an extensive interview with the artist, which we hope to prepare and publish as soon as possible.

We are deeply saddened by Erwin’s passing. To his family and loved ones, we extend our heartfelt condolences and support.

May Erwin Schenkelbach’s soul be bound up in the bond of life!