Holocaust survivor to speak at Cape May’s WWII aircraft show

Holocaust survivor and World War II veteran, David Wisnia, of Levittow, Pa.,  will be sharing his remarkable story Sat, Sept 2, at the 21st annual AirFest this weekend in Cape May, N.J.

Wisnia, a native of Warsaw, Poland, spent nearly three years in the Auschwitz concentration camp before being liberated by the 101st Airborne Division, whose ranks he later joined as a translator. The 90-year old cantor credits his singing voice as key to his survival.

Now, after so many decades since the war, Nazism is making headlines again with the rise of white nationalist groups like those who violently rallied in Charlottesville, Virginia, earlier this month.

But most people have no clue what fascism and Nazism are really about, Wisnia warned. Only eight states in the entire U.S. require education on the Holocaust and genocide.

“Education is the only way we are going to stop this ignorance,” he said.

The four-day AirFest takes place at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum at Cape May Airport and features walk-through tours of vintage WWII bombers, such as the B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress and P-51 Mustang.

Other festival highlights include live music, a beer garden and food trucks, plus tours of the NASW’s 26 historic aircraft.

Inside the Hangar 1, visitors will find activities for children, wildlife animal demonstrations, interactive exhibits and vendors. A “Rosie the Riveter” costumed character will also be on hand for photo opportunities.

David Wisnia will be signing his book, “One Voice, Two Lives”, following a question and answer session after his lecture.

Tickets cost $14 for adults and $10 for kids.

Friday, Sep 1, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Sep 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Sep 3, 10 a.m. to 7 a.m. and Monday, Sep 4, noon to 4 p.m. – 500 Forrestal Rd., Rio Grande, N.J.

Entertainment Schedule (Tentative)

Friday, September 1:1:00pm – 4:00pm: Jack Melton & the Swing Time Band

Saturday, September 2:10:00am – 5:00pm: DJ Ted Schwartz & his 1940’s Radio Show11:00am – 12:00pm: David Wisnia, WWII Vet & Auschwitz Survivor – lecture, accompanied by Doug Cervi (book signing after lecture).12:00pm – 4:00pm: Animal House Band

Sunday, September 3:10:00am – 5:00pm: DJ Ted Schwartz & his 1940’s Radio Show11:00am – 2:00pm: Reign3:00pm – 7:00pm: E Street Shuffle BandMonday, September 4:12:00pm – 4:00pm: Just In Time Band