The Significant 13
This Indiegogo project will fund the production, publication and distribution of an eBook and paperback book autobiography and documentary DVD of Werner Münzer’s life story, but primarily concerns itself with the thirteen significant factors and events that helped him to survive 757 days captivity in ten Nazi concentration camps, without having compromised his humanity.
About the Author
Werner Münzer was born in Berlin, Germany in 1920. Most of his family perished in the Holocaust, including his first wife, son and brother. In fact most of his extended family was robbed of all their belongings and murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. Research into what became of his family indicates that over 400 people with his family name are officially listed as having been murdered by the Nazis. The fact that he managed to survive is nothing short of a miracle, or shall we say at least 13 of them. After living underground for two years, he was captured by the Gestapo in Amsterdam, Holland on March 20, 1943. His liberation came at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on April 15, 1945, where after several days of lying buried in a pile of dead bodies he managed to get an allied soldiers attention and be rescued. He spent over 18 months in hospitals recovering from severe malnutrition (weighing in at 77 lbs), and having Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Typhoid Fever and numerous broken bones. At one point he was close to being declared dead.
What Else is Significant about this Project?
The Crowdfunding and self publishing format allow for a unique twist in writing an autobiography. They allow us to have certain sponsors ask the author questions and even follow-up questions based on their pre-publication reading of the book's manuscript. This form of interactive publishing provides readers the opportunity to engage the author to respond to matters that they find of particular interests. These questions will be the basis for a documentary interview DVD which will cover the questions and answers. The text of which will then also be included in the published book.
Since sponsors of Crowdfunding projects often pledge more than the value of the Perks being offered, and it is the Münzer family's wish that this story find the broadest possible distribution, all contributions in excess of the price of a book or DVD will be put towards the purchase of additional copies of the book and DVD. These will be donated to schools, libraries or other institutions interested in having the book available to their readers. This also applies to any pledge received that is below the price of a book or DVD. Thus, a dollar pledged will go towards the purchase of a book that will be donated. Large sponsors will have the opportunity to take delivery of the "Perk" books and themselves donate these to the institutions of their liking, thus enjoy whatever benefits such donations may entail.
If you can’t pledge money and still would like to help
Crowdfunding is all about getting the word out. Even if you can’t make a monetary contribution, and find this project worthy of your assistance, please help us to spread the word to as many people as possible. Every dollar goes towards a book being donated, so please help us get attention to our project by telling friends, family and any organization you think might be interested.
How funds will be used
Please be aware that this project is a “Flexible Funding Campaign” meaning we will receive whatever is pledged, no matter what. What this means, is that The Significant 13 will be published, no matter what. If our funding goal is not met, we will have to reduce or eliminate the professional help we require funding for. Budgeted elements such as for quality editing, formatting, artwork, promotion, quality camera equipment and other things that will make this publication a better quality book and DVD will be reduced or eliminated. The content however, will be the same. In the event we exceed our funding goal by more than 75%, a hardcopy book will be printed and distributed to those who pledge for a paperback book, at no extra charge to our sponsors. The Perk related books, which are intended to be donated, will still be printed and delivered in paperback form.
Final note
The Holocaust was not only the greatest genocide in human history, it was also the biggest heist; all assets and belongings of those murdered, displaced and of the survivors were stolen. Most were never returned! Most of the beneficiaries, who stole all these belongings, were ignored in the swift prosecution of the few of the worst murderers who were brought to justice.
We live in a time that holds great promise for the future of the human race. Our prospects to evolve in a positive manner have never been greater, yet the elements that allowed, ignored, contributed to and promoted the Holocaust still exist. This is why survivors always stress that their stories must be told, so that the Holocaust never occurs again. There are no guarantees in life, no matter where you live! And if we don’t examine our history we will not be able to timely recognize or prevent similar events.
This book is intended to raise awareness, and provide a spiritual strength that at our darkest hour, there is always still hope.
