The story of Dutch boxer Leen Sanders who was spared to entertain the Nazi guards and helped
others survive Auschwitz. 'He had the dream again last night... He taps the gloves of his
unbeaten Polish opponent. There are rumours that the loser will be sent to the gas chamber.' In
1943 Leen Sanders Dutch champion boxer was sent to Auschwitz. His wife and children were put
to death while he was sent 'to the left' with the others fit enough for labor. Recognised by an
SS officer he was earmarked for a 'privileged' post in the kitchens in exchange for weekly
boxing matches for the entertainment of the Nazi guards. From there he enacted his resistance
to their limitless cruelty. With great risk and danger to his own life Leen Sanders stole
concealed and smuggled food and clothing from SS nursing units for years to alleviate the
unbearable suffering of the prisoners in need. He also regularly supplied extra food to the
Dutch women in Dr. Mengele's experiment Block 10. To his fellow Jews in the camp he acted as a
rescuer leader and role model defending them even on their bitter death march to Dachau
towards the end of the war. A story of astonishing resilience and compassion The Fighter of
Auschwitz is a testament to the endurance of humanity in the face of extraordinary evil.
