Some Thoughts on Mala's Cat by Holocaust Survivor Mala Kacenberg

Mala Kacenberg, Mala’s Cat (Pegasus Books, 2022).

Here’s an alarming bit of information: a recent survey conducted by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany shows a “worrying lack of basic Holocaust knowledge among adults under 40.” Millennials and Gen Z simply do not know basic information about the Holocaust. A significant number of random, demographically representative respondents were, in many cases, unaware of the staggering loss of life. Some believed the Holocaust either didn’t happen or was greatly exaggerated. Others could not recall having ever heard the word “Holocaust” before. Clearly, we need to do something about this. And it should start in the classroom. 

Which brings me to my thoughts on Mala’s Cat, written by Holocaust survivor Mala Kacenberg. I know I usually discuss books on United States history, especially academic studies of the American Civil War and Reconstruction. But, as an educator and a lifelong student of history, I also stress the importance of looking beyond our fields of expertise…well beyond in some cases. Kacenberg’s story, told from the perspective of a child, underscores the realities of youthful innocence juxtaposed to the harsh brutalities of Nazi persecution…the very worst of humanity.

The story begins with invasion of Poland in 1939 and Mala’s family’s initial reactions to Nazi policies against Polish Jews. I can promise that this is a gripping tale - both tragic and remarkably illustrative of the human spirit and the will to survive even under the most adverse of circumstances. Mala’s ability to “pass” and move about in hostile territory provides an initial means for survival. While tragedy befalls Mala’s family at every turn, she escapes - struggles, hides out in the forest, outwits Nazis, and eventually reconnects with observant Jews. And throughout the story…a reminder that hope remains amid tragedy: Malach the stray cat – Mala’s trusted friend, companion, and confidant.  

Mala’s Cat is especially suitable for young readers. It is accessible, without question – and told from the perspective of a young person who experienced the events firsthand. Memories can be tricky when informing historical narrative, and the author wrote this book long after the events transpired. But I would say that in this case, the expanse of time matters little. The salient episodes of Mala’s life during this period must in every way stand out against all else. As such her story connects a human voice to an unparalleled conflagration and provides a connection to the past in evocative ways: real people, real struggles, real survival, real hope. If we are going provide some sort of correction to the woefully inadequate Holocaust curriculum, then this book and others like it need to be in the hands of kids. I’ve already shared Mala’s Cat with some of my own students – and they have appreciated it a great deal. This subject matter is tough, and it can be challenging for young students to comprehend such wanton, deliberate, and cruel acts committed against the innocent. But it would be a gross injustice to let this tragedy fade into obscurity.      

With compliments, 

Keith