Samuel Steinmann: A Journey of Survival and Enlightenment

Samuel Steinmann, born on August 24, 1923, in Oslo, Norway, stands as a remarkable testament to human resilience and survival. As the last Jewish Norwegian survivor of the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps, Steinmann’s life is a compelling narrative of endurance, strength, and rebirth. Beyond his harrowing experiences during World War II, his life is also illuminated by his Human Design—a Manifesting Generator with a unique blend of characteristics that shaped his journey.

Early Life and the Onset of War

Samuel Steinmann was born into a Jewish family in Oslo, Norway. Growing up in a tight-knit community, he experienced the pressures of societal change as the specter of World War II loomed large. As a Manifesting Generator, Steinmann inherently possessed a vibrant energy and multitasking ability that characterized his early years. This energy was vital in navigating the challenges that lay ahead.

The Holocaust: Trials and Tribulations

On September 21, 1942, Steinmann’s life took a drastic turn when his family was forcibly evicted from their home by the Schutzstaffel (SS). A month later, on October 26, he was arrested by Norwegian police during a roundup of Jewish males and interned at the Berg internment camp. This marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal that would test the very limits of his endurance and spirit.

Steinmann’s Human Design profile, a 1/3 Investigator/Martyr, predisposed him to a life of experimentation and resilience, qualities that became indispensable as he faced the unimaginable. On November 26, 1942, along with approximately 531 other Jews, Steinmann was deported to Auschwitz on the SS Donau. The journey was fraught with fear and uncertainty, arriving at Auschwitz on December 1, where the barbarism of the Holocaust became brutally apparent.

Auschwitz: A Test of Survival

In Auschwitz, Steinmann’s emotional authority—a core aspect of his Human Design—played a crucial role in his survival. The ability to process and manage emotions allowed him to maintain a sense of inner stability amidst chaos. Tragically, his brother Harry was not as fortunate, succumbing to the merciless cruelty of their captors in January 1943.

As Soviet forces advanced in January 1945, the remaining 60,000 prisoners, including Steinmann, were forced on a death march to Wodzisław Śląski. His Manifesting Generator strategy “To Respond” guided him through the ordeal, allowing him to react swiftly and effectively to the constantly shifting dangers.

Transfer to Buchenwald and Liberation

Steinmann was eventually transported to Buchenwald, where he faced yet another test of endurance. Despite being denied evacuation by the White Buses in March 1945—due to the Germans not recognizing him as Norwegian—he and his fellow survivors ingeniously evaded execution by disguising themselves in the uniforms of non-Jewish prisoners.

On April 11, 1945, liberation came with the arrival of American forces. Steinmann’s survival was a testament to his Incarnation Cross—the Right Angle Cross of The Sleeping Phoenix—symbolizing transformation and rebirth. Returning to Oslo on May 30, 1945, he began the arduous process of rebuilding his life amidst the ruins of war.

Post-War Life and Recognition

Resuming life in Oslo with his family, Steinmann embodied the perseverance and resilience characteristic of his Human Design channels, particularly the 20-34 and 57-34, which signify tenacity and survival against odds. In 2012, Norway’s prime minister, Jens Stoltenberg, formally apologized for the wartime treatment of Jews, an acknowledgment that brought some measure of solace to Steinmann.

Steinmann’s contributions and experiences were honored with the King’s Medal of Merit (gold) on May 3, 2012. His legacy was further cemented with a portrait unveiled at the University of Oslo on November 26, 2014, ensuring that his story would inspire future generations.

Legacy and Human Design Insights

Samuel Steinmann passed away on May 1, 2015, at the age of 91 in Oslo, Norway. His life was a profound journey of survival, resilience, and healing, deeply influenced by his Human Design. As a Manifesting Generator, Steinmann navigated life’s challenges with a unique blend of energy, emotional wisdom, and strategic responsiveness.

His channels, including 64-47 (Abstract Thinking) and 59-6 (Intimacy and Connection), reveal a life enriched by deep introspection and a commitment to forming meaningful relationships. These aspects of his design not only aided in his survival but also in his post-war contributions to society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Samuel Steinmann’s Human Design type?

Samuel Steinmann was a Manifesting Generator. This Human Design type is characterized by its dynamic energy and ability to multitask effectively, traits that were crucial in his survival during the Holocaust.

How did Samuel Steinmann’s Human Design influence his life?

Steinmann’s Human Design provided him with emotional authority and a strategy “To Respond,” which helped him navigate the immense challenges he faced during and after the Holocaust. His ability to process emotions and respond strategically was key to his resilience and survival.

What is the significance of Steinmann’s Incarnation Cross?

His Incarnation Cross, the Right Angle Cross of The Sleeping Phoenix, symbolizes transformation and rebirth. This cross reflects his journey from the depths of the Holocaust to a life of renewed purpose and recognition.

What were some key channels in Samuel Steinmann’s Human Design?

Some key channels in Steinmann’s Human Design include 64-47 (Abstract Thinking), 59-6 (Intimacy and Connection), and 20-34 (Charisma and Energy). These channels contributed to his introspective nature, the ability to form deep connections, and his enduring spirit.

What recognition did Samuel Steinmann receive post-war?

Steinmann received the King’s Medal of Merit (gold) in 2012, acknowledging his experiences and contributions. A portrait of him was also unveiled in the University of Oslo’s ceremonial hall in 201