Bringing history to life.
Our Purpose
Benau Publications, we are dedicated to uncovering and amplifying the often-overlook stories of Holocaust survivors. Our flagship book, The Six, serves as a powerful tribute to sisterhood and courage, reminding us of the resilience that persists even 80 years later. We believe in the importance of remembrance, but we recognise that it be paired with action. It is our duty to educate future generations to ensure that the phrase “Never Again” transcends words and becomes a lived reality.
Our Mission
At Benau Publications, our mission is to celebrate the legacy of "The Six" by honoring their stories and the values of hope they embody. We are committed to educating future generations about the importance of remembrance, resilience, and the lessons learned the past. Through our work, we strive to inspire a deeper of history and the power of hope in overcoming adversity. Together, we can ensure that their legacy continues to shine brightly for years to come.
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About the book
The past was calling. This is our answer.
In 1942, six young women from Slovakia boarded the second Nazi transport of Jewish female prisoners heading to Auschwitz unaware of their destination, believing it was for work. Out of the 6,080 Jewish women deported from Slovakia, only 1% survived. This narrative focuses on six of them, seen through the perspective of siblings Adar Hamamy and Lior Benau, descendants of one of the women, Berta Benau. The Six is a poignant and historically significant tale of survival, sisterhood, silence, and rediscovery, evolving from a family mystery into a global mission to unveil the truth and preserve these voices. In a time of rising antisemitism and diminishing Holocaust memory, this story is more crucial than ever.
Meet ‘The Six’
Six young women. One unimaginable journey.
Berta, Lotte, Helen, Ruzinka, Etta, and Julia were just girls when they were taken to Auschwitz. With innocence in their hearts, they believed they were supporting their country, unaware of the horrors that awaited them. Their journey into the unknown began with a knock on the door, forever changing their lives. These remarkable women faced unimaginable challenges, but their stories of resilience continue to inspire us today.
Berta Benau (Hutzler), born in 1918 in Bratislava, married Uri and reunited with her younger brother in Israel after the war, raising three children together
Lotte Frankl (Weiss), born in 1923 in Bratislava, married Alfred and initially relocated to New Zealand before settling in Australia with her two sons
Helen (Illy) Stern (Kuban), born in 1918 in Pezinok, married Martin and established a life in the US with her two boys.
Ruzinka (Rosa) Klein (Gross), born in 1920 in Nitra, married Bandy, and together they raised a daughter in Israel.
Etta Berger, born on March 3, 1923, in Banská Stiavnica, married Robert, and they lived in Czech, where they raised a daughter who now resides in Canada.
Julia Schlemm, born in 1920 in Bratislava, also lived in Czech.
Meet the Authors
Adar Hamamy & Lior Benau
Siblings. Guardians of stories. Third-generation descendants of Holocaust survivors.
Adar Hamamy (née Benau) and Lior Benau are more than just descendants; they are seekers of truths hidden in silence. Their exploration through borders, archives, and generations has revealed a narrative lost for 80 years reuniting families separated for nearly a century.
Following their father's passing, Adar Lior began to pose the questions that had long been left unasked. A simple remark from a cousin the shiva ignited a profound realization—there was a story behind the silence of their great-aunt Berta that had remained untold. This moment, rooted in grief and remembrance, marked the start of a journey through time, borders, and generations. What they unearthed transcended mere pages; it evolved into a mission to honor memory, restore dignity, and encourage others to explore their own histories.
Today, they honor the legacy of the Six, urging the world to listen.
Adar Hamamy (Benau) lives in Melbourne, Australia. Adar is a General Manager of EPMO & Transformation at a global retail company. A passionate storyteller, Adar is married with two children: a 19-year-old daughter and a -16 year-old son.
As the second youngest in family of five, she feels a deep connection to her heritage. Adar believes, "The untold stories must be heard. The world should acknowledge the courage of these women."
Lior Benau
Lior Benau lives in Switzerland and has a background in investigation and finance. Lior is Executive Director and Head of Group Monitoring and Controls at a private bank, and he is also a certified lawyer. Lior is married and has two children: a 9-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. With his strong analytical and research skills, he is an invaluable partner in their shared mission.
Lior passionately declares, "I will do everything in my power to uncover the truth. We will leave no stone unturned in our quest for."