Grand Island businessman, civic leader, and humanitarian, David Kaufmann was a “quiet philanthropist” who did what he could, from where he was, to benefit others in his community and beyond. Although he was recognized in the Grand Island community for the work he did here, he never sought recognition for himself. Kaufmann not only gave of himself; he inspired others to also do good where they could. Through his actions and words, he made a difference in the lives of many people in the Grand Island community and beyond.

The greatest impact however was likely his least known role in sponsoring Jewish families who were fleeing from the horrors of the Nazi regime leading up to World War II. Kaufmann never spoke publicly about this important humanitarian work during his lifetime. However, the families who were saved due to his actions taken in Grand Island, Nebraska never forgot what he had done for them and the generations that followed.

This documentary film, supported by the Hall County Historical Society and the Institute for Holocaust Education, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, will tell the story of David Kaufmann and his work to save families from the Holocaust.