From Vienna to Israel: The Extraordinary Life of Frederick Biermann

A new documentary film recounts the harrowing journey of a Jewish child who fled the Nazis and fought for Israel's independence.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:27am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a young boy watching a parade through a rain-streaked window, with blurred figures and muted colors conveying a sense of wonder and unease.As a young Jewish boy in Vienna, Frederick Biermann witnessed the excitement and turmoil of the Anschluss, a pivotal moment that would shape the rest of his extraordinary life.Los Angeles Today

Frederick Biermann was just 7 years old when he witnessed the Anschluss parade in Vienna in 1938, marking the Nazi annexation of Austria. What followed was a harrowing journey for the young Jewish boy and his family, who fled to Paris before immigrating to pre-state Israel. Biermann went on to join the Haganah, the Jewish defense force that evolved into the Israel Defense Forces, and fought in multiple battles during Israel's War of Independence. His remarkable life story, largely unknown even to his own family, is now the subject of a new documentary film, 'The Kid Officer'.

Why it matters

Biermann's story provides a personal, first-hand account of the experiences of Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis and building a new life in pre-state Israel. His journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of those who fought for Israel's independence, and the film sheds light on an extraordinary life that has remained largely untold until now.

The details

After witnessing the Anschluss parade in Vienna, Biermann's life changed dramatically. He was pushed into a closet by his teacher and barred from attending school. Months later, the family fled to Paris before receiving immigration certificates to both America and Palestine, ultimately choosing to settle in the latter. In Israel, Biermann befriended future King Hussein of Jordan and joined the Haganah, where he met a young Ariel Sharon. Biermann fought in multiple battles during Israel's War of Independence, including the defense of Tal Amal and the Battle of Mishmar Yarden, where he was wounded.

  • In 1938, Biermann witnessed the Anschluss parade in Vienna at the age of 7.
  • Months later, the family fled to Paris before receiving immigration certificates to both America and Palestine.
  • In 1948, Biermann listened from a foxhole in the Galilee as the State of Israel was declared.
  • Biermann joined the newly formed Israel Defense Forces, serving in the Carmeli Brigade.
  • Biermann was wounded at the Battle of Mishmar Yarden during Israel's War of Independence.

The players

Frederick Biermann

A 95-year-old man who as a child witnessed the Anschluss in Vienna, fled the Nazis with his family, and went on to fight for Israel's independence as a member of the Haganah.

Leah Biermann

Frederick Biermann's mother, who used the family's remaining jewelry to pay for the family's journey from Paris to pre-state Israel.

Marcus Biermann

Frederick Biermann's father, who was a captain in the Austrian army and refused to reclaim the family's home in Vienna after the war, saying he didn't want 'their blood money'.

Professor Falkenberg

Frederick Biermann's father's best friend, who helped protect the Biermann family by putting a swastika on their door and his name on it after the Anschluss.

Ariel (Arik) Scheinerman

A young man Biermann befriended in the Haganah, who later changed his last name to Sharon and went on to serve as Israel's prime minister from 2001 to 2006.

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What they’re saying

“It was all so exciting. It was like the Messiah had come. It looked like fun — I wanted to be part of it.”

— Frederick Biermann

“I joined the underground and learned how to fight back.”

— Frederick Biermann

“I felt proud. I felt great.”

— Frederick Biermann

What’s next

The Los Angeles premiere of the film 'The Kid Officer' will take place on Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day), April 22, at Laemmle Town Center in Encino, followed by a Q&A with director and writer John Rokosny. Another screening will be held on April 21 at the Museum of Tolerance.

The takeaway

Biermann's remarkable life story, from witnessing the Anschluss in Vienna as a child to fighting for Israel's independence, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of those who fled the Nazis and helped build the state of Israel. His journey highlights the personal sacrifices and challenges faced by Jewish refugees, as well as the pivotal role they played in shaping Israel's history.