Ivan the Terrible?

The Dave Bowman Show

In this powerful episode, we explore the gripping and controversial trials of John Demjanjuk, the retired Ohio autoworker accused of being a Nazi war criminal. Beginning with the 1986 trial in Israel, we uncover the accusations that linked Demjanjuk to atrocities at the Sobibor extermination camp and the notorious "Ivan the Terrible" of Treblinka. We delve into the historical and cultural context, tracing Demjanjuk’s journey from Ukrainian soldier to American immigrant, and how his quiet suburban life unraveled into international headlines. Through survivor testimonies, disputed evidence, and courtroom drama, we examine the challenges of seeking justice decades after the Holocaust. Was Demjanjuk a perpetrator of unspeakable horrors or a victim of mistaken identity? Join us as we analyze the trial's legacy, its impact on Holocaust memory, and what it reveals about the pursuit of justice.