The article recounts a conversation with Otto Šimko, a centenarian Jewish scout, partisan, and journalist, who shared his insights and life experiences in a podcast series. Despite his advanced age and health challenges, Šimko remained intellectually curious and engaged, discussing the liberating moments of Czechoslovakia and the harrowing impact of the Holocaust on his family. He revealed his thoughts on atheism and his decision against emigrating to Israel, further illustrating his unique perspective as a survivor of profound historical events.

The intimate dialogue highlights key themes about freedom and captivity as Šimko reflected on his life split between these two states—one half spent in oppression and the other in liberty. He reviewed the complexities of his emotional and moral landscape, making profound observations about the essence of goodness he believed to be inherently programmed within him. This conversation not only serves as a memoir of his life but also as a rich discussion on ethics and identity shaped by tumultuous historical events.

Unfortunately, the discussion with Šimko turned out to be the last, as he passed away a few months later. His insights and recollections contribute compellingly to the understanding of the Jewish experience during and after the Holocaust, as well as the broader human condition, underscoring the importance of preserving narratives like his for future generations.