Borlant's family was originally from Ukraine and settled in France, only to be marginalized and discriminated against there. After the start of WW2 Henri, his father, one brother, and one sister were arrested and sent to Auschwitz. His mother and seven siblings remained in France and survived the war while in serving in the French Resistance. After the war he studied to be a MD and started a career, and in later years spoke tirelessly about his time in Auschwitz, and what ever present hunger and terror.
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-832103
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-832103