Survivor Stories: Reflections of Holocaust Survivors in Texas
Eighty years ago today, on the anniversary of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, soldiers from the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front liberated 7,000 prisoners from the Auschwitz concentration camp. This day serves as a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. As the years pass, the number of survivors willing to share their stories dwindles, but in Texas, there are still brave individuals who recount their harrowing experiences.
Rosian Zerner: A Childhood Shattered by War
In 1935, Rosian Zerner was born in Kaunas, Lithuania, to a life of privilege. However, her idyllic childhood was abruptly shattered when the Nazis invaded her hometown at the age of 6. Along with her family, she was confined to the Kovno Ghetto, where they faced squalid living conditions and uncertainty about their fate. Zerner’s parents risked everything to secure her safety, passing her between various rescuers before reuniting as a family once again. Despite the horrors she endured, Zerner remains haunted by memories of fear and mistrust, along with fleeting moments of joy during her unusual upbringing.
Bill Orlin: A Journey of Resilience and Survival
Born in 1932 in Brok, Poland, Bill Orlin’s family faced persecution and displacement during the war. Forced to march and face the barrel of a machine gun at a young age, Orlin’s grandfather’s defiance in the face of adversity left a lasting impact on him. Throughout the war, Orlin’s family traversed various countries, seeking refuge and safety. Eventually settling in Canada and later Houston, Orlin’s resilience and determination to overcome the trauma of his past are a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for survival and hope.
Ruth Steinfeld: A Voice for the Voiceless
Ruth Steinfeld, a German native, witnessed the disintegration of her family and their subsequent internment in a concentration camp. Separated from her mother at a young age, Steinfeld and her sister were forced to assume false identities to evade capture. Their journey to the U.S., driven by a desire to find a new beginning, was marred by the absence of their parents. Steinfeld’s commitment to sharing her story echoes the memory of the 1.5 million children lost during the Holocaust, a solemn vow to ensure their voices are not forgotten.
The Legacy of Survivors: A Call for Compassion and Understanding
In Texas, the stories of Holocaust survivors like Zerner, Orlin, and Steinfeld are preserved and shared to educate future generations about the horrors of the past. Hy Penn, a volunteer at the Holocaust Museum Houston, emphasizes the importance of passing down these narratives to inspire compassion and empathy in a world often plagued by darkness. With only a dwindling number of survivors remaining, the responsibility falls on the descendants to carry forward the legacy of resilience and remembrance. As Steinfeld aptly puts it, speaking on behalf of those who cannot, “we have to talk for those who never had a chance.”
As we reflect on these survivor stories, we are reminded of the resilience, courage, and humanity that emerged from the darkest chapters of history. Let us honor their voices and pledge to create a world fueled by kindness, dignity, and respect for all.