Born in Vienna in 1930, Holocaust survivor Gertrude Federbusch fled with her parents, escaping Nazi-controlled Europe with a rare U.S. visa. After passing through Ellis Island, she and her family rebuilt their life in America. Today, she shares her story to honor survivors’ resilience and safeguard memory.
Genealogist Dr. Janette Silverman reconstructs how Helene Sender escaped Nazi Europe by tracing migration routes and archival records. Using her journey as a case study, you can learn practical strategies for reconstructing family histories from fragmented, cross-border historical sources.
Rose-Helene Spreiregen recounts her childhood as a Jewish girl in occupied France. Forced to flee repeatedly, she survived terrifying checkpoints, roundups, and years in hiding with her grandmother. She shares her journey and how she rebuilt after the war, pursuing a career in banking and resettling in the United States. A Q&A will follow the interview.
Join us for a special presentation with Jennifer Mendelsohn and Dr. Adina Newman, co-founders and lead genealogists of the nonprofit Holocaust Reunion Project. They specialize in solving complex cases, such as hidden children and unknown parentage and distribute free DNA tests to the survivor community.
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EVENT — Rachel Basch Turet reflects on growing up in Canada and the United States as the daughter of two Holocaust survivors. She shares the wisdom and legacy of her mother, Esther Basch, recounting her inspiring speaking engagements and passion for educating the public. Please join us as Rachel shares her mother’s powerful testimony.
Learn how to research your family history like a pro! Join our April Genealogy mentoring session led by expert Emily H. Garber to deepen your skills and possibly break through a research challenge.
Join us for an author talk with acclaimed writer Wendy Holden. Her novel tells the story of Fredy Hirsch, a teacher whose courage transformed the lives of children in history’s darkest hours. He risked everything to educate, protect, and guide the students in his care.
Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke was born at the gates of Mauthausen days before liberation. Her mother hid her pregnancy and saved them both. Now, Eva shares her journey of survival and renewal from postwar Europe to the United Kingdom.
Henry Foner was one of the 10,000 children rescued by the Kindertransport program. He was raised by an adoptive family while his father stayed behind and kept in touch through illustrated postcards. Now, Henry shares his experiences and insights into his memoir, Postcards to a Little Boy.
Join us for a powerful program with Ralph Vogel, who will share his family’s escape from Nazi Germany, their journey to America, and the resilience that shaped their new life. Ralph reflects on loss, survival, and the enduring impact of the Holocaust.
Holocaust survivor Thomas Jacobson was one of the youngest passengers aboard the MS St. Louis. He resettled in Milwaukee, became a prominent civil rights attorney and lifelong champion for justice. Join us as he shares his life experience.
Sami Steigmann survived Mogilev-Podolskiy, a labor camp in Transnistria. After liberation, he grew up in Romania, later moved to the United States and eventually settled in New York City. He became a motivational speaker, inspiring young people to be strong in character and embrace forgiveness. We invite you to hear Sami as he shares his experience and the profound insights shaped by his life journey.
