05 May Teach the Shoah: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story As Told by Jessica Silverman
Jessica Silverman shares her grandmother’s Holocaust Survival Story
Jessica Silverman honors her grandmother every day by sharing her story of Holocaust survival. Using her grandmother’s words, Jessica brought to life her grandmother’s struggle to survive during the Holocaust for The Legacy School’s 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.
Minnie’s Holocaust Story As Told by Her Granddaughter
Jessica Silverman shares her grandmother’s Holocaust Survival Story
During an assembly in March, students learned about Jessica’s grandmother — Minnie Osher. Minnie was a young teen living in Poland in 1939, whose life was forever changed when she lost her mother and brother in the Lodz ghetto before being transported by cattle car train to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1944.
Deadly Journey to Concentration Camp
Jessica Silverman shares her grandmother’s Holocaust Survival Story
During one stop, her father and brother were removed from the train and she never saw them again. After walking barefoot for many days and nights, Minnie arrived at Bergen-Belsen where she endured more harsh conditions. While at Bergen-Belsen, Minnie reunited with her cousins.
A Day in Bergen-Belsen Is Like a Year
Jessica Silverman shares her grandmother’s Holocaust Survival Story
Though she endured harsh treatment, Minnie wanted to live and always looked forward to another day of hope. Throughout her ordeal, Minnie would say “What I have seen, no one should see” and “A day in Bergen-Belsen is like a year.”
Walking All Day and Night
Jessica Silverman shares her grandmother’s Holocaust Survival Story
Minnie was forced to march all day and night to Buchenwald. Often without shoes and socks. Once in a while, the German soldiers allowed her and others to eat. On one occasion, Minnie stole beer and liverwurst from a soldier’s backpack while he slept.
Help Arrives
Jessica Silverman shares her grandmother’s Holocaust Survival Story
Minnie saw tanks over the barbed wire fence. She saw people parachuting in to the camp. She was rescued by British soldiers in November 1944. A British soldier gave her a jacket. Once she found her cousins, they all realized that they had been liberated by the British Army.
Starting a New Life in a Displaced Person Camp
Jessica Silverman shares her grandmother’s Holocaust Survival Story
The British and allies established Displaced Persons (DP) camp in post-World War II Europe, primarily in Germany, Austria, and Italy. Minnie and many Jewish survivors of the Holocaust were taken to Displaced Persons camps and provided with temporary shelter, food, and basic necessities while waiting to emigrate to other countries, like the U.S. and Israel.
Searching In Vain for Loved Ones
Jessica Silverman shares her grandmother’s Holocaust Survival Story
Once at the Displaced Persons Camp, Minnie tried in vain to look for more relatives. Though she did not find her family, Minnie married her husband, Muni, in April 1946 under a chuppah in the DP camp. Minnie wore a wedding dress that she passed on to other Displaced Persons.
Starting a New Life
Minnie and her husband welcomed a daughter, Pearl. Minnie always said that after her daughter was born: “What I lost, I found.” By 1949, Minnie, Muni, and their daughter, Pearl, arrived in New York City.
Arriving in America with a Silver Candelabra
Jessica Silverman shares her grandmother’s Holocaust Survival Story
After liberation, Minnie married, had a daughter, and emigrated to the United States with only a silver candelabra. Minnie and her family were given an apartment and a stroller for her daughter. Muni got a job as a butcher. Later Muni worked for a Kosher butcher. Though at first Minnie knew no one, she soon gravitated to others who spoke Yiddish. Soon she made new friends in her new homeland.
Putting Down Roots in New Country
After giving birth to two sons, Minnie and Muni bought a home in Westchester County, New York. Minnie realized her dream of “finding a home to live, love, and raise a family.” Muni switched jobs and started working for a ladies handbag store where he worked for over 30 years.
Sharing Her Story of Survival
Ms. Lisa introduces Jessica Silverman
While living in New York City with her husband and children, Minnie ensured that her story of survival lived on by sharing her story with her children, grandchildren, friends, and the community through organizations such as Teach the Shoah: The Holocaust Through Story. Minnie wrote a book co-written by her granddaughter called Where there is life there is hope: The Inspiring True Story of Minnie Osher, Holocaust Survivor.
Carrying on Minnie’s Legacy
Jessica Silverman, Minnie’s granddaughter, continues to carry on her grandmother’s legacy by hosting family gatherings. Minnie’s family gather around the candelabra, light candles, and share Minnie’s stories of strength and perseverance. As Minnie alwyas said “Where there’s life, there’s hope.”
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