By Robin LaCorte
The 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation reminds us of the millions who died in the Holocaust and of the survivors' strength. Three Holocaust survivors that created new lives in Arizona, Gerta Weissman Klein, Doris Springer Martin, and Esther Basch continue to inspire others with their indefatigable spirit. This anniversary provides a chance to share their stories of strength and resilience.
When the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau opened on January 27, 1945, the world witnessed the atrocities of the Nazi regime. Over 1.1 million people were murdered in a system built on discrimination, hate and "othering" those who looked, thought and worshiped differently. However, individual survival stories show how strong the human spirit is, even in the face of terrible destruction.
Prior to the 1939 invasion of Poland, Gerta Weissman Klein had an idyllic childhood. At age 15, Gerta couldn't imagine the horrors of what she would survive, including a 350-mile death march, unending forced labor and the loss of family and friends. American troops liberated Gerta and others in 1945. She weighed just 68 pounds. Among the troops was Gerta's future husband, Kurt Klein. She eventually joined Kurt in the United States and became a well-known author, speaker and supporter of teaching about the Holocaust. In 2010 Gerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. People find inspiration and hope from her autobiography, All But My Life. Gerta’s legacy continues through the foundations dedicated to furthering her work.
Doris Springer-Martin survived the horrors of Auschwitz and other concentration camps. Auschwitz was only 25 kilometers from her hometown of Bedzin, Poland. During her time in the camps, she was used for forced labor, doing menial tasks for the Nazi war effort. Her mother's wish of seeing her children reunited miraculously came true after liberation. Her mother died a few months later. In the end, Doris came to the United States. She lived in Arizona for many years and rebuilt her life with amazing strength and purpose.
In Flagstaff Doris spent years speaking to students about her experience. She and her husband, Ralph Martin, established the Martin-Springer Institute at Northern Arizona University. Doris believed in the importance of teaching students about human rights. Through her years of advocacy, Doris inspired students and teachers to learn from the past. The Martin-Springer Institute's work preserves her memory. Her story is detailed in her family memoir, Kiss Every Step, and in the traveling exhibit, Through the Eyes of Youth: Life and Death in the Bedzin Ghetto.
Prescott resident Esther Basch shares her powerful story through talks around the state and country. Esther, known as "The Honey Girl of Auschwitz," demonstrates that acts of kindness can prevail and inspire, even in the worst of times. Post liberation, Esther came to the US to start over. With renewed spirit, Esther resolved to share her story with as many people as possible. Her presence in our community is a privilege and a call to remember, teach and prevent this from happening again.
The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz provides an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust. The stories of Gerta, Doris and Esther give us an opportunity to learn from the past while keeping a watchful eye on injustices in our own communities. As we remember this important date, we honor not only these women, but also the millions that perished during the Holocaust.
Join presenter Robin LaCorte, Saturday, January 25th at 2pm for a critical, historical lecture about the “80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz”: A reminder of the importance of Holocaust education and the need to confront antisemitism and hatred. Tickets available online in the events page of the Sharlot Hall Museum Website: https://sharlothallmuseum.org/event/lecture-series-saturday-january-25th-2pm-robin-lacorte-80th-anniversary-of-liberation-of-auschwitz/
“Days Past” is a collaborative project of the Sharlot Hall Museum and the Prescott Corral of Westerners International (www.prescottcorral.org). This and other Days Past articles are also available at archives.sharlothallmuseum.org/articles/days-past-articles/1 The public is encouraged to submit proposed articles and inquiries to dayspast@sharlothallmuseum.org Please contact SHM Research Center reference desk at 928-277-2003, or via email at archivesrequest@sharlothallmuseum.org for information or assistance with photo requests.