In this episode, Sue Ginsburg shares the powerful story of her cousin, Lili Lebovitz, who was deported to Auschwitz at just 13 years old. Born in Irshova, Czechoslovakia, Lili survived unimaginable hardships, both before and during the war.
“You can decide to wallow in pity, or you can decide to lift your head up and be a person who makes a difference in the world.” — Sue Ginsburg, on Lili’s legacy
At Auschwitz, Lili was separated from her mother and younger brother, both of whom were murdered. Lili survived due to a combination of resilience and circumstance, including a transfer to a munitions factory where she was forced to fill bombs with gunpowder. She was severely injured just days before liberation but managed to recover thanks to the kindness of fellow prisoners and medical care provided by her liberators.
Lily immigrated to the United States at 16, got an education, and became a successful professional, all despite lifelong trauma. Late in Lili’s life, Sue was able to convince Lili to entrust her story to her. In this episode, Sue reflects on growing up surrounded by Holocaust survivors, including her parents, uncles, and especially Lili, who was like a second mother to her. These experiences have profoundly shaped Sue’s commitment to education and remembrance.
This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here: The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center – YouTube
Our gratitude to Margaret & Michael Valentine for their ongoing support of this series.
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