UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM;My life, for as long as I remember, has been shaped by antisemitism. It’s the reason why my parents left their native Hungary and Austria—

 

My life, for as long as I remember, has been shaped by antisemitism. It’s the reason why my parents left their native Hungary and Austria—I was born in Trieste, Italy. After antisemitic legislation excluded us from normal life in Italy, my family immigrated to New Zealand when I was just one year old. Many members of my extended family were killed during the Holocaust. I eventually settled in the United States, my sister in Israel. As people who spent our childhoods unmoored, the Jewish state represents a safe haven in a world riven by antisemitism and hate. That is why I can’t get over my feeling of horror about what happened in Israel on October 7, when Jewish people were once again targeted and killed just because they were Jews. It reminded me that antisemitism, which made the Holocaust possible, continues to threaten us today. And while I am still reeling, and innocent Israelis are still held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, it feels like the world has moved on and Jews stand alone and fearful once again. This year, more than ever, we must commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27. We can’t change what has happened, but we can work toward a better future. That is why I volunteer at the Museum sharing my story with visitors. Educating about the Holocaust, and the antisemitism that made it possible, gives me hope. Thank you, Lisa Kraft Holocaust Survivor and Museum Volunteer P.S. Visit the Museum’s website to learn more about commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On Friday, January 26, at 1 p.m. ET watch a special episode of our award-winning Stay Connected Live series featuring Tova Friedman, who survived Auschwitz as a child. Click here for a reminder to watch live. The recording will be available on the Museum’s YouTube page. Photo: Sisters Eva and Elisabeta Rosenthal (later Lisa Kraft) in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1941. Courtesy of Lisa Kraft UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126 Main telephone: 202.488.0400 TTY: 202.488.0406 VIEW IN BROWSER