UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM; November 1938, the radio brought terrifying news from Germany: synagogues burning, Jews beaten, families torn apart. Later, refugees fleeing Nazi violence urged Miriam’s family to leave Eyshishok before it was too late. But where could they possibly go?

 

“It was a happy little town. … The doors were always open and unlocked.” Growing up in Eyshishok, in what is now Lithuania, Miriam’s world was full of music, parties, and laughter. Her family’s shop was alive with neighbors and friends. Then in November 1938, the radio brought terrifying news from Germany: synagogues burning, Jews beaten, families torn apart. Later, refugees fleeing Nazi violence urged Miriam’s family to leave Eyshishok before it was too late. But where could they possibly go? Eventually, the Nazis took over their house. Soldiers stomped where friends once danced. The threat could no longer be denied. Miriam felt she had no choice but to run. Hiding in silence, she prayed for a tomorrow that might not come. Hear what happened to Miriam in season four of 12 Years That Shook the World. >> Explore the History of Eyshishok—Before, During, and After the Holocaust Learn More >> More Stories from Eyshishok and the Museum’s “Tower of Faces” Read the Article >> Photos: Going-away party for a young woman in Eyshishok. USHMM, courtesy of The Shtetl Foundation; Three young cousins stand on a snowy bridge in Eyshishok. USHMM, courtesy of the Shtetl Foundation; The Museum’s “Tower of Faces,” featuring hundreds of photos (courtesy of the Shtetl Foundation) from Eyshishok. USHMM ‌ Donate to Keep Holocaust Memory Alive DONATE Keep Holocaust memory alive to inspire citizens and leaders to confront antisemitism and hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity in a constantly changing world. Stay Connected ‌ 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