Voices of Resilience: Local Holocaust Survivors Share Their Stories of Strength and Survival

The haunting memories of World War II were vividly brought to life at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, where two local Holocaust survivors, Gela Buchbinder and Mona Ginsburg, shared their deeply personal and harrowing experiences. This event, part of the “Combatting Hate” series, aimed to educate and remind the community about the horrors of the Holocaust and the resilience of those who survived it.

A Glimpse into Gela Buchbinder’s Story

At 99 years old, Gela Buchbinder stood as a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure unimaginable hardship. Born in Sosnowiec, Poland, Gela was just 14 years old when the Nazis invaded her hometown in 1939. Her life, once filled with the innocence of childhood, was abruptly shattered when the Nazis began their brutal occupation.

Gela recounted with striking clarity how the Nazis rounded up Jewish men, including her father, who was subsequently murdered in a horrifying display of cruelty. This was just the beginning of Gela's exposure to the atrocities committed by the Nazis. Soon after, she was taken from her home at gunpoint and sent to a labor camp in Czechoslovakia, where she and other young women were forced into grueling work in a linen factory.

Life in the camp was marked by relentless brutality. The girls endured starvation, beatings, and daily humiliation at the hands of their captors. Gela's resolve was tested repeatedly, but her defiance in the face of death threats became a powerful symbol of her will to survive. Despite the overwhelming fear, Gela managed to keep a small photograph of her family hidden, a treasured reminder of the life she once had.

By the time she was liberated by Russian forces, Gela weighed a mere 56 pounds. The physical and emotional scars of her ordeal were deep, but she emerged with a determination to share her story, ensuring that the horrors she experienced would not be forgotten.

Mona Ginsburg’s Tale of Survival

Mona Ginsburg’s journey began in Vienna, Austria, where she was born to Polish parents in 1933. At just five years old, Mona’s life was upended by the rise of Nazi power. Her family’s decision to flee Vienna came after a brick was thrown through their apartment window, a harbinger of the violence to come.

The Ginsburg family found temporary refuge in Antwerp, Belgium, but as the war intensified, they were forced to move once again, this time to Liège. Despite the constant danger, Mona’s parents made the courageous decision to place her and her younger brother in Catholic homes that were secretly sheltering Jewish children.

Mona’s story is one of hiding in plain sight. Although she lived in a Catholic home, the entire village knew she was Jewish. Her faith was a secret she was instructed to keep, even as she participated in Catholic rituals to maintain her cover. Meanwhile, her father was captured and sent to Auschwitz, where he perished.

The bravery of those who sheltered Mona and her brother cannot be overstated. These individuals risked their lives to protect Jewish children from the Nazis, and their courage left a lasting impression on Mona. After the war, Mona struggled with the transition back to her mother’s care, feeling a deep connection to the family that had sheltered her.

The Importance of Remembering

The stories of Gela Buchbinder and Mona Ginsburg are not just personal histories; they are vital reminders of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the resilience of those who survived it. Both women have made it their mission to share their experiences, particularly with younger generations, in the hope that such horrors will never be repeated.

Gela’s and Mona’s stories are also a testament to the power of community and the importance of standing up against hate. Their experiences highlight the impact that individual acts of kindness and bravery can have, even in the face of overwhelming evil.

The “Combatting Hate” series, of which this event was a part, aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and encourage community dialogue about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. By sharing their stories, Gela and Mona have contributed to this important mission, offering their voices as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Continuing the Legacy

As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, the responsibility to preserve and share their stories grows ever more important. Events like the one held at the Toms River library play a crucial role in ensuring that future generations understand the gravity of the Holocaust and the lessons it holds for humanity.

The courage of survivors like Gela Buchbinder and Mona Ginsburg serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Their willingness to relive painful memories in order to educate others is a profound act of bravery, one that underscores the importance of remembering and learning from the past.

In sharing their stories, Gela and Mona have not only honored the memory of those who were lost, but they have also provided a vital educational resource for the community. Their testimonies offer a window into the past that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, reminding us all of the importance of compassion, resilience, and the ongoing fight against hatred and intolerance.

As we reflect on their stories, we are called to remember the lessons of the Holocaust and to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. The resilience of survivors like Gela and Mona serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to combat hate in all its forms, to stand up for what is right, and to never forget the horrors of the past.

Conclusion

The event at the Ocean County Library in Toms River was more than just a recollection of history; it was a powerful affirmation of the human spirit. Through the stories of Gela Buchbinder and Mona Ginsburg, we are reminded of the resilience of those who endured the unimaginable, and the importance of preserving their stories for future generations. As we listen to their testimonies, we are inspired to continue the fight against hatred, to educate others, and to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.