Gerda Weissmann Klein

Born in Bielsko, Poland, Gerda Weissmann Klein's comfortable childhood was shattered by the Nazi invasion. Her family was systematically stripped of their rights and possessions, eventually leading to her separation from her parents and brother, none of whom she would ever see again. She survived slave labor camps and, notoriously, a 350-mile death march in the winter of 1945, weighing a mere 68 pounds when liberated by American forces.

After liberation, she married Kurt Klein, one of the American soldiers who freed her. Their extraordinary story of survival, love, and resilience became the subject of her acclaimed autobiography, "All But My Life," which has been used to educate countless individuals about the Holocaust. This memoir, among her other works, cemented her place as a vital voice in Holocaust remembrance.

Beyond her literary contributions, Klein dedicated her life to promoting tolerance and human rights, often speaking publicly about her experiences. Her tireless efforts earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, making her not just a survivor, but an enduring symbol of hope and a kvell-worthy Jew who ensured that "never again" wasn't just a slogan, but a lived mission.