A Life of Triumph and Remembrance
Who was Eugenia Unger?
Eugenia Unger, a revered Holocaust survivor who became an icon of resilience in the Jewish community, passed away on December 19 at a hospital in Buenos Aires. At the impressive age of 97, Unger’s legacy is marked not only by her survival of the Nazi camps but also by her later achievements and her commitment to Holocaust remembrance.
Why it matters
Unger’s bat mitzvah was a poignant moment, celebrated at 91, symbolizing a lifelong journey of Jewish identity and the importance of preserving cultural traditions against all odds. As one of the founders of the Holocaust Museum of Buenos Aires, she made significant contributions to educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust and the dangers of hatred. Her personal narrative and public activism reinforced the message that the lessons of the Shoah must never be forgotten.
Unger’s Impact
Jonathan Karszenbaum, executive director of the Holocaust Museum, regards Unger’s dedication to sharing her Holocaust experience as fundamental. Her efforts spanned beyond her work at the museum, touching lives through books, interviews, films, and more. Eugenia Unger’s influence extends well beyond Buenos Aires, impacting understanding and education about the Holocaust worldwide.
Her Story
Eugenia Unger (née Rotsztejn) was born in Warsaw, Poland, and experienced the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto before being taken to Majdanek and Auschwitz. She bore witness to these tragedies as a teenager and was the sole survivor in her family, eventually making her way to Argentina after a perilous journey through post-war Europe.
An Honored Citizen
In 2011, Unger was recognized by the Buenos Aires city parliament as an Outstanding Personality, honoring her for sharing her testimony and for inspiring others to choose love over hate, and life over death.
Her Legacy
Unger is survived by her two sons, six grandsons, and a community inspired by her endurance and drive to educate. Her three published books offer a continued voice for her experiences and a reminder of the resilience required to not only survive but thrive after unimaginable adversity.
Eugenia Unger’s Passing
The Jewish community in Buenos Aires and around the world mourns the loss of a remarkable woman whose strength served as a beacon for many. Unger’s life and legacy will continue to be remembered and celebrated as an embodiment of the human spirit’s capacity for survival and the imperative to remember history’s darkest chapters.
This story was first published on jpost.com.