Member-only story

Vicky Peterwald: An Inspiring Story of Resilience and Survival

Gene Simmons

·11.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Vicky Peterwald: Survivor (Vicky Peterwald 2)

5 min read

372 View Claps

43 Respond

Save

Listen

Vicky Peterwald, A Small, Elderly Woman, Smiling At The Camera Vicky Peterwald: Survivor (Vicky Peterwald 2)

Vicky Peterwald: Survivor (Vicky Peterwald Series Book 2)

by Mike Shepherd

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages

Vicky Peterwald was born in Slovakia in 1924. Her childhood was happy and carefree, but everything changed when the Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia in 1939.

Vicky and her family were forced into a ghetto, and then they were sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Vicky's parents and sister were killed in the gas chambers, but she managed to survive.

Vicky was liberated from Auschwitz in 1945, but her ordeal was far from over. She was homeless and alone, and she struggled to find food and shelter.

Eventually, Vicky made her way to the United States, where she built a new life for herself. She married, had children, and became a successful businesswoman.

But Vicky never forgot the horrors she had witnessed during the Holocaust. She dedicated her life to speaking out about the dangers of hatred and intolerance.

Vicky's story is an inspiration to all of us. It is a story of resilience, survival, and hope. It is a story that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.

Vicky's Childhood

Vicky Peterwald was born in Kosice, Slovakia, on April 10, 1924. Her parents, Moritz and Gizela Peterwald, were devout Jews who owned a small clothing store. Vicky had two older sisters, Edit and Ilona.

Vicky's childhood was happy and carefree. She loved to play with her sisters and go to school. She was also an excellent student, and she dreamed of becoming a doctor.

In 1939, everything changed. The Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia, and the Peterwald family was forced to flee their home. They moved to Budapest, Hungary, where they hoped to find safety.

But the Nazis soon occupied Hungary, and the Peterwald family was once again in danger. In 1944, they were rounded up and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest and most deadly of the Nazi concentration camps. More than one million people were killed at Auschwitz, including Vicky's parents and sister.

Vicky was forced to work as a slave laborer at Auschwitz. She was beaten, starved, and humiliated. But she never gave up hope.

One day, Vicky was selected for a group of prisoners who were to be gassed. But at the last minute, she was saved by a sympathetic guard.

Vicky was liberated from Auschwitz in 1945, but her ordeal was far from over. She was homeless and alone, and she struggled to find food and shelter.

After the Holocaust

After the war, Vicky made her way to the United States, where she met and married her husband, Paul. They had two children, a son and a daughter.

Vicky and her family settled in New Jersey, where she became a successful businesswoman. She owned a clothing store and later a real estate company.

But Vicky never forgot the horrors she had witnessed during the Holocaust. She dedicated her life to speaking out about the dangers of hatred and intolerance.

Vicky spoke at schools, synagogues, and community centers. She shared her story with anyone who would listen.

Vicky's story is an inspiration to all of us. It is a story of resilience, survival, and hope. It is a story that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.

Vicky's Legacy

Vicky Peterwald died on January 25, 2021, at the age of 96. She left behind a legacy of hope and inspiration.

Vicky's story will continue to be told for generations to come. It is a story that reminds us that we must never forget the victims of the Holocaust. It is a story that teaches us the importance of fighting against hatred and intolerance.

Vicky Peterwald was a true hero. She was a survivor, a witness, and a voice for the voiceless. Her story will continue to inspire us for years to come.

Vicky Peterwald: Survivor (Vicky Peterwald Series Book 2)

by Mike Shepherd

4.4 out of 5