Miriam Holocaust Survivor Testimony
Miriam Klein Kassenoff was born in Košice, Czechoslovakia, into a deeply rooted Jewish family. Her father was studying to become a rabbi, following in the footsteps of his own father. But everything changed one evening when the police came to their home and arrested him. He was sent to a labor camp in Hungary, from which he miraculously escaped. Returning home, he convinced his wife that the family had to flee immediately.
In 1941, they began a long and uncertain journey—through Slovakia and eventually to Portugal. After several months waiting in Lisbon, they were finally able to board a ship to New York, where they would rebuild their lives in safety.
From that moment on, Miriam carried with her not only the memory of what was lost, but a deep sense of responsibility to preserve and transmit Jewish history. She dedicated her life to Holocaust education, becoming a leading voice in the field. For decades, she has worked tirelessly as an educator, speaker, and advocate, helping to shape how the Holocaust is taught to younger generations.
Through her work with institutions, universities, and community organizations, Miriam has reached thousands of students and educators, ensuring that the stories of those who endured are not only remembered, but understood. Her lifelong commitment reflects a profound belief: that education is one of the most powerful tools we have to combat hatred and ensure that history is never repeated.
Today, she continues to inspire through her unwavering dedication to memory, education, and transmission—standing as a bridge between generations and a guardian of truth.
