Sami Holocaust Survivor Testimony
Sami Steigmann was born in 1939 in a small village in Romania. He was just one and a half years old when, in 1941, his family was arrested and deported to the Mogilev-Podolsky labor camp, where they were held for three years. During that time, Sami was subjected to Nazi medical experiments—trauma he still carries the effects of today.
In 1944, Sami and his parents were liberated by the Russian army. Two years later, his younger sister was born, and the family returned to Romania, where they remained for fifteen years before emigrating to Israel in 1961. In 1968, Sami moved to the United States to begin yet another chapter of his life.
But survival did not mean peace. Years of personal hardship followed, including divorce and periods of deep instability. At one point, Sami became homeless, living in a shelter for several months. Haunted by his past, he struggled in silence for decades, even battling suicidal thoughts.
It was not until the age of 68 that Sami found the strength to speak publicly about his experiences. Sharing his story became a turning point—a path toward healing and purpose.
Since then, Sami has dedicated his life to education, traveling across the country to speak to young people and adults alike. Through his voice, he transforms pain into testimony, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not only remembered, but carried forward.
