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Edited by: Fern Sidman
George Shefi, a 93-year-old Holocaust survivor and a beacon of resilience, was recently honored with the Federal Order of Merit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for his lifelong dedication to Holocaust education and remembrance. According to a recently published report in The Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), this prestigious award, presented by Germany’s ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, serves as an acknowledgement of Shefi’s extraordinary contributions to preserving the memory of the Holocaust. His life story, marked by profound loss, survival, and a relentless commitment to education, continues to inspire new generations.
A Kindertransport Escape from Nazi Germany
Born in Berlin, George Shefi was just seven years old when he became one of the 10,000 Jewish children rescued by the Kindertransport operation. This effort, which took place between December 1938 and September 1939, was designed to save Jewish children from the growing Nazi threat by relocating them to the safety of the United Kingdom. Shefi’s departure came in the wake of Kristallnacht, the pogrom of November 9-10, 1938, that marked an escalation in Nazi violence and persecution.
As reported by JNS, Shefi’s last memory of his mother was at a Berlin train station, where she bid him farewell as he embarked on the Kindertransport to England. Tragically, his mother was later deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1943, where she was murdered. This separation and the subsequent loss of his family profoundly shaped Shefi’s life, fueling his dedication to ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten.
A Life Rebuilt Across Continents
Following his rescue, Shefi spent several years in the United Kingdom, adapting to a new culture and grappling with the trauma of displacement. After World War II, he lived in Canada and the United States before immigrating to Israel in 1949. There, he joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), started a family, and built a life of service and resilience. According to the information provided in the JNS report, Shefi’s experiences instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility to share his story with future generations, emphasizing the importance of memory as a tool to combat hatred and prevent future genocides.
A Way of Fate: A Testament to Survival and Memory
In 2016, George Shefi published “A Way of Fate: A True Story From the Kindertransport,” a memoir detailing his extraordinary journey of survival. The book serves not only as a personal narrative but also as a historical document, offering a firsthand account of the Kindertransport and its impact on the lives of the children it saved.
As highlighted in the JNS report, Shefi’s memoir is an unflinching recounting of his early years in Berlin, the harrowing separation from his family, and the challenges of adapting to life in a foreign country. The title,” A Way of Fate,” reflects the role of chance in his survival—had his family not made the difficult decision to send him away, his fate might have mirrored that of countless other Jewish children who perished in the Holocaust.
JNS reported that the book also delves into the emotional complexity of being a child survivor. Shefi writes candidly about the pain of leaving his parents behind, the guilt of survival, and the determination to honor their memory by leading a meaningful life. He explores how the trauma of his early years shaped his identity and fueled his lifelong commitment to Holocaust education.
By documenting his story, Shefi aimed to provide a voice for the Kindertransport children, many of whom have passed away without leaving behind written accounts. The book emphasizes the importance of firsthand testimony in preserving Holocaust memory, particularly as the survivor generation dwindles.
Holocaust Education and Advocacy
Shefi’s work extends far beyond his memoir. Over the decades, he has spoken to thousands of students, particularly in Germany, where he emphasizes the distinction between guilt and responsibility. As reported by JNS, Shefi often tells German students that they are not to blame for the atrocities of the Holocaust but that they bear the responsibility to ensure such horrors never happen again.
This message is central to Shefi’s philosophy: remembrance is not merely about looking back but about using the lessons of history to build a more just and tolerant future. His outreach efforts have created what Revital Yakin Krakovsky, deputy CEO of the International March of the Living, calls “thousands of new young witnesses” who carry forward his story and the imperative to fight anti-Semitism.
Recognition and Participation in the March of the Living
The Federal Order of Merit awarded to Shefi comes ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, which this year marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. As the report on JNS indicated, Shefi will also participate in the annual International March of the Living, an educational program that brings individuals from around the world to Poland and Israel to study the Holocaust and honor its victims. This year’s march, taking place on April 24, will see Shefi return to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a symbolic closing of the circle for a man whose life has been defined by his commitment to memory.
“George is responsible for creating thousands of new young witnesses to his story who take responsibility for Holocaust memory and the need to fight anti-Semitism,” Krakovsky stated, as reported by JNS. His participation in the March of the Living speaks volumes about the enduring relevance of his message.
A Legacy of Resilience and Responsibility
George Shefi’s life story is one of survival, resilience, and purpose. Through his memoir, his advocacy, and his engagement with young people, he has ensured that the lessons of the Holocaust remain vivid and impactful. As JNS has documented, his efforts serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving memory and combating hatred in all its forms.
The honor bestowed upon Shefi by Germany is a testament to the global significance of his work. It reflects a recognition not only of his personal journey but also of the broader imperative to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive for future generations. In Shefi’s own words, “Holocaust survivors must tell their story because we are the last generation that can testify to things firsthand.” Through his unwavering dedication, Shefi has ensured that his story—and the stories of countless others—will continue to resonate long after he is gone.
