Just days before International Holocaust Remembrance Day, dozens of Holocaust survivors gathered at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem for an emotional ceremony marking the launch of a new book titled “I Also Remember a Miracle.”
The book, compiled by Michal Fundeminsky, director of the survivors’ group “Dolls and Dreams,” features 52 personal stories of survival and the small miracles that shaped each survivor’s journey. It was born from weekly gatherings held every Sunday at the museum, which for years has served as a home for the group, offering regular programming and even a dedicated guesthouse for survivors to stay on site.
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From right to left: Rabbi David Lau, Mayor Moshe Lion, Zvi Zalewski, and his mother Yardena Zalewski, 98, a Holocaust survivor who presented the book to the mayor and rabbi
(Photo: Tal Marom)
One of the most poignant moments came as several survivors shared their memories aloud, followed by a solemn candlelighting ceremony. Each candle bore the name of a Holocaust victim, part of a collaboration between the “Name and Candle” organization and Yad Vashem. The project aims to restore the identity and life story of each victim, reinforcing the idea that Holocaust remembrance is not only about honoring the past but also ensuring it is passed on meaningfully to future generations.
Former chief rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau, a second-generation Holocaust survivor, thanked the survivors and said that the State of Israel exists because of them. He emphasized that their continued willingness to share their stories is one of the most important acts for future generations:
“You are telling your story. You do not give up. You tell all of us: we are here, alive, building families, and no one will ever succeed in destroying us. Through your stories and what you bring to the world, the people of Israel live on.”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion also addressed the event. “For us, Holocaust remembrance is a vital command that resonates deeply within today’s Israeli reality," he said.
"The Holocaust and heroism are not opposing poles, but are intertwined as a moral compass that guides us in times of trial. The heroism of the fighters in the forests and ghettos, alongside the quiet heroism of the survivors who chose life, teaches us that even from the deepest darkness one can rise with dignity.
"Especially now, when the world challenges historical truth, our duty does not end with telling the story of the past. We must transform memory into a living force that strengthens society, reinforces moral values and deepens our uncompromising commitment to protecting human freedom and the eternity of the Jewish people in their land.”
A particularly moving moment occurred when Yardena Zalewski, a Holocaust survivor who turned 98 this week, presented the book to the mayor and Rabbi Lau. Yardena, who survived Auschwitz and was one of Mengele’s children, has not left her home for months, yet she insisted on attending the launch.
“The Nazis took away my dignity,” she said emotionally, “and the activities and ceremonies held here have restored my pride and faith. Seeing IDF soldiers and the flag, singing ‘Jerusalem of Gold,’ does me good.”
The group members, all aged 90 and above, survived the horrors of the Holocaust and have also experienced the pain of October 7. Despite everything, they continue to choose light, faith, hope and love for humanity. Through this book, they seek to give the people of Israel a precious gift — the personal miracles that accompanied their lives — in order to strengthen, unite and heal.
Each of them shares in the book a personal story of the miracle that accompanied their life, or the many miracles they experienced. From the darkness, light sometimes emerged and from their difficult experiences comes a clear message to every reader: “Choose life.” In doing so, the members of “Dolls and Dreams” become a source of inspiration for future generations. The shared miracle among them all is their very survival, their immigration to Israel and their lives today in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. Each of them established a blessed next generation and expresses deep gratitude for life and a sense of triumph over the Nazi oppressor.