Tribute to my Mom: Eva taught me… By Alex Kor

(on the 3rd anniversary of the saddest day of my life)

Eva Kor: “Alex! You need to take a shower! I will take my medicine and drink my coffee. I am feeling fine. We need to get ready for our day at Auschwitz.”

Me: “Mom. Let me grab some of clothes and I will be ready in 10 minutes after the shower.”

Eva Kor: “Ok. I will be right here.”

We were in our hotel room in Krakow, Poland on the morning of July 4th, 2019, and this would be the last conversation that I had with my mother. Seconds later, as I made my way to the shower, I turned to see my mom non-responsive. Our nurse, a family friend and I attempted to reposition my mom, and started CPR. Nine minutes later, 4 paramedics arrived and initiated advanced life support measures. At 7:11 AM on 7/4/2019, with me holding her hand, she passed away. This tragic scene continues to reverberate in my mind. “What-ifs” continue to haunt me.

It’s a cliché to say, July 4th, 2019 seems like yesterday. Yet, 3 years have passed, and with my father’s passing in October of 2021, life is different now. My two best friends are no longer present but I have a treasure chest of memories that continue to warm my heart. Knowing my mother, she would not want me to dwell on these losses. Rather, she taught me many valuable lessons, one being to “always turn a negative into a positive”.  A clear example occurred on June 6, 1993 when my, aunt (Doda) Miriam, and my mom’s twin sadly passed away at the age of 59. Fighting thru the insurmountable grief, and trying to find meaning in her life, my mom began planning for the current CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. Less than 2 years later, this dream became a reality.

Over the years, my mother had an uncanny ability to relate to people of all shapes, sizes and demographics. From a corporate executive to a former white supremacist to a survivor of genocide to an elementary school teacher to a rock star, etc. my mother managed to touch many lives. Urging her audiences to “think of one thing that you can do to make the world a better place”, she was able to inspire, motivate, and influence thousands. As a result, with my mom looking on from above and in an effort to bring reflection to the 3rd anniversary of  the saddest day of my life, I asked many of her friends, my friends and acquaintances to tell me what my mother, Eva Mozes Kor, taught them. Her “students” recently told me:

John Abrams, MD, Ophthalmologist, Abrams EyeCare:

“In my life, I have known many Holocaust survivors but never anyone like Eva Kor.  I was blessed to spend 10 days with her when she came with me and my family to Germany and Poland, including two days at Auschwitz.  More than anything else (and there was an immense amount of wisdom offered to me and my family on our trip), I learned the true meaning of the word FORGIVENESSES. How she was able to forgive the Nazis for the horrific things they did to her and her family, as well as 6 million Jews, was unexplainable and unbelievable. If she could do that, I can forgive anyone. Eva’s inspiration is with me every day and I wear a blue bracelet in her honor that says WWED and WWES. It stands for what would Eva do and what would Eva say.   May her memory be a blessing and source of inspiration to all.”

Anonymous:

“Until about 18 months ago, most people (myself included) would have thought that I had a "charmed life".  Never did I expect my entire life to implode basically over the course of one weekend.  I still spend a significant amount of my time trying to figure out who to blame for destroying my life - I most frequently blame myself (for not being stronger; for not having spoken up sooner about the abuse I was enduring; ironically, at the same time also blaming myself for having expressed my feelings).  I often blame God - for torturing me with this terrible disease; and I also blame my family for abandoning me and blaming me, and for their lack of compassion and understanding of the awful medical situation that I have had to bare.  I frequently feel like a "prisoner in my own body" with no way to escape, because of the progressive neurologic disorder that I suffer with.  Frequently, that feeling brings to my mind the picture of Eva and Miriam Kor, holding hands at the front of the line of twins behind the barbed wire of Auschwitz.  I take strength in knowing that if those 2 little girls could survive that unimaginable experience, how could I possibly complain?  

But perhaps even more important to me is Eva Kor's message of "Forgiveness"  - I remember hearing her say so many times that in order for her to heal she had to forgive the people that did those awful things to her.  Unfortunately, I am not there yet...but I am trying.  If Eva Mozes Kor could forgive the Nazis for what was done to her I have to find a way to forgive myself, my family and God.  I hope someday (soon) I am able to make Eva proud of me.”

Anonymous 2:

“I suppose if you survive Auschwitz and Mengele, there isn't much left that can scare you.  Eva put that experience and fearlessness to work in a way that changed the world.  Though diminutive and soft-spoken, she would take an audience in her hands and change lives.  She made a difference in our world before she moved on, and her influence continues.

Forgiveness is a simple word but a complicated challenge.  Eva changed the paradigm for me.  By forgiving, we take the power back from those who have wronged us.  We take the power back for ourselves so we can move on from that burden:  the grudge I held for decades against the attending who belittled me to the point of tears during medical school because he was "teaching”; the colleagues at work who created upheaval in my life without compassion.  Forgiveness is for me, not for them.  Eva showed me that I no longer have to let my bitterness weigh me down.

Forgiveness is not forgetting.  If Eva can forgive the Nazis, how can I not be able to forgive much lesser transgressions?  My forgiveness is a work in process.  Eva's inspiration has pointed me in the right direction.

We miss you Eva.  Rest in peace”

Cathy Baker, retired Indiana State University faculty:

”… After I knew her, history was no longer data in a text book.  In the 1960s, it was very hard for her and for other women as well unless they were very wealthy.  I used to joke with her that if she’d been born in a different time and place, she’d have been CEO of some big corporation and like the Meryl Streep role in The Devil Wears Prada.  She had that drive and that focus; she had single-minded goals and persistence.  And in most things, she was fearless and demanding.  And let me tell you, for most women in early 1960s America- that was rare.  So I think I learned some of those attitudes from her; at the very least, I’m a stronger person because of my friendship with her.  I know you miss her more than anything. 

Fast backward to August 1966, the second day that we lived in Terre Haute. I hear a knock at the door. This pretty lady with a heavy accent from next door says:

“Velcome to Terre Haute! How old is your little girl?” “Hi.” I say. “She’s 3.” “Mine is 3 also. Maybe they can be friends.” They were and so were we. A few weeks later, when I knew her better, I asked: “You have that Zsa Zsa Gabor accent. Where are you from?” She showed me a tattoo on her arm and said, “That is a very long story.”

Over the next 53 years, I learned all of “that very long story”. And for me, the Holocaust was no longer a paragraph in a history book. I also learned how to make paprika, how to plant strawberries in the landscaping so that yard work wouldn’t be a frivolous waste of time, how to iron a grilled cheese sandwich, how to knit (in Hungarian), and that you can learn any language in 3 months if your life depends on it. Over those 53 years, I watched as Eva grew a kind neighbor and a dear friend into a courageous woman who was brave enough to confront the trauma of her past, was brave enough to share her that story with others and was brave enough to fight institutions and even governments to find the truth about Mengele and his experiments. I watched as Eva became an accomplished speaker and an international figure who was laser focused on her twin goals of honoring the memory of her family and others who perished in the Holocaust, and educating the world to prevent a recurrence of it. In 1945, a little girl was sent to Auschwitz as a victim and then a teenager fled to Israel as a refugee. And then a woman came to America as an immigrant and in 2019, a crusader returned to Auschwitz as a victor. Bless her.”

Joe Bastian, friend:

“I could fill quite a bit of space with things I learned from Eva Kor. It goes without saying that she taught me lessons in tolerance, kindness and acceptance, as she did with countless others. Along with these, I picked up a couple other things from her that I also try to use in my own life if I can. First, Eva exhibited kindness to others when she knew no one could see. I think many people find it easy to be kind in the spotlight, but there were many, many times that I witnessed Eva do an act of kindness for someone fully knowing that no one, sometimes even the recipient, would know  she had done it. Eva Kor was a good human for the sole purpose of being a good human. Second, Eva knew how to swing for the fences. In fact, I don’t think she knew how to think small. Whether it was initiating an inquest into Josef Mengele or making a YouTube video to goad Mahmoud Ahmadinejad into visiting Auschwitz, Eva didn’t take the easy way or use the small solution when faced with a problem. She always went big and believed she could accomplish her goal, whatever it was. In the last three years, I’ve found that I very rarely measure up to Eva’s standard that I have in my head, but these lessons, and so many more, give me a standard to aim for. I hope there are at least a few days that I’m equal to it.”

Mitch Blacher, Investigative journalist:

“I carry a deeper understanding and love for everyone I meet because of Eva Kor. If she could forgive the unforgivable, how could I ever hold a grudge? She personified empathy and compassion, passing a piece of it to every one she touched. She was the best of humanity. Her example and lessons have shaped my life in ways I know I won’t ever fully be conscious of.”

Jody Blankenship, President and CEO of Indiana Historical Society

“I never met Eva but when helping to create an exhibit for the Indians Historical Society, I learned much about her. I admire her passion. She seemed to approach very thing in her life with determination and perseverance, but also with a sense of perspective toward making the world better. Eva inspires me everyday”

Kevin Bolinger, Professor at Indiana State University

Remembering Eva: “For just over a decade I had the great privilege of accompanying Eva Kor on most of her local speaking engagements. Eva was no fan of flying so by local I mean up to a 5 hour drive from her home in Terre Haute. I watched her speak to enraptured audiences over one hundred times and never without an ovation. The power of her message was universal, speaking to old and young alike, as she recounted her horrific ordeal in the Nazi concentration camps and her remarkable journey toward forgiveness and healing. For some the power of her presentation was in her unbelievable strength and survival, for others it was her inconceivable ability to forgive, but I think all were astounded that this diminutive force of nature had endured a life such as hers and retained humor, grace, and compassion. No one had more right to be bitter and angry at the world or to lash out as a victim of undeserved cruelty. These are the natural responses to indignation. These were not, however, the choices that Eva made. She chose to make something good of her life, or as she said, “no longer be a prisoner of her tragic past”. The good that she left in the world can certainly be measured to by thousands who were moved by her life and story.

During her lectures Eva would often mention her time in an orphanage after liberation and how the Nuns gave the young girls dolls to play with. She would lament that she never wanted to play with toys again after her experiences; that her childhood had ended. Whereas this may have been true in the traumatic days after her liberation, I can certainly attest that she had retained a spark of the whimsy of her childhood. On our drives she often recounted how she would play with her children Alex and Rina in a local park pretending the woods were jungles full of adventures. Often to pass the time on our long trips we would make up stories with silly plot lines. Her favorite character in these stories was Evil Doctor Von Bolinger; making me the comic supervillain of her tales. She delighted in the absurd in a way that gave me a glimpse into the child she must have been before the camps stole her innocence. In a way, what was taken from her in Auschwitz she reclaimed later in life. Her incredible journey not only changed thousands of lives, but in the end, her own. She was happy. The philosopher Horace Mann gave us the highest bar for an epitaph when he said “be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity”. Eva’s victories are countless. The “odious apparatus” of the Nazi machine left an incalculable red deficit on the ledger of humanity, Eva Kor was not just a statistic in that ledger; she balanced the books.”

Kandace Brown, Friend:

“… I am so glad my students met her, learned from her, and fell in love with her as I did. Former students have shared with me how they waited their turn to hug her after her presentation at Candles. One student said to me. "That hug, that brief encounter now serves as a pivotal moment in my life when I began to dream and believe I had a purpose for being me."

Alex, for me it was staying the nights with her in the rehab center, listening to her cry in pain and asking God if He saw her. I told her He did. Because she refused to leave her wheelchair and get into bed in order to relieve the pressure in her legs, I offered to lie on my side on the floor knowing my hips would be a little bit higher than her foot rest. She thought it might work. So on my side I went and she propped her legs out on my bum and said "yes, that is better." The nurse came in to see this odd arrangement, shook her head, did her due diligence and left.  This was my precious time with your mom. It was an honor.”

Bob Bruce, Former Terre Haute local news cameraman:

I really enjoyed traveling with Eva and especially early mornings. Eva was always the first one up and I was the second one up, so I can have one on one time with her. This trip to Israel was no different. Eva was preoccupied with fixing her hair and I was drinking my first cup of coffee. We were in our usual banter back and forth. I looked up in horror to seeing flames shooting over the top of her head and her curling iron had burned her hair and was attached to her hair. I ran over got the flames out with a towel while she unplugged it. I was really afraid to remove the towel because it looked horrible. Fortunately she had started curling her hair in the center of her head. So the hair she lost was covered up by her bangs. She had forgotten to use her 220 volt to 110 volt adapter. We always joked about that early morning.

Mike Bush, MD, Billings, Montana:

“I was fortunate to get to know Eva Kor through her son Alex Kor, one of my great friends.  Eva is truly the most inspirational person I have met in my lifetime.  As I remember touring Auschwitz with Eva, our interactions over the years, and the many times I heard her speak, there are a few things that really stand out to me.

1.    The importance of persistence:  I know without persistence, coming back every day, we can move forward.  Undoubtedly Eva’s persistence and drive helped her survive Auschwitz but also accomplish the many things she accomplished in her lifetime. 

2.    Forgiveness:  The importance of Forgiveness in our lives is not about the other people, situation, etc but is about reclaiming our life and moving on.  Watching Eva and seeing the power of forgiveness in her life and the difference it made for her is one of the main reasons she is such an inspiration in my life.

3.    Insight: Eva could “read” and understand people.  She also didn’t hesitate to tell you what she was seeing, especially if asked. 

4.    Introspection: Eva also emphasized looking at ourselves and understanding our own weaknesses.

5.    The importance of humor:  I truly believe that Eva used humor effectively to help her deal with all the sorrow in her life.  I suspect that humor allowed her to overcome a lot of difficulties.  I know that the visit with her to Auschwitz wouldn’t have been the same without the humor she brought into Auschwitz as all of us were experiencing the palpable horror of that awful place.  Humor helps all of us maintain and survive.

After my brother took his life, we visited CANDLES with our children.  Eva opened the museum for us and after visiting the museum, she told her story to our kids.  She immediately honed in on the need for forgiveness in our family around the circumstances of my brother’s death. Her comments were insightful and helpful for all of us with our healing from this tragedy.”

Thanks for giving me the chance to share my thoughts and experiences with your mom, she truly is the most inspirational person I have ever been around.

Tamika Catchings, Basketball Hall of Famer, 2012 WNBA Champion, 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist:

“… I think the combination of things that I learned from the leaders in my life is “GIVE, GIVE, GIVE!! In hearing your mom and her testimony to live life and make the world a better place it is just that – give until you can’t give anymore.”

Jessica Chapman, Heartland Film Director of Marketing:

“There are so many lessons I have learned from Eva, but I consistently find myself thinking back on these two beautiful statements she made, “If I can help heal one single person, I’m already happy,” and “The road to happiness is paved with acts of kindness.” Sometimes I have an idea on how I can reach out to someone, but then I’ll find myself pausing. Does this matter? Will it even make a difference? And in those moments I can hear Eva’s voice saying these words, and it inspires me. It empowers me. It reminds me that no act is too small, and that I can make a difference even if it is just one moment or person at a time. Eva changed my life for the better, and I believe I can help others too. “

Steve Chatlin, DPM, Kaiser Permanente, Washington, DC:

“I’m grateful my boys were able to meet your mother in person. They were quite young, but remember it. And no matter how hard they think they have it, others have survived much worse.”

Marie Conn, Friend:

“In the spring of 2013, one of the students in my Women’s Seminar course asked if she could do her thesis on a woman connected with the Holocaust. Of course I said yes. A few days later I got an email from Hannah asking me if I would consider going to Poland with her that summer. Hannah’s research had led her to the CANDLES website with the summer trip information. I agreed, little knowing how my life was about to change.

Over the next several years I was able to visit the camps five times, including the January trip in 2015. I was also able to be part of a trip to Romania and Hungary. In between trips, Eva visited Chestnut Hill College (Philadelphia) twice. Colleagues who were there and even former students still remark on the power of Eva’s presentation and her willingness to stay until everyone who wanted a book signed or a photo with her was gone. 

Eva’s first flight to Philly was very delayed due to heavy rains. The second visit, Eva arrived just in time for a terrific snowstorm. When I had her safely in the auditorium, she looked me in the eye (many of you can relate to that look) and said, “Philadelphia! Never again!” Sadly that proved to be true. We had actually arranged for Eva to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Chestnut Hill at the May 2019 Commencement. By then, however, Eva’s doctor would not let her travel for the event, so she participated electronically. Even long distance, Eva held the graduates and the audience enthralled.

It wasn’t long before Eva and I had developed a sort of rhythm. She used to refer to me as the “other old lady” on the trips, and she enjoyed the fact that, since I was also 4’9”, she never had to look up to talk to me. I am so grateful for the memories and for all the amazing people I met through the trips and visits to CANDLES. We are determined to follow where she led so valiantly and to achieve the longed-for “Never again.”

Jim Crews, Retired Head Basketball Coach at St. Louis University, Army and University of Evansville:

What I admired most about Eva was a CHOICE she made, her decision to FORGIVE. That CHOICE freed her from victim hood, which unleashed a zest for life and people. A lesson for all of us: FORGIVE. Eva was a special person and a appreciated friend.

Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.  49th Governor of Indiana and 12th President of Purdue University:

“We all learned so much from Eva and her life:  about courage and perseverance, but especially about forgiveness.  How wonderful it would be if more Americans, particularly at this moment, paid attention to her example.”

Rocky Erickson, Sportscaster, Montana

Story #1:

“After visiting Eva’s candles museum, I sent her a photo of her and I at the museum. I told Eva that when I grow up, I want to become a tour guide in her museum. She texted me back and said that when she grows up, she wants to become the voice of basketball in Montana!”

Story #2:

“Sometimes in life you experience something that is so extraordinary that it is etched in your mind forever. One of those special moments for me was when I visited Auschwitz death camp with holocaust survivor Eva Kor. One afternoon I sent three hours in the twin’s building at Auschwitz. Eva stood under a large of photo of herself along with her twin sister Miriam. The photo was of the two ten-year-old sisters in striped prison uniforms. As tour groups went by Eva would point to the little girl in the photo than point to herself. For many of the tour guides it was the only time they had ever seen an Auschwitz survivor stand by their death camp photo. For some of those tour guides they would become so overcome with emotion that they would start to cry. I also cried more than once on a day that I will never forget.”

Patrick Fazio, Emmy winner and national awarded journalist, NBC Chicago:

Eva’s positive attitude and message of peace, despite living through the worst of humanity, resonates with people to this day. I still hear from viewers who watch our TV reports online about her journeys to Israel and Auschwitz as she helped others find peace and happiness. Her memory always reminds me that viewers really want to hear positive stories about people like Eva who try to make the world a better place.

Troy Fears, Executive Director of CANDLES Holocaust Museum:

Before I began my journey as Executive Director one year ago, I didn't know Eva personally. Being from Terre Haute, I had met Eva in passing a couple of times and knew her story but didn't realize her impact until now. One thing I really enjoy is speaking with our museum visitors, especially students. After going through the museum, each visitor seems to walk away with a unique perspective on how Eva's story impacted them. And, to be honest, most of them walk away with a smile on their face. Eva's life lessons seem to resonate with everyone - no matter their age. 

I wish I had the opportunity to get to know Eva better while she was still here with us. However, I see the impact she still has on people and that makes me smile. Her story, and others like her, is powerful and worth repeating. It's an honor to play a very small part in telling that story. 

Mike Fernandez, Chairman, MBF Healthcare Partners:

 “Getting even has never healed a single person”. I so admired your mother and so welcomed her wisdom! 

Being a product of a communist country (Cuba) I live in a community of about 2 million people who tend to hate the Cuban government for taking their freedom, faith, business and suffering the pain by having to live apart from their families. After 63 years many of my countrymen and women still hate how that government betrayed them and look forward to the return of a free and Democratic Cuba. I was one of them and your mother helped me break free from hate.

At age 9, I and others were forced to see the execution of a man by firing squad, at age 10, I was not allowed to attend school in Cuba because my parents were considered undesirable because of their faith and at age 14 (on Christmas Eve) my parents, sister and I were expelled from the country and sought refuge in Mexico, before arriving to the US in 1965. 

The USA became my country and I, its adopted son. I studied here, I served during the Vietnam War and have lived during the last 55 years proud of my accomplishments but always with a touch of hate towards those who mistreated my parents and exiled us. 

That is until I was meeting with Israel’s former President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Shimon who became a lifelong friend and he introduced me to the idea of “Forgiveness”. Shortly thereafter, I got to meet your mom and the idea and self-benefit of this human act (by choice) took a whole different meaning. It made me a better person, a better father and I too receive all of the benefits that the act of forgiveness can only deliver. 

I will forever be grateful for meeting your mom and benefiting from her wisdom.

Aaron Friedman, Executive Director of OLASTEO and friend:

“Eva taught me to be softer and empathetic in my interactions with others. Her indefatigable grind and courage to revisit the horrors of her past in order to help teach the children of our future helped inspire my wife, Ceci, and me to start our nonprofit organization, OLASTEO (our lives as seen through each other) back in 2015.

Here is a quote from one of our first OLASTEO scholars who traveled to Poland with Eva back in 2017.

“When I was three years old, my father was deported back to Mexico for a crime he committed against my family and never bothered to communicate with my mom or any of my other siblings to apologize for his crime. It was not until last year when he sent a message to my older sister asking for her forgiveness, that he reached out to my family for the first time. I questioned his motives as to why he only asked for her forgiveness and not for the rest of us, including my older brother, my younger sister, my mom, and myself. It never crossed my mind that I would be contemplating forgiving him. Until hearing Eva, I was not sure if I should forgive him for not being there for us when we needed him the most. However, if Eva forgave a man that added to her pain, I can forgive the man that caused harm to my family to seal the emotional wound he left on my life.”

Stacy Gallin, D.M.H., Founding Director, Maimonides Institute for Medicine, Ethics and the Holocaust

“I learned so much from Eva, that it's hard to narrow it down to just a single thing.  The first night I met Eva, I promised her that I would continue to tell her story and make sure that the world learned her lessons.  I continue to take that promise very seriously.  I keep a picture of the two of us on my desk and my children and I talk about her frequently.  I tell her story in my lectures to students all over the world.  I think the reason I do this is because she was, truly, an inspiration.  

We all encounter badness and sadness in life.  For some people, that becomes what defines them and they live their life accordingly.  They become victims of circumstance.  It's true that we can't control what happens to us.  We can only control how we react to those events.  Objectively speaking, Eva encountered the very worst of humanity.  However, taking that experience and turning it into something positive- a way to inspire others to forgive, to make the world a better place, that's what was so special about Eva.  It's not an easy thing to do for anyone, especially someone who had been through the hell that Eva had been through.  However, ultimately, she proved that it is not only possible to take back control of one's life, it is the ultimate liberation.  Having the opportunity to witness the way she impacted people firsthand was truly a gift, although one that comes with a responsibility to continue to pay it forward and share Eva's message.  Forgiveness, positivity, finding a may to make meaning out of things that seem utterly meaningless, realizing how small acts of kindness can add up and make the world a better place- these are Eva's lessons that I take with me on a daily basis and the lessons that I pass down to my children. “

JoJo Gentry, Friend:

Eva’s messages about life are so profound. Her journey to forgiving inspired me to do the same, and has set me free in ways I didn’t imagine initially. I think of her often and feel grateful I had the opportunity to become a better person because of her.

Elliott Gould, Actor, nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award:

“Eva was not only an inspiration, she was a friend. She exhibited great intelligence, and taught me to accept and to forgive others and myself….”

Ted Green, filmmaker, “Eva: A-7063 and “The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story”

“What I learned from Eva was how to love after tragedy. I miss so many things about her, but mostly I just miss my buddy.”

Emmanuel Habimana, survivor of Rwandan genocide:

“…I have a lot of memories of your mom. She once told me that to be a survivor of something is special.  She told me:  I am special, and I carry a special message and story. That would help people to change. Then she said forgiveness is liberation. Once I would forgive I would be free and liberated.  I try every single day to forgive and I fail so many times. But step by step I will get there. ..”

Catie Hann , Development Director of CANDLES Holocaust Museum:

“Eva taught me many things during my time working with her, but her lesson of tenacity stands out the most. Throughout her life, she faced many obstacles that many of us would deem impossible, but not Eva. Instead, she would double down, devise a new plan, and keep trying until she overcame whatever challenge she faced. 

In one conversation, we discussed the many hurdles she faced after the museum was fire-bombed in 2003. Eva shared that she sat on the stairs of her home with her head in her hands, trying to figure out what to do. She said, “I picked my head up and decided that I would not be able to live with myself every time I drove by the museum if I didn’t do everything in my power to save it.” I think back to this moment a lot. Life can be difficult, and sometimes it is easy to feel powerless. But Eva’s words remind me that I always have a choice, and I know what she would encourage me and others to do: never give up.”

Brielle Hill, Friend:

“Today is the 3 year anniversary of Eva's passing. For many, including myself, this day is veiled in sorrow. Though she would yell at each and every one of us if we so much as shed a tear for her, her absence is deeply felt within those she touched in her 85 years of life. As my dear friends remind me, we have her lessons; we have the memories and have each other. As Eva's words remind me, crying accomplishes nothing. But it is still - undoubtedly - a difficult day.

I miss her every day; there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. I often talk to her, wondering if I am making her proud. She is still my source of inspiration and motivation. Her words echo in my mind when faced with a trying situation. She is so, beyond missed, but we were blessed to have her for the time we did.

Three years ago, we lost the little blue light that inspired so many of us to do all we can to change our corner of the world. 1,906 days ago, Eva planted a seed within me that blossomed into a dedication to fight for human rights for the rest of my life. I couldn't be more thankful for the time I had with her.

On this day, while you're celebrating Independence Day, take a moment to think about how you can make the day of those around you just a little bit brighter - in honor of Eva. 💙“

Mitch Henck, host of Mitch in the Morning on WHBU:

“ … Eva taught me that the only true way to liberate oneself from the past is to forgive those who acted against you. Otherwise evil and duplicitous captors from your past will always hold you captive to their eternal and unrelenting control of your life.”

Elyse Hershenson, former WTWO news anchor and Communications Manager at Jewish Federation of Greater Houston

"What is a nice, Jewish girl like you doing if you haven't come to my museum yet?" Those were among the first words Eva Kor ever spoke to me. I can still picture her and hear the lilt of her voice as she stood firm awaiting an answer. 

Eva was all about improving the world around her. It was her life's work. Full of depth, it's hard to pin point one thing she taught me or to determine one take away from our time together, but the thing that keeps coming back to me is to stand up and be counted: To stand your ground when you feel strongly or passionate about something. That is the voice I hear in my head reminding me not to stand idly by if something bothers me or doesn't feel right, but to speak my truth. Like Eva, sometimes it gets me into trouble 😀 but I know that by speaking up about what's important to me is the best way I can make the world a better place and honor her memory.”

Governor of Indiana, Eric Holcomb:

Eva’s eternal example inspired me and countless others around the world. Her voice, born out the Holocaust, challenged the ways we act and react to others through forgiveness in a way only timeless scriptural teachings can inform.  Her journey to live life to the fullest and her relentless daily dedication to those who face the unfair and unimaginable will long impact future generations. I’ll be forever grateful she was a Hoosier and that our paths crossed here on earth. Like so many others, she changed my life for the better and for that I’ll always smile in gratitude when I think of Eva Kor.

Graham Honaker, Executive Director of Principal Gifts at Butler University:

“… Your Mom taught me to never take for granted having parents in your life. At Eva's commencement address, I was incredibly moved when she urged our graduates to go home and hug their parents that night since she was not able to upon "graduating" from Auschwitz. When she brought you up on stage and gave you a hug - it was a moment I'll never forget…”

Mark Hord, Friend:

“I'd like to say thanks for the life of Eva Kor, all that she gave us, all that she taught us, and how she lived her life. There were a number of her life lessons we embraced, but what impressed me the most about her was to witness how she lived her life, starting with her primary role as a mom and wife. I've been influenced and inspired by the level of support, encouragement, perspective, and tough love she gave her family/kids as they navigated some unique challenges of childhood and growing up in Indiana.

Be it my role as a husband, father, son, and brother, as well as my experiences as a high school/college tennis player or leader in a Fortune 100 company, being a black American male within these roles brought its own set of unique challenges. With a foundation established by my own family, I quietly admired and took note of how the Kor family, with a unique and challenging set of circumstances, were resilient and able to successfully rise above their unique challenges and roadblocks of life and how they she embraced someone like myself, from a different background/race. Hearing her wisdom through the voice of her son was always an inspiration growing up.

In midst of everything, one thing about Eva Kor was constant, that being her infectious enthusiasm and optimism about life, helping others, and how she emphasized the importance that each of us had an important part of “repairing the world”. I keep this lesson this top of mind, often as simple as smiling or saying thank you to a stranger, or giving hope and encouragement to someone in need.

Lastly, while my admiration for Eva Kor started in her home and local community, now the entire world has benefited as she has influenced and inspired countless people on a national and global stage. May the world never forget what happened at Auschwitz, and may the legacy of Eva Kor live on forever.”

Rev. Terri Hord:

“Mrs. Kor came to the visitation for my paternal grandfather, the late Rev. Noel Hord.  I vividly remember her saying how blessed my siblings and I had been to have had him for a little over 40 years of our lives.  “My children never knew their grandparents, and that is something I can never give them.”  I have never forgotten those words.  The blessing of knowing your ancestors and of not only capturing their stories, but continuing to tell those stories to help educate the world is something Mrs. Kor taught us.  The horrors of the Holocaust are the stories she had to tell, determined that we would not forget, that we would learn to honor all those who have come before.  I count it a blessing that Mrs. Kor is one of my spiritual ancestors, if not biological.  I know I’m blessed to have known my grandparents when Alex and Rina never knew theirs.  But I’m blessed to have known Eva and Mickey Kor.  I will tell their stories, too.”

Kizito Kalima, Executive Director, Center for Forgiveness and Reconciliation:

Your mom told me: “To own my story, tell my story for the betterment of the world.” 

Andy Klotz, Former Promotions Director of “Eva: A-7063””

“I loved being around Eva. Her presence in any room always inspired me. I envisioned all she had overcome and how she conquered her demons to find forgiveness and share that incredible gift with others. It’s hard to forgive, but she embodied it. It’s why I still keep a poster of her in my office, so whenever I’m having a rough day and feel like whining, I can look at the wall and instantly realize how good I have it. She always said she wanted her life to count for something, and boy did it! So grateful for her and her lasting legacy!”

Bob McKillop, retired basketball coach at Davidson College:

“Eva Mozes Kor taught me about kindness. Kindness has nothing to do with position or stature or appearance. It was a special gift, an internal virtue that Eva expressed externally. She spoke the language of kindness. It was a language everyone understood: The darker the room, the more powerful her light. She spread kindness and forgiveness and love wherever she went. Everyone left her presence feeling happier, hopeful, uplifted. “

Raymond Meade, Scottish singer, songwriter and guitarist:

Dear Indiana Blue... “Eva Kor was only in my life for three and a half years but she changed the way I saw the world forever. Her determination to see the good in all people and things was infectious and since her passing, I've often found myself thinking: What would Eva say? What would Eva do?

It's no exaggeration to say that this was the most unique friendship of my life. As I wrote in my song Indiana Blue - "I'm glad no rules are residing when there's hearts set on colliding." Eva and I, despite the 50 year age difference, did collide on a level that neither of us expected. She loved to talk to me about my life as a musician and I was fascinated by her experiences at the hands of Josef Mengele, the notorious Nazi doctor who carried out unspeakable atrocities on twins, including Eva and her sister Miriam, during his tenure at Auschwitz.

Eva Kor is massively responsible for my interest in the events at Auschwitz and the Holocaust in general. She was my first experience of meeting with a Survivor. She took me to places ingrained in her soul such as the Selection Platform at Auschwitz Birkenau, the place where she last saw the majority of her immediate family before they perished in the gas chambers. To walk those tracks with her, to hear her memories, to shed tears with her, to be close to her at the place that defined her very existence were the single most humbling moments of my life.

I've tried to carry on Eva's story. I'm currently learning Polish and studying a university degree with the sole aim of becoming a guide at Auschwitz some day in the future. I can't think of a better way to honor my friend Eva Kor, A-7063, and the millions of others who lost their lives during the Holocaust.

I’ll always love you, my Indiana Blue.x”

Charles Moman , Retired teacher and friend:

“When I think about my two trips to Auschwitz, and one to Romania with Eva, I am reminded instantly by two traits of Eva. 

For one, I miss her sense of humor, that often had a wicked element to it, accompanied by her well-known impish look and grin. Just that thought makes me smile as I type this remembrance. 

The very first time I met Eva at CANDLES with a teacher group, I experienced that sense of humor. I told Eva I was a twin and she said, “Oh Charles, ALL the twins tell me that”! I quickly let her know there were TWO sets in my family. Without hesitating for a second, Eva said “Oh Charles, Dr. Mengele would have LOVED you”! She delivered that dark joke with her trademark sly smile, and over the years she would repeat that phrase to me with delight.

And secondly, I was always struck by how deeply she cared for those who had experienced trauma in their lives. She wanted to help others be freed through the power of forgiveness, as she had been. I saw that caring over and over again through the years. 

Eva was a complex person, but she was so endearing to those of us who knew her, and we all continue to miss her. Eva - your story will continue to be shared through all of us.”

Beth Nairn, elementary school teacher

“One lesson learned from Eva is that polite political discourse can exist.  She and I were often at different perspectives on political issues, but we could usually either agree to disagree or could find some part of the issue where we could find common ground.  And, we did it respectfully and still liked one another in the end.  If more people today could practice this same thing, we would all be better off.”

Julia Nicely-Borland, Friend:

“Eva was such a bright light and I have so many favorite memories of her:

-falling asleep in the middle of a crowded room

-dancing the Hora on the Auschwitz platform

-calling the museum the day after a Poland trip and hearing her voice on the other end like we didn't just travel across the world and she should be in bed asleep

-trying to set people up for marriage wherever she went
-spontaneously singing "The Hills Are Alive" at her old apartment in Romania 
-having her microphone on in the bathroom telling us "I don't care eef you hear me"
-doing dangerous things and scaring Alex every trip
-catching her by surprise ("Vat are you doing here?!") in New York while she was trying to color in a scarf with a marker because there was "too much yellow"

-about to pop off on a television crew until she was given Mountain Dew (thanks to Beth for saving the interview with sugar)

-disappearing from the group in Romania because she wanted to take a picture of Dracula's birthplace marker

I could go on and on. I haven't met a single person that spent any time with Eva and doesn't have a running list of memorable moments. Eva was a beautiful soul. I now work with the HIV/AIDS community in hopes of making the world a better place for other people like you taught me to do. Love you, Duchess.”

Sheri Roach, Friend:

“The photo above (credit to Torie Manning) was taken in Chicago as we waited to go to Poland. That trip was my first overseas experience with Eva. For many years she had spoken to my English classes and my husband’s History classes at our school or at CANDLES. In 2018 I applied for a scholarship from Hoosier Heartland State Bank, and was one of four teachers selected to go to Poland. Little did I know how that trip would change my life. The connection with Eva deepened. I went to Hungary and Romania with her in October 2018, began writing grants for my school corp. for grades 5 -12 to do immersion learning about the Holocaust, and returned to Auschwitz for the 75th anniversary of the liberation in Eva’s honor. Thanks to a sore ankle on my first Auschwitz trip I rode in the *Eva Mobile* one afternoon with Eva. Not only did I get to hear details about the camp as we moved from one spot to another, there was also singing and witty play-by-play from Eva. Her attitude was that she had earned the right to sing or joke if she wanted; that no one was going to control her. 

Because of the first Poland trip, I attended trainings at the Cincinnati Holocaust Museum, the Belfer Conference at the USHMM, the educator’s conference at the WWII Museum in New Orleans, and this Thurs. I leave for Israel, one of 30 from the US to study at Yad Vashem July 10 - 20. Those opportunities have enriched my knowledge base, but most importantly they have connected me with Eva Friends from all over the country that I value so much. 💙”

Yvonne Rodriguez, M.Ed., Teacher - Bowie Elementary, San Marcos, TX:

Inspirational.  Meeting Eva has changed my life completely.  Through her actions, my daily goal is to pay it forward by showing compassion, kindness, acceptance and most of all LOVE.  This starts in the classroom each and every morning (even when it’s hard). Eva taught me through her actions how to most impact those around me through kindness.  Through Eva’s legacy, I aspire to continue her journey and message.

 

Susanne Severeid, Author, actor and presenter:

I knew Eva Kor for over thirty years and, in that time, there are three words that, for me, best describe what I saw in her: Persistence, Courage, and Optimism. I watched as she persisted against incredible odds, particularly back in the 1980's in the very beginning of her crusade for truth, as I will call it. She may have been small of stature, but she was a mighty force to be reckoned with, let me tell you. I watched her summon up the courage to speak out against powerful forces, in governments and elsewhere. I watched her sense of optimism continue to buoy her. Eva always had a sense that the effort--no matter how difficult, painful or downright terrifying--was worth it.  And that is what I mean by her optimism. I remember once I questioned whether or not she could do something on her own. She turned to me and laughed, "Remember, I graduated from the school of Mengele."  Eva Kor learned not only to survive, but to thrive. And there is a lesson in that for all of us”

Todd Schayes, Basketball coach and teacher, Kent Denver, Denver, CO:

“I remember distinctly the way your mom instantly connected with my 6th graders, when she asked them if they wanted to see her tattoo, and then rolled up her sleeve to show the number given to her at Auschwitz.  The kids’ eyes were wide open and they were left speechless.  For me, the biggest thing I learned from your mom was the thought of forgiveness, and how you can diminish someone’s power over you by just forgiving them.  In my line of work, as a teacher and coach, there are times that I deal with irate parents who can say extremely negative things and verbally attack me on a personal level.  It happens very infrequently, but when it does happen, it is hurtful and I used to let it affect me.  And then I think of Eva, who said that people who hate will hold power over you long after the moment has past, if you allow them.  Ever since, whenever someone is hateful towards me, I take a few minutes to allow myself the composure needed, and then I forgive.  That strips the person of the power they want to have over me mentally, and allows me to take ownership of my own feelings in a positive manner.”

Nikki Sixx, musician and co-founder of heavy metal band, Motley Crue:

“What I learned was forgiveness works. She told me stories of people in her position that died way too early because they couldn’t forgive and lived in anger and sadness. Your mom taught me to live. ”

Stephanie Stabile, Merchant Mariner:

“I had the amazing opportunity to travel with Eva to Auschwitz as many others did and I was captivated by her moxie and spirit and kept coming back for more. I traveled again to Auschwitz and to Romania and Hungry with Eva and anyone who has traveled with Eva knows it was always an adventure! However, it was the trip that she was not on that really made me realize how much Eva had taught me. In 2020, I returned to Auschwitz with CANDLES for the 75th Liberation Ceremony and it was the first time I had returned to Auschwitz without Eva. If you had made this journey with Eva you would know that this was the place where she came alive. Many times she would be giving us a tour and in-between the very poignant moments there would be smiling and laughing all brought on by our Lady in Blue. She was for me the light in what otherwise would be a very gray and dark place. By embracing forgiveness, Eva Kor led her life by being a light and sharing her shine with all, being the best person she could be. So, that is what Eva Kor taught me, to be a light. I have the power to light up my own life and be the light in a gray place. I miss Eva’s light in this world, I miss her funny tweets that would randomly pop up on my phone, and I miss traveling the world adventuring together. She also gave me a network and tribe of friends that are full of some of the best people I know, because I came to learn that the people who are attracted to Eva and her story are special and unique people. So thanks to you Eva I go through life and I try to be a light and shine being the best person I can truly be and it may not be a coincidence that I like to think of my light of having a little tint of blue.”

Rob Stanton, Teacher and coach, Billings, Montana

“There are many qualities that Eva had that could make the world a better place.  Her sense of humor in difficult situations is what I remember that was unique. I think many remember her grit, determination, tenacity.  I think she could put a group at ease in many different situations with her humor.”

Eric S. Steenlage, M.D., Atlanta, GA:

Eva made it easy for us. Many of us have a desire to make a difference in some substantial, significant way, to find a cause that leaves no doubt that our efforts in its support are worth whatever time and energy we invest. When you met Eva, she left little doubt that you were at the little blue genesis of something important, something significant, something necessary. Eva wanted your support for a cause that was likely far more important than anything you had embraced before – or since. But what she really did was give you a gift, the gift of an opportunity to be part of something greater, to support a cause so deep and heavy and necessary that any doubts as to its significance seemed ludicrous.

The bonus was getting to know Eva herself – or maybe it was the other way around: the person primary, her causes secondary. Fiercely independent almost to a fault, her personality combined with the weight and gravity of her life experiences created a little tornado of action and interest wherever she went. No work was necessary to get people to listen to what Eva had to say. Getting her to listen to what you had to say could be a little more difficult - particularly if she did not like what she was hearing. And following medical advice was definitely not on her list of preferred discussions. As her unofficial medical advisor over her last years, she and I had our battles; her negotiation tactics could be pretty fierce (“Mengele stuck me with needles…. Now you want to stick me with needles...” Hard to construct a pithy comeback to that). What I quickly learned was that no matter how bad her current medical condition was, the thing that really fixed her and restored her energy was getting her back out there, talking to the uninformed about what she found important, spreading the message that she felt was needed. It was a great privilege to help facilitate her staying in that game a little longer. It was a battle I knew we would eventually lose. We lost her sooner than any of us were ready for.

I miss her.

Katie Battle Threadgill, RN (one of Eva’s travel nurses):

“When thinking of Eva and my time with her, there are countless fond memories and it is hard to put into a few words the profound effect she had on me. Maybe the best way to convey this is that I named my daughter, Kora, in honor of Eva’s memory.    

In my years of being around Eva, my favorite topics to hear her speak about were forgiveness, kindness and acceptance. She could captivate audiences of children when talking about anti-bullying and inclusion.  I believe she truly left an impact on everyone that ever heard her speak. I always said that she might be the smallest person in the room, but she held the biggest presence. I loved how Eva wasn’t afraid to say exactly what was on her mind and didn’t care what others thought. She always had an incredible message and was brave enough to share it with anyone who would listen.

 One of my favorite quotes has always been “Well-behaved women rarely make history”. As I got to know Eva over the years, I came to realize that she was a perfect example of this history making woman. I hope my daughter, Kora, turns out to have even half of the spunk, determination and resilience of Eva Kor.”

Peggy Tierney, President of Tangelwood Publishing:

“…It’s about how she pursued her goals and stuck to her beliefs, even if she was criticized. Truly, I used to not ask people for things from a fear of hearing no. She inspired me to be more assertive, to at least try to get what I wanted.”

John Tooke, teacher and coach, Miles City, Montana:

If I had to summarize: I cannot think of a part of my life that has not been positively affected by meeting and working with your mom. Eva gives me strength every single day by inspiring me to choose the actions necessary to be a “difference maker” as a teacher and a coach. Always, always give your best and never ever give in to despair. 

Eva showed me that teaching about the Holocaust is not a history lesson of the distant past.  It is a lesson about how to treat every person you interact with respect, kindness and truth.

Eva’s impact in my personal life is more profound.   Eva gave me an opportunity to create a network of incredible people, both local and national, that encourages my intellectual growth.

I appreciate life, family and relationships more sincerely. I no longer hold onto personal grievances which allow me to reach my full potential as a father, husband, son, brother and friend.

Sharon Turpin, Realtor, Terre Haute, IN:

“I met Eva on my first day as a new realtor. I was lacking in self-esteem & confidence in my abilities. Eva took me under her wing & quickly changed my life. It wasn’t simply her words “never, ever give up”, but her example, instilling in me the idea that nothing was impossible & I could overcome anything. She showed me her love & support and we became nearly inseparable. Eva was one of my best friends. She is responsible for the confident, determined woman I am today. Thank you, Eva & I love you!”

Julie Vittori, Psychiatric nurse practitioner:

“I had the great privilege of first meeting Eva in my 20’s, through my friendship with her son Alex. At that time Alex had only recently went through his own personal battle with testicular cancer. I was aware even then of how her strength and personal history had directly influenced his mindset and attitude in coping with such a significant challenge. It made a lasting impression. 

Now, years later as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I help others find ways to navigate through a myriad of situations, losses and trauma. How does one heal? It’s a question we all sooner or later must ask ourselves. Eva’s story highlights one amazing journey. It’s the story of resilience and self-discovery. She chose her own path to healing and wanted to share that possibility with others. 

As a mother, I was so grateful that my son was able to meet Eva and hear about her life firsthand. It was a great gift!”

Megan Wallace, Friend:

“Three years ago I was in Poland with Eva.  It was my second trip and her last.   

Knowing Eva has made me a better person. I will forever be grateful for my choice to go to ISU because it brought me to Eva.  As a teacher, I have shared her story with hundreds of students.   I have seen the transformative power of her story and the contagious nature of her lessons.  I have watched students meet her and the evolution that undoubtedly followed.  It was always magic.  

As a citizen, I’m sure of my role to help others. Thanks to Eva, my responsibility to others is never far from my mind.   

As a person, I’m softer, more empathetic.  I’m strong enough to turn for forgiveness when I can and work towards it when it doesn’t seem like I can.  

Three years and one day ago, I watched Eva get serenaded by the Los Angeles Children’s choir at the gates of Birkenau.   It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  

For me, July 4th will always be a reminder to love our country the way Eva did.  A reminder of how lucky I am to have seen our country through her eyes.  To have traveled with her and heard her story far from here in a place where she showed me unimaginable strength in the face of pure evil, I will never be able to repay Eva what she has given me, but I will never stop trying.   💙”

Pat Wempe, PT, CEO , Prorehab PC, Evansville, IN:

“Eva was the big influence on our family! With 3 daughters, including identical twins, she helped shape their ideas of what perseverance and forgiveness can do! She was an inspiration to them. My daughters to this day cherish her books. …”

Erin White, science teacher at New Haven High School in Indiana

“Eva opened my eyes to the world from a refugee/immigrant perspective. As a teacher with refugee students in my classrooms, it has helped me develop more personalized empathy for what they may be experiencing in a new school where no one speaks their language and has different cultural customs. “

Michael Wörle, grandson of Otmar Von Verschuer:

“Eva had this rare ability to make a power nap in every situation, waiting for something, traveling. And she traveled all over the world. She spent a lot of time in in waiting areas, buses, cars or airplanes.  On the other hand, we, the younger ones, were very tired –but not Eva. She was now refreshed. This was lesson # 1.  Lesson # 2 is to live each day with a “never give up” attitude. This was fundamental to her in defeating anger and hate. In 1989, I was on my first journey with her and her children in the group of twin survivors from Warsaw to Krakow (Auschwitz) as she was managing some organizational stuff standing in the bus while we were driving on the motorway to Krakow. The driver had suddenly and quickly to stop; she fall down like a tree in the storm. Everybody was in sorrow with one exception: Eva. She stood up and did her job without any complaints as if nothing happened.

All in all, I learned to learn what she lived. But I’m not so good like she was. But perhaps: I will become perfect. And what will be if not? I guess I will use another lesson of Eva: to forgive myself and heal the pain of not being perfect. Eva created a very big impact in my life. As she asked me in front of the big audience in Halle (Germany) if I was able to forgive my own grandfather, Mengele’s boss, I was short taken and overwhelmed. But, yes, this is the right question. And yes, I did this. And Eva helped me to do this. She became in this 30 years like a second mother for me. Alex, don’t be afraid: of course she is your mother, not mine. And I hope you are like a brother for me. Lastly, I forgot one lesson: to have a sense of humor in every situation regardless how sad it may be.”

Mary Wright, retired teacher and co-author of “Echoes from Auschwitz”:

“On that cold night, my phone rang and a voice identified the caller as a Terre Haute policeman; I learned a series of lessons. Unable to reach Eva because she turned her phone off at night, the alarm company had given the police my number. The news was startling. Our beloved museum was on fire. I lived only about three blocks from the museum and as I backed out of the garage I could see the flames. I had called my son and told him to go wake Eva up and bring her to the museum. 

When Eva arrived, tears welled in her eyes. We hugged each other and shared an emotional moment. Then we heard the story of how someone had thrown a firebomb through the glass door, setting the museum on fire. We could only stand and watch out beloved Candles Museum burn. Firemen managed to save a few books but most everything was lost. The press was there and soon began interviewing us. The first question was "How do you feel?"  Eva's answer was remarkable and was and is the only way to approach such a tragedy. "Well," she said, I've had better days but I've had worse too."  By morning we were ready for the challenge that lay ahead of us - rebuilding the museum.”

In closing, I would like to thank all of the above contributors from the bottom of my heart. Having read these heartfelt comments, I am sure that my mother is smiling from above, and finally realizing, what a transformational impact she had on the lives of so many.  I recall a few scenes from “Eva: A -7063”, the award-winning documentary by Ted Green and WFYI where my mom said, “I want my time on this earth to count for something”. She also stated, “If I helped to heal one person, I will be happy.” The aforementioned testimonials are evidence that she did.  Mom, you healed thousands (if not millions) of people and your time on this earth was indeed worthwhile. As I gaze to the heavens on the 3rd anniversary of your passing, I want you to know that I love you very much, and you are still making a big difference here on Earth.

          We live in perilous times and I hope that these reflections will remind us of the importance of hope, healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. My mom’s presence is missed more than ever, but her words live on, and I hope that they will resonate with all generations who can make our world a better place. Lastly, when my mom lectured, she would frequently tell her audiences the following:

If one person throws a pebble in a lake, a small ripple will be produced. If two people throw pebbles in a lake, 2 ripples will occur. If fifty people throw pebbles in a lake, a small wave will result with ripple touching ripple. Symbolically, the above statements represent a large wave that I hope will continue my mom’s work, life lessons, passion for life, her sense of humor and her love for her fellow man.

Happy 4th of July,

Alex Kor

P.S. My father always proudly displayed the flag on this day!