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From the Depths of Lithuania to the Heart of Jerusalem: A Survivor's Tale of Courage, Resilience, and Faith

Stephen Foster

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Published in Light One Candle: A Survivor S Tale From Lithuania To Jerusalem

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In the annals of human history, the horrors of the Holocaust stand as a testament to the darkest depths of human depravity. Yet, amidst the unfathomable suffering, countless stories of courage, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of survival emerged. The journey of Chaim Percowicz, a Lithuanian Jew who survived the horrors of war and persecution to find solace and fulfillment in the holy city of Jerusalem, is one such tale.

Light One Candle: A Survivor's Tale from Lithuania to Jerusalem

by Solly Ganor

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1281 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages

Black And White Portrait Of Chaim Percowicz, A Holocaust Survivor Light One Candle: A Survivor S Tale From Lithuania To Jerusalem

Early Life and the Shadow of War

Chaim Percowicz was born in the small Lithuanian town of Pasvalys in 1923. His childhood was idyllic, spent in a loving and close-knit Jewish community. However, the peaceful tranquility of his youth was shattered by the outbreak of World War II.

In 1941, Nazi Germany invaded Lithuania. The persecution of the Jewish population began immediately. Chaim and his family were forced into a ghetto, where they endured unimaginable hardships and atrocities. In 1943, Chaim's parents and younger siblings were taken away and murdered.

Escape and Survival

Chaim managed to escape the ghetto and went into hiding. For months, he wandered through the war-torn countryside, seeking refuge with sympathetic farmers and villagers. Despite the constant danger and threat of discovery, Chaim never gave up hope.

In 1944, the Soviet army liberated Lithuania. Chaim emerged from hiding, physically and emotionally scarred by his wartime experiences. He returned to his hometown, but found little solace. His family was gone, and the once-familiar streets now held only painful memories.

A New Life in Jerusalem

In 1945, Chaim made the life-changing decision to leave Lithuania and start a new life in Jerusalem. He boarded a ship bound for the land of his ancestors, filled with both trepidation and anticipation.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Chaim found a welcoming and supportive community of Holocaust survivors. He enrolled in a yeshiva, where he delved into the study of Torah and Jewish tradition. Through his faith, he found solace and a renewed sense of purpose.

Panoramic View Of The Old City Of Jerusalem, With The Golden Dome Of The Rock In The Center Light One Candle: A Survivor S Tale From Lithuania To Jerusalem — Jerusalem, the holy city where Chaim Percowicz found solace and fulfillment

Chaim became a pillar of the Jerusalem community, devoting his life to helping fellow survivors and promoting Holocaust education. He founded the Association of Lithuanian Jews in Israel, providing support and resources to Holocaust survivors from his homeland.

In 1972, Chaim married his beloved wife, Miriam. Together, they raised a family and built a home filled with love and laughter. Despite the horrors he had witnessed, Chaim never allowed his past to define him. Instead, he became a symbol of resilience, compassion, and hope.

Legacy and Impact

Chaim Percowicz's life is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. From the depths of despair, he emerged as a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless. His story has inspired countless individuals, both in Israel and around the world.

Through his dedication to Holocaust education, Chaim ensured that the horrors of the past would never be forgotten. He traveled extensively, sharing his experiences with students, educators, and community groups. His powerful words and unwavering resolve left an indelible mark on all who heard them.

Chaim Percowicz passed away in Jerusalem in 2013, at the age of 90. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the impact he had on the world. He will forever be remembered as a Holocaust survivor who triumphed over adversity and found solace and fulfillment in the holy city of Jerusalem.

The tale of Chaim Percowicz is a reminder that even in the face of the most unimaginable darkness, the human spirit can prevail. His journey from the horrors of the Holocaust to the peace and tranquility of Jerusalem is a testament to the resilience, faith, and compassion that reside within us all.

Light One Candle: A Survivor's Tale from Lithuania to Jerusalem

by Solly Ganor

4.8 out of 5