Intervene with Arlena Jones - Cerka Kirsch: 2nd Generation Holocaust Survivor

Updated 6 days ago

Arlene Jones welcomes Cerka (Sarah), a second-generation Holocaust survivor, as she shares her family's story of survival during World War II. Cerka recounts her parents' harrowing experiences in Nazi Germany, their life in a displaced persons camp, and their journey to America – highlighting the challenges of adapting to a new country while preserving her family's history. Her story is a poignant reminder of resilience and the importance of remembering the past.

Chapters

Introduction (00:00:00)
Arlena Jones welcomes viewers to the Intervene and introduces her special guests, Leon and Sarah.

The show opens with Arlena Jones greeting the audience and introducing her brother Leon and Sarah, a second-generation Holocaust survivor. Arlene expresses gratitude for their presence and sets the stage for Sarah to share her story.
Sarah's Family History (00:00:14)
Sarah recounts her parents' experiences during the Holocaust and their tragic loss of family.

Sarah begins her story by talking about her parents who were in the Holocaust and lost their families. She reflects on the impact of these events on her parents' mental health and the challenges they faced.
Life in a Displaced Persons Camp (00:01:04)
Sarah describes the conditions and experiences in a DP camp where her parents met.

Sarah explains how her parents met in a displaced persons (DP) camp in Germany called Felda Fink. She describes the camp's purpose and the work her parents did there, leading to their marriage.
Birth and Early Childhood (00:01:56)
Sarah recounts her difficult birth and early memories in the DP camp.

Sarah shares details about her birth in the DP camp, the malnutrition and stress her mother experienced, and her own early memories of living in the camp. She describes the camp's layout and the challenges faced by survivors.
Immigration to America (00:03:05)
Sarah's family immigrates to the U.S., facing challenges on the voyage and adjusting to a new life.

Sarah describes the family's decision to immigrate to America after initially considering other countries. She recounts the rough voyage on a former army ship, the challenges of maintaining kosher dietary laws, and the emotional arrival in New York.
Arriving in America (00:05:09)
Sarah details their arrival at Ellis Island and the immigration process they underwent.

Upon arrival in New York Harbor, Sarah describes passing the Statue of Liberty and the processing at Ellis Island. She recalls the tense experience of medical examinations and the relief of being deemed healthy to enter the U.S.
Settling in Kalamazoo (00:06:01)
Sarah's family is sponsored to settle in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they start their new life.

Sarah tells of how the HIAs organization helped her family find a sponsor in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She describes their arrival, the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, and the support they received from the local community.
Adjusting to School and Community (00:07:01)
Sarah faces difficulties in school due to language barriers and cultural differences.

Sarah recounts her struggles in school as a child, including language barriers and being misinterpreted by peers and teachers. She shares experiences of being bullied and feeling isolated due to her immigrant background.
Father's Tailor Shop (00:09:00)
Sarah's father opens a tailor shop, creating a sense of community and stability for the family.

Sarah describes how her father, a third-generation tailor, opened his own shop in Kalamazoo. The shop became a gathering place for the community, helping her father integrate and provide for the family.
Reflecting on Childhood Challenges (00:10:10)
Sarah reflects on the challenges of growing up as a Holocaust survivor's child in America.

Sarah shares her reflections on the difficulties she faced as a child of Holocaust survivors, including cultural misunderstandings and the impact of her parents' trauma on her upbringing. She emphasizes the resilience and hope that guided her family.
The Braids Incident (00:37:22)
A traumatic childhood experience where the speaker's teacher cut off her braids due to a lice epidemic, causing lasting emotional impact.

The speaker recounts a distressing event from her childhood when her teacher cut off her long braids in front of the class because of a lice infestation at the school. This incident was earth-shattering for her, and she kept the braids in a box for many years, signifying the deep emotional impact it had on her.
Learning English (00:37:52)
The speaker describes her journey of learning English after immigrating, highlighting the challenges she and her family faced due to language barriers.

The speaker discusses her first exposure to the English language, which was not through traditional means like radio or songs, but through self-learning and attending school. Her mother also attempted to learn English by attending classes, but found it very difficult. The family faced significant challenges due to the language barrier, especially as they immigrated to a new country.
Immigration and Education Struggles (00:39:39)
The speaker recounts the difficulties faced during immigration and education, including language barriers and personal struggles with depression.

The speaker shares the challenges her family faced during their immigration journey, including dealing with an English-speaking army on the boat they traveled on. She reflects on her personal difficulties with education, being pushed through school without knowing how to read well, and the underlying depression she experienced due to the family's struggles and her parents' secretive crying at night.
Institutionalization and Stigma (00:40:52)
The speaker discusses being institutionalized during high school and the stigma that prevented her from returning, leading to attending night school.

The speaker talks about being institutionalized for emotional issues during her senior year of high school, which prevented her from graduating traditionally. She describes the stigma attached to this experience, which made it impossible for her to return to regular school, leading her to attend night school to complete her education.
Holocaust Remembrance and Conferences (00:41:59)
The speaker shares her experiences attending Holocaust remembrance conferences in Washington DC and Philadelphia, which were highly emotional events.

The speaker discusses her participation in Holocaust remembrance efforts, including attending two significant conferences in Washington DC and Philadelphia. These events were emotionally overwhelming, especially as she attempted to register her parents' names in the Holocaust archives. She highlights the importance of these conferences in commemorating Holocaust survivors and victims.
Trip to Israel and Unexpected Kindness (00:43:01)
The speaker recounts an unexpected trip to Israel, facilitated by anonymous tickets, where she experienced profound hospitality and joy.

Through anonymous tickets, the speaker was able to travel to Israel in the 1980s, despite having little prior travel experience. Upon arrival, she was welcomed into the home of a religious woman who, along with her family, showed her immense kindness. This month-long stay in Israel was a joyful and life-changing experience, filled with exploration and connection to her roots.
Volunteer Work in Israel (00:45:03)
The speaker describes her volunteer work in Israel across various institutions, including hospitals and army bases, which was fulfilling and impactful.

In subsequent visits to Israel, the speaker volunteered in numerous capacities, working in hospitals, botanical gardens, and army bases. She shares her experiences in a mental hospital, where she initially feared post-traumatic stress but found the environment unexpectedly welcoming and supportive. Her work included massage therapy and acupuncture, contributing to the community and learning from the inclusive cultural attitudes towards mental health.
Personal Growth and Reflection (00:46:32)
The speaker reflects on personal growth and the importance of writing and poetry in processing her experiences and emotions.

Throughout her life, the speaker has turned to writing and poetry to express her thoughts and process her experiences. She encourages others to engage in journaling and creative expression as a means of reflection and communication, especially for those who may struggle with verbal communication. Her writings serve as a testament to her resilience and survival, much like her parents who survived the war.
Final Reflections and Message to the World (00:59:00)
The speaker shares her philosophy on love, gratitude, and the importance of broad perspectives, urging others to cherish life and blessings.

In her closing remarks, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being loved and appreciated while alive, rather than when it's too late. She advocates for a broader perspective on life, encouraging people to embrace diversity and count their blessings, even in difficult times. Her message is one of hope and gratitude, inspired by the many 'angels' who have touched her life and reminded her of the beauty in the world.

Intervene (6 Episodes)

Updated 6 days ago

Positive stories in Kalamazoo