Czechoslovak holocaust survivors
23.06.2015 / 06:33 | Aktualizováno: 23.06.2015 / 07:15
On Saturday afternoon 20th June 2015 the Czech and Slovak community commemorated the sad 70th anniversary of the end of the 2nd World War at the Consulate of the Czech Republic in Dover Heights. Two holocaust survivors originally from former Czechoslovakia shared their memories and hardships of their teenage years in Europe because of their Jewish origin.
Olga Horak OAM from Bratislava (now the capital of Slovakia) survived the Auschwitz concentration camp and other camps mainly thanks to the moral support of her mum, whom she lost at Bergen Belsen the day of the liberation. She returned home as the only one of her immediate family. Prague-born Peter Rossler had more chance. Long years suffering in Lodz ghetto and concentration camps including Auschwitz Peter survived with his older brother. Even though as he likes to put it, the survival wouldn´t happen without a few miracles.
Olga Horak (foto:F.Koubek SBS)
Petr Rossler (foto: F.Koubek SBS)
The ambassador of the Slovak Republic Dr.Igor Bartho and his deputy Ms Anna Petrášová from Canberra were among the hosts of the vice-consul Šárka Ponroy Vamberova listening the moving stories of betrayal and good people.
Olga Horak OAM and Slovak ambassador Dr.Igor Bartho
Olga Horak OAM, vice-consul Šárka P.Vamberová and Petr Rossler
Both survivors keep educating especially young generation in Sydney or in Prague during their lectures at schools, universities or as guides of the Sydney Jewish Museum. Olga Horak OAM has been a volunteer for more than 20 years. They both are convinced that it is still needed to commemorate the holocaust and educate the youth to tolerance.
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