Description
A Daughter's Gift of Love is the story of Trudi Birger, a Holocaust survivor who was literally snatched from the crematorium as the flames reached for her body. This powerful memoir follows Birger from her privileged childhood to a life of forced labor in the Kovno ghetto and Stutthof concentration camp, and through the waning days of the war.
Birger's story is one of choices: her choice not to escape from the cattle car that brought her from Kovno to Stutthof; her choice to remain with her mother to die in the gas chambers, though she had been spared from selection. It is a remarkable tribute to love, devotion and the bond between mother and daughter-the story of a daughter who, by refusing to save herself, finally saved them both.
Trudi Birger spent her life helping children through education and healthcare. In 1980 she established a free dental clinic in Jerusalem to treat underprivileged children of all faiths. She was the President of the Dental Volunteers of Israel and received numerous awards for her work, including the Volunteer of the Year Award in 1994, bestowed by the President of Israel, as well as Jerusalem's Best Citizen Award in 1990.
Zev Birger, Trudi's husband, writes: "On July 18, 2002, while in my arms, suddenly and abruptly. Trudi passed away. I tried to resuscitate her, it was like kissing her. Her lips were still warm, she was smiling. like every morning, as if saying to me, "I love you, my dear...
For 56 years we were together hand-in-hand, both of us, survivors of the Holocaust. Together we built a home, a family and dedicated our lives to building a brighter future for our children. While in the camp, Trudi looked up and cried, "God, if I survive. I will do whatever I can to make sure that no children will suffer the way I have..." This promise she kept and she dedicated her life to taking care of others. For over half a century, she devoted her life to underprivileged and needy children. Loved by all, she took care of Jewish, Muslim and Christian children, ensuring they grow up with pride and dignity. My three sons and I make every effort to preserve her lifetime work with all of our friends from around the world, who assist us in this endeavor, and I am grateful."
ISBN: 9781582900681
