The Loss
On September 24, 2022, I got the heartbreaking news that Holocaust survivor, Eva Ginz (Chava Pressburger) passed away at the age of 92. I wanted to write a tribute piece for her.
I first encountered Chava in 2011 when I was just beginning college. My studies in the Holocaust was getting more serious and I wanted to start studying specific people and one of those people were Petr Ginz. Chava is the younger sister of Petr. But what I’ve learned that Chava has a story all her own.
When I still was connected to her, I talked often about her own story and she mentioned Petr to me often, for she knew I was interested in him.
When I drafted my book Among the Many (out on Amazon Now!), I knew I wanted to include Chava. I wrote to her family and that’s when they told me that Chava had not been in the greatest health for sometime. I was praying for her, begging God not to take her, but it looks like Petr wanted her home. I knew that Petr wanted to see her again. They had been away from each other for so long. Now, he held her hand as he led her home. They are together now. But, it leaves her family and I, with such a hole. A hole that will never be filled. At least for me, I am grateful that I was able to know such an inspiring woman and she impacted me so much and I will always carry her with me. She gave me Petr’s spirit and now, she has given me the gift of rememberance. Her daughter, Tamar, who broke the news to me, said she suffered a great deal, but it was still painful. It was heart shattering to me when I got the news. I couldn’t imagine a world without her and now I am faced with that. How do I say good-bye? I don’t think I’ll be able to go to Israel for the funeral, but I will send them a care package and a note saying I’m so sorry for the loss of a WONDERFUL and INSPIRING WOMAN. She was there for so much of my studies and my Holocaust survivor book, does include her and I will be sending that to her family. I have done so much research on this family, that I have felt like I have been part of it.
Chava, the hole you leave is a big one, but it gives me peace that Petr is now holding your hand and is now taking care of you once again. How do I say good-bye to you? How do I say good-bye? I will always kiss your photo at the museum and I will always speak of you. I will NEVER FORGET YOU and that is a PROMISE I INTEND TO KEEP. I love you beautiful Chava. I love you. Good-bye
