A German-American Holocaust survivor who dedicated her life to promoting peace, justice, and human rights, particularly advocating for Palestinian rights and criticizing Israeli policies.
Hedy Epstein was a German-born Jewish-American political activist and Holocaust survivor, best known for her unwavering support of the Palestinian cause through the International Solidarity Movement. Throughout her life, Epstein was driven by a strong sense of justice and compassion, which inspired her to take a stand against oppression and fight for human rights.
During World War II, Epstein worked in munitions factories in England and joined a group of left-wing German Jewish refugees who hoped to reintroduce democracy in their homeland. This experience laid the foundation for her political education, which would shape her future activism.
After the war, Epstein worked with the Allied occupying forces in Germany, including participating in the Doctors' trial at Nuremberg. This experience further solidified her commitment to fighting against oppression and promoting human rights.
In 1948, Epstein immigrated to the United States, initially settling in New York City before moving to Minneapolis and eventually St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis, she became involved in various social and political causes, including affordable housing, the pro-choice movement, and the anti-war movement.
In 1982, Epstein's perspective on the Arab-Israeli conflict shifted dramatically after learning about the massacres committed by a Lebanese Phalangist militia during the Lebanon War. She began to express opposition to Israel's military policies and soon became a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause.
In 2001, Epstein founded a St. Louis chapter of the Women in Black, an anti-war group that originally focused on Israel's occupation. Two years later, she traveled to the West Bank to work with the International Solidarity Movement, an experience that would become a defining moment in her life's work.
Hedy Epstein's unwavering dedication to social justice and human rights has inspired countless individuals around the world. Her courageous life serves as a testament to the power of activism and the importance of standing up against oppression.
Through her work with the International Solidarity Movement, Epstein helped raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people and worked tirelessly to promote peace and reconciliation in the region.
"I have always believed that the pursuit of justice and the struggle for human rights are inseparable."
"My experiences during the Holocaust and my later work in the anti-war movement have taught me that the struggle for humanity is a continuous one, and that we must always remain vigilant in the face of oppression."
Hedy Epstein passed away on May 26, 2016, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of activism, compassion, and courage. Her life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in the pursuit of justice and human rights.
98 Years Old
A Romanian-American writer, professor, and humanitarian who survived the Holocaust and dedicated his life to promoting peace, justice, and human rights, leaving a lasting impact on literature and activism.
97 Years Old
A young Jewish girl who documented her experiences hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation in a diary, which became a powerful and enduring symbol of hope and resilience. Her diary has been translated into over 60 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Born in 1908
A Czech-German businessman credited with saving the lives of over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. He is the subject of the award-winning film "Schindler's List".
Born in 1909
A brave and selfless individual who risked their life to hide a Jewish family, including a young girl who would become a symbol of hope and resilience, from the Nazis during WWII. This hero's actions allowed the family to survive for two years, and their story to be told.
Born in 1919
An Italian chemist and author who survived Auschwitz and wrote powerful memoirs about his experiences, including "If This Is a Man" and "The Truce".
Born in 1905
Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who developed logotherapy, a form of therapy focused on finding meaning in life, and wrote about his experiences in Nazi concentration camps in "Man's Search for Meaning".
Born in 1908
A Ukrainian-Austrian Nazi hunter and author who dedicated his life to tracking down and bringing to justice former Nazis, playing a crucial role in the capture of Adolf Eichmann. He also founded the Jewish Documentation Center in Vienna to gather evidence for Nazi war crimes.
