Meeting a Holocaust Survivor: Mary Natan

Mary's Bio about her experience.

I recently met the "youngest smuggler" in the world...at least that's what she was called at the ghetto that she and her family was forced into during WWII. She was only ten then and today she is sharing her experience with others at the Museum of Tolerance in L.A. I felt very lucky to have this experience and I would say that this was one of the highlights of my life.

She was so positive and funny, which was a surprise but I think having a sense of humor helps her get through her talks. She said she hated to see people cry when she speaks so she tries to keep it light when it gets too heavy for everyone. Coming out of the death camps alive left her with nightmares and a chronic shaking of her hands- psychological effects her doctor told her. Other than that she is happy to be alive, because when in the death camp you lived "not by the day, or hour, but by the second." That's how intense 5 years of her life was. She lost some of her family members like her mom and it was difficult for her to talk about that part, but she did have some "smiles" along the way which is why she titled her book Nightmares and Smiles.

This generation will not be alive forever and our children will probably never meet a Holocaust survivor so I really recommend that you listen to one before it's too late. It was an enriching experience for me and I think you'll get that feeling too. Oh, and why was she called the youngest smuggler in the world? You'll have to ask her to find out :).