By Michael Gannon
Almost an entire country and different cultures separated George Schiffman’s home of Mukacs in northern Czechoslovakia from the historic Maramures region where Judith Wohlberg grew up in northern Romania.
Both would be united by history when they saw most of their families killed in Auschwitz during World War II.
But it was a celebration of life on Aug. 19 this year when they were honored at a breakfast for their 100th birthdays at Commonpoint’s Sam Field Center in Little Neck.
The celebration brought together the Holocaust survivors, their families and friends, community members and staff to mark the extraordinary milestone and celebrate their lives, resilience and contributions.
“Reaching 100 is an incredible milestone, and we are honored to celebrate with George, Judith, their families and our community of Holocaust Survivors,” said Danielle Ellman, CEO of Commonpoint, in a release from the organization.
“Their lives remind us of the power of resilience and the importance of ensuring that Holocaust Survivors are surrounded by connection, care, and dignity,” she added.
Dignitaries in attendance included Assemblymembers Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside), Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) and David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows); Councilmembers Linda Lee (D-Oakland Gardens), Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) and Vickie Paladino (R-Whitestone); and a representative of U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Nassau, Suffolk, Queens).
According to the Commonpoint tribute, Judith Wohlberg grew up as one of eight children. Only she and two of her siblings survived the horrors of the camp. Throughout her imprisonment, Wohlberg credited her sister for playing a pivotal role in helping save her life.
Following her liberation she immigrated to the United States to rebuild her life. She met her husband, Jacob. They raised three daughters. In 1980, they settled in Kew Gardens and became highly active and devoted members of the Kew Gardens Synagogue.
Throughout her life in America, she has poured her energy into supporting Jewish education, advocating for Holocaust remembrance, and helping extended family members establish new lives in safety.
She has shared her testimony through the USC Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive, participated in impactful educational initiatives such as Names Not Numbers, and spoken publicly to educate future generations about history. Her family includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
George Schiffman grew up with five brothers and one sister. His family owned a bakery and grocery store. In April 1944, they were forced into a ghetto and then deported to Auschwitz. He would be the sole survivor of his immediate family, making it through unimaginable hardship with determination, intelligence and resilience.
Schiffman came to the United States in 1947. He met his wife on the beach at Coney Island, and together they raised three children. He became a highly skilled craftsman, cutting slipcovers and draperies for well-known public figures, earning him the nickname the “Slipcover Cutter to the Stars.”
His family describes Schiffman as their Superman, a man who overcame severe medical challenges, survived the profound trauma of the Holocaust and rebuilt a life, defined by strength, dignity and purpose.
Link to story: https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/holocaust-survivors-honored-at-age-100/article_6991f8c9-5114-5cff-8dc6-e5f3a8e0454d.html