Kansas Citian Eta Mandelberger is looking forward to Feb. 10 when she will celebrate a double milestone: her 100th birthday, and her Holocaust survival.
Born in Lodz, Poland, to Meyer and Malka Tusk, Eta, her twin sister Mila, their brother Abram and elder sister Lala lived comfortable lives until World War II. Eta lost her twin, her brother and her mother, the latter two dying in Auschwitz. Eta herself spent time in Auschwitz and Bergen Belsen before being liberated by the British army in 1945.
Shortly thereafter, Eta was sent to Malmo, Sweden, where she met and ultimately married fellow concentration camp survivor Emil Mandelberger. After the birth of their daughter, Miriam, in 1949, Eta and Emil immigrated to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York. There, Eta gave birth to two more children, Arthur and Fanny.
Feeling that the war had robbed her of an education, Eta went on to earn a GED certificate and attended Brooklyn College, where she graduated with a sociology degree. Because she was fluent in Polish, German and English, Eta ultimately was able to help fellow Holocaust survivors gain restitution from the German government.
Despite the fact that Eta was exposed to searing tragedy from an early age, her children say she did not believe in harboring grudges, and she passed on the philosophy of compassion to them.
“Mom wanted us to know and understand that people are basically good and will do the right thing if given half a chance,” says Eta’s daughter, Miriam Scharf.
“Mom modeled how love transcends divisiveness, otherness and hate. Words aren’t sufficient for the depth of love, guidance, courage and wisdom Mom has instilled in us,” says Eta’s daughter, Fanny Mandelberger.
Eta’s children feel that the war shaped Eta’s twin priorities: education and family. “Mom feels it important to have education and skills because, as she puts it, ‘You never know what life will bring, but no one can take your education away from you,’” Miriam says.
“Mom’s dedication to us, her family (including grandchildren and great-grandchildren) is huge, given the genocide of her mother, grandparents, siblings, and more. It made it all the more meaningful,” Fanny says.
Eta’s well-lived life leaves both daughters with the overall impression of “resilience, determination, and towering strength.” Their brother Arthur Sandy, may he rest in peace, embodied this gift as well and courageously dealt with cancer with grace and resilience.
“Mom, my heart is full of gratitude. We celebrate you!” Fanny says.
ABOVE: Miriam Scharf (nee Mandelberger), Fanny Mandelberger, Eta Mandelberger, Arthur Sandy Mandelberger, and Emil Mandelberger