From Horror to Hope: Janet Singer Applefield's Journey of Survival and Resilience in the Holocaust

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. Today’s episode is brought to you byNewspapers.com.   I’m your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today’s episode is one that will deeply move you, inspire you, and remind you of the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Our guest today is Janet Singer Applefield, a Holocaust survivor who has spent decades sharing her harrowing, yet hopeful story with people all over the world. As a young girl in Nowy Targ, Poland, Janet, then known as Gustawa Singer, lived a blissful life surrounded by family and love. But that idyllic childhood was shattered in 1939 when Hitler’s army invaded Poland, setting off a chain of events that would forever change her life.

Separated from her parents at just seven years old, Janet faced unimaginable loss and fear. Yet, in the midst of the darkest chapter in human history, she encountered the incredible bravery of strangers who risked everything to save her life. These experiences, once locked away in the recesses of her memory, have become the foundation of her powerful memoir, "Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust."

Today, at 88 years old, Janet not only reflects on her past but also uses her story to educate future generations. Her tireless efforts have reached thousands of students, and she has even played a pivotal role in advocating for genocide education laws. Her message is clear: we must never forget, and we must always stand against hatred and bigotry in all its forms.

In this episode, Janet will share her journey of survival, resilience, and rediscovery. She will take us through the traumatic years of the Holocaust, the poignant moments of reunion with her father, and the long path to healing that led her to where she is today—a woman dedicated to spreading hope, courage, and the power of compassion.

So, join us as we listen to Janet’s extraordinary story. It’s a story of tragedy, yes, but also one of profound triumph—a reminder that even in the face of the greatest evil, the light of humanity can never be fully extinguished.

Thanks for joining us today on The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast.  Today’s episode is brought to you byNewspapers.com Please support our sponsors as they support our show.  My thanks always to Executive Producer Sam Heninger for all his work on the show and my thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  Be well, be safe and Let’s Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better on radio and podcast.  Thanks, everybody, and we’ll see you next week.

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