Judith Kleinman's Story

Introduction

• Judith Kleinman, a Jewish girl born in Venice, Italy, in 1938.
• Family moved to Milan three years later.
• Lives with mother, Anna, and grandmother, Leah, after father's disappearance.

Childhood Memories

• Strong bond with her mother; mother played, read stories, and answered questions.
• Despite war, Judith felt carefree.

Historical Context

• 1922: Mussolini appointed Prime Minister; Italy becomes totalitarian.
• Italy's ties with Nazi Germany strengthen through various events.
• Summer 1938: Anti-Semitic legislation enacted, stripping Jews of rights.
• 1943: After Mussolini's removal, Germany invades Italy.

Fateful Day in January 1944

• Mother's call from a public phone leads to a dramatic change.
• Family hurriedly packs; Judith senses danger.
• Taken to a room with a Nazi; forced to choose between her mother and a Christian neighbor.
• In a moment of fear, she chooses the neighbor, leading to separation from her family.

Life in the Convent

• Taken to a convent for safety.
• Told not to reveal she is Jewish; befriends Christian girls.
• Confused about identity due to a conversation about belly buttons.

Encounter with Nazis

• Nazis search for Jewish girls; a nun protects Judith.
• Judith adopts dual identity: Christian during the day, Jewish at night.

Decision to Leave the Convent

• After the war, Jews from a brigade come for Judith.
• Conflicted feelings about leaving the convent where she felt safe.
• Ultimately chooses to leave for Eretz Israel, believing her family might be there.

New Life in Eretz Israel

• Moved to a gathering area for Jewish children, then to Silvino.
• Reconnected with Jewish heritage; learned Hebrew and celebrated Jewish traditions.

Discovery of Family Fate

• At age 12, learns the truth about her family's fate: mother and grandmother died in Auschwitz.
• Struggled with acceptance of their deaths.

Life After the War

• Transferred to Kval Batya, a youth village for Holocaust survivors.
• Lives with aunt in Haifa, served in the army, became a teacher, married, and had children.

Reflection and Writing

• Misses her mother profoundly during significant life events.
• A moment with her daughter triggers memories of her own traumatic choices.
• Begins writing her story as a means of processing her past.

Sharing Her Story

• Over the years, Yehudit shares her experiences with various groups, including military officers and students.
• Her story serves as a testament to survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable choices.