Simone Salen was a small child at the time and her father, Israel Goldhirsch put her and her mother into hiding until they could ultimately reach England, where she and her mother were hidden and protected from the Nazi regime.
Simone told her story to an audience of 52 people who assembled at the Cody Seventh-day Adventist Church to hear Holocaust survivor tell the story of her and her family’s desperate attempts, and ultimate success by God’s grace, to escape Vienna, Austria, during the Holocaust of World War II.
Simone’s father, Israel Goldhirsch, did not escape without multiple failed attempts, beatings and near-death experiences. His compelling story is now published in the book, My Father’s Lost Diary.
“Simone has felt called to share her family’s story with all ages in order to continue to educate the public about the horrors of the Holocaust and the anti-Semitism that is still taking place today all over the world, including the United States, and even here in Wyoming,” said Samantah Nelson, who organized Simone Salen’s visit to Cody.
Prior to speaking at the Cody Church Monday evening, Simone spoke at the Cody High School assembly on Friday to a group of 200 students, and again Monday afternoon to the students at SonShine Academy in Worland.
“We are greatly indebted to Simone and other Holocaust survivors for bravely sharing their stories so the past will not be forgotten—or repeated,” commented Samantha Nelson.
—Samantha Nelson; text and photos
