You read about the Holocaust in history books - now, hearing a personal account brings history to life.

‘Surviving The Holocaust’ is both a personal testimony and an educational programme sharing the experiences of Lady Zahava Kohn, her parents, brother, and wider family during the Second World War. Told by Zahava’s daughter, Hephzibah Rudofsky, the presentation explores Zahava’s childhood in Palestine and Holland, the family's imprisonment in concentration camps, and their journey to rebuild their lives after the war.

Book a talk

A STORY OF SURVIVAL

It is May 1943. The Kanareks are arrested by the SS in Amsterdam and taken to Westerbork, a transit camp in northeast Holland. In January 1944, they are deported to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where Rosy fights to protect her 8-year-old daughter, Zahava, while secretly preserving a record of their lives before and during their ordeal.

Now, 80 years later, Zahava’s experiences and memories live on through Hephzibah, who has made it her mission to share this remarkable story with a new generation.

Through Zahava’s experiences, historical artefacts, and original documents, Hephzibah ensures that her mother’s story is never forgotten, bringing history to life for audiences today.

“Over the years, I have spoken to audiences from all backgrounds and religions. The story of my mother’s survival carries universal lessons about resilience, tolerance and the importance of remembering.

Sharing my mother’s story is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is my mission to ensure that this history is never forgotten.”

— Hephzibah Rudofsky

MORE THAN AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME

For over 15 years, Hephzibah has spoken at hundreds of schools, universities, and organizations across the UK, Germany, and the USA. Using original photographs, artefacts, letters, and video footage of her mother sharing her experiences, she provides a deeply personal connection to this history.