Three mothers, forced to hide their pregnancies while facing the worst conditions imaginable, gave birth in or en route to a concentration camp as World War II was ending. Dr. Mark Olsky of Fitchburg will share his mother’s story courtesy of the Belleville Public Library on Thursday, May 18th at 7:00 pm at the Belleville High School Auditorium.
Olsky’s mother Rachel was one of three young, pregnant women profiled in the global best seller, Born Survivors. Written by Wendy Holden, the book chronicles the story of how the three women managed to not only survive a Nazi concentration camp, but keep their pregnancies hidden and successfully deliver their babies. These “babies”, now in their seventies, went on to lead lives of public service, with Olsky treating thousands of patients right here in southern Wisconsin.
“Born Survivors is really the story of our mothers,” said Olsky. “They are the heroes who saved the three of us and because of their bravery, we’ve been blessed with the chance to help other people.”
The Library is pleased to present a video introduction from author Holden. Joining Olsky will be survivor Hana Berger, lately of California, along with Brian Petersohn, whose father administered medical treatment that saved baby Hana’s life when the camp was liberated.
Copies of Holden’s book will be available for purchase.
Funding provided by the Friends of the Belleville Public Library.