Gershon Lipenholtz
"Future generations have the solemn obligation and responsibility to remind the world of the Holocaust’s existence. You must prevent apathy to crimes, suffering and exploitation of people less fortunate and less educated than yourself. I am proud to support the democratic state of Israel and pray for the safety and security of the people working toward peace in the Middle East."
Name at birth
Gershon Lipenholtz
Date of birth
04/07/1934
Where did you grow up?
Vilna, Lithuania
Name of father, occupation
Mojshe Lipenholtz,
Shoemaker
Maiden name of mother, occupation
Esther Grazul,
Homemaker
Immediate family (names, birth order)
Parents, three daughters and one son: Riwa Lipenholtz margulies, Menucha Lipenholtz Kunianski, Miriam Lipenholtz Lewin and Gershon
How many in entire extended family?
Unknown
Who survived the Holocaust?
My entire immediated family survived
I was 4 years old when the war broke out. My parents had me placed in a Christian orphanage hidden with my sister, Miriam who was 14 years old, ten years older than me. My parents escaped to Siberia with my two older sisters, Menucha and Riwa. My sister Miriam worked in the kitchen and snuck me extra food that she would mash up in her pockets. All of the orphans were hungry and there was not adequate nutrition for each child.
The administrators of the orphanage kept trying to separate us because of our age difference but Miriam refused to leave me. I was so young, I would never have understood that I was Jewish but for my beloved sister looking out for me.
After the war, we were in a DP camp in Germany. I attended an ORT school and studied to be an electrician. I was always good with my hands and I wasn’t afraid of electricity.
When we got to Detroit, I studied to become a commercial electrician and with my electrician’s license, I joined the electricians’ union. I was able to work on many exciting commercial buildings and public schools in Detroit. My favorite projects included helping to erect the Detroit Renaissance Center and volunteering my skills to Habitat for Humanity. I also helped many religious families in our community install timers on their lights so that they would have adequate lighting on Shabbat (Sabbath).
I am in awe of the technological advances that are occurring so rapidly.
Where were you in hiding?
A Christian Orphanage
What DP Camp were you after the war?
Yes in Germany, attended an ORT school to become an electrician
When did you come to the United States?
1951 to New York
Where did you settle?
Philadelphia then to Detroit for better opportunities
Occupation after the war
Union Electrician, IBEW, Local 58
When and where were you married?
1963
Spouse
Sonia Gold Lipenholtz,
Teacher
Children
Estee Lipenholtz, attorney Saul Lipenholtz, business analyst
What do you think helped you to survive?
My sister Miriam, who looked out for me.
What message would you like to leave for future generations?
Future generations have the solemn obligation and responsibility to remind the world of the Holocaust’s existence.
You must prevent apathy to crimes, suffering and exploitation of people less fortunate and less educated than yourself.
I am proud to support the democratic state of Israel and pray for the safety and security of the people working toward peace in the Middle East.
Interviewer:
Charles Silow
Interview date:
04/04/2011
Experiences
Survivor's map
