Szymon Kozik
"Stand up for yourself as a Jew."
Date of birth
06/24/1912
Where did you grow up?
Mlawa, Poland.
Immediate family (names, birth order)
Parents and seven children.
Who survived the Holocaust?
Just me, I lost everyone.
I was in the Russian army for four years. I was in the front lines and I was very lucky. I stepped on a mine and injured my hand while my buddy lost his leg. I still to this day find it hard to believe that I am still alive. I continue to have nightmares and the war haunts me every day.
After the war I went back to my hometown to find survivors, only to find the town cemetery desecrated. I went to Israel in 1949 where I met my wife. We have one daughter and two grandchildren. I am a religious man and my belief in G-d helped me to survive. I believe in the future of young people, that they should be educated in the studies of the Holocaust through schools and Holocaust museums.
Where were you in the Former Soviet Union?
I was on the front lines of the Russian Army during World War II.
When did you come to the United States?
1956
When and where were you married?
1956 in Israel.
Spouse
Pearl Cohen
Children
Elana, Susan.
Grandchildren
Two.
What do you think helped you to survive?
Luck and my religious upbringing.
What message would you like to leave for future generations?
Stand up for yourself as a Jew.
Experiences
Survivor's map
