I met Itka Zygmuntowicz a few years ago while walking the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Itka owned a condo at the Seashore Club since 1999. She would often sit on the boardwalk and engage those passing by in conversation.
One would never guess this outgoing, energetic, funny, eloquent woman lost her entire family during the Holocaust. She spent a number of years at Auschwitz.
Over time, Itka became my friend and a valued visitor to my home. She’d often share her life lessons and with my family.
Itka was also my Friday night date. I’d take her to Downbeach Deli where she would indulge in matzoh ball soup and talk to virtually everyone in the restaurant.
Itka LOVES people. She lights up when she given the opportunity to meet and talk with new faces.
One of Itka’s favorite expressions: I collect kind people.
The last words her mom said to her before they parted was “Remember, my child, no matter what will happen to you, don’t become hateful and bitter, don’t let them destroy you.” These words have stayed with Itka and has become the fiber for which she lives.
Since 1970, Itka has shared her experiences at universities, schools, and religious organizations as a member of the Speaker’s Bureau of Jewish Community Relations Council.
Itka is a member of the Memorial Committee for the Six Million Jewish Martyrs and the Association of Holocaust Survivors.
Itka has shared her story in documentaries such as Eye on – Lessons of the Holocaust; From Pain Comes Knowledge and the Israeli production Out of the Ashes.
To learn more about Itka’s story and her life lessons, consider reading one or more of her books which are available on Amazon.com:
Remember My Child – Itka’s heroic story told in her own words.
You Only Have What you Give Away – Poetry Book expressing her Holocaust experiences
The Power of Words and Deeds – Poetry Book expressing her Holocaust experiences
Itka has so many inspiration words and lessons to share. Her books are a must read!
“People don’t care who I am they care about how I treat them. And if you treat every person with kindness and honesty you will always have friends.”
“Kindness is the highest form of religion, education and achievement.”
Itka Frajman Zygmuntowicz is a survivor of the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Itka bears witness so that the Holocaust will never be forgotten or repeated. She writes both prose and poetry, expressing her deepest messages and feelings. Her poetry gives voice to the pain and longings, as well as the joy, that is so powerful within her.
Her poems touch upon her horrifying experiences but also convey an uplifting message of love, hope and tolerance. Today, Itka, a former fashion designer, splits her time between Philadelphia, PA, and Atlantic City, NJ.