Holocaust Education Through Voices of Valor

🎧 Holocaust education through voices of valor is heard through lived experience in this moving audio interview as Betsy Wurzel speaks with Holocaust educator Joanne D. Gilbert about survivor memories, courageous women resisters, and the urgent need to remember. Listen and bear witness to stories that must never be forgotten  Listen here

On this episode of Chatting with Betsy, Betsy Wurzel welcomes author and Holocaust educator Joanne D. Gilbert for a deeply moving conversation centered on Holocaust education through voices of valor. Betsy and Joanne explore how survivor stories, remembrance, and education continue to shape lives across generations — especially at a time when antisemitism is rising around the world.

During the interview, Joanne reflects on growing up in Oak Park, Michigan — a predominantly Jewish suburb where many neighbors were Holocaust Survivors. As a child, she noticed the numbers on their arms, heard their stories, and learned that some of her friends had been born in Displaced Persons Camps. These early memories shaped her lifelong commitment to Holocaust education.

Joanne credits her beloved grandmother, Millie Wineman Ron, for inspiring her passion for storytelling and remembrance. That influence led her to seek out Holocaust Survivors and share their stories through books, plays, and educational outreach.

Betsy and Joanne discuss Joanne’s work documenting Jewish women who bravely resisted the Nazis, fully aware of the consequences. One such story is about Miriam M. Brysk, who at just eight years old learned to survive and defend herself while living in the forest during the Holocaust.

Joanne also shares her powerful play, Voices of Valor, where students speak the exact words of Holocaust Survivors. Audiences — including students and faculty — have been deeply moved by these performances. The play serves as a reminder of why Holocaust education through voices of valor must be preserved and passed on.

Betsy recalls her own memories of learning about the Holocaust through graphic films at a young age — images that stayed with her and caused many sleepless nights. She also remembers a couple in her hometown who were Survivors. They seemed much older than they were, likely because of the trauma they had endured. Betsy expresses deep sadness for their daughter, who had no extended family — all murdered during the Holocaust.

Together, they discuss how Holocaust trauma affects second and third generations. Joanne reflects on her travels through Europe, listening to Survivors’ stories and witnessing the emotional impact her play has had on communities and schools.

Betsy strongly encourages listeners to visit Joanne’s website to explore her books, learn more about her work, or invite her to speak to book clubs or organizations via Zoom.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Millie Wineman Ron, all those who resisted the Nazis, and the six million Jewish people murdered simply for being Jewish.

Now more than ever, Holocaust education through voices of valor must continue — because forgetting is never an option.

Now more than ever, Holocaust education voices of valor must continue — because forgetting is never an option.

About the Author: Joanne D. Gilbert is an author, writer, playwright, educator, public speaker, and sought-after Holocaust educator. Her work focuses on Holocaust resistance, survivor testimony, and the importance of remembrance through education.

She is currently writing Women of Valor: French Resisters to the Third Reich (publication pending).

To explore her work or schedule a speaking engagement: 👉 https://joannedgilbert.com

🎵 Listening to conversations like this reminds us why stories matter — especially those filled with pain, courage, and truth. By sharing survivor voices and honoring those who resisted, we help ensure history is remembered with humanity and care.

Passionate World Talk Radio Network is committed to thoughtful conversations that educate, inspire, and create understanding across generations.

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