Marianne Miller, a 100-year-old Holocaust survivor, recently shared her powerful story of survival at the United Nations General Assembly. Born in Budapest during World War II, Miller's life was forever marked by the horrors of the Holocaust. Her journey from Israel to New York City on International Holocaust Remembrance Day served as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed just 80 years ago.
Miller recounted a chilling experience from 1944 when she and her mother were lined up with other women and children, destined for Auschwitz. In a desperate act of courage, Miller's mother ripped off her yellow star and fled, clutching her baby daughter. A young Hungarian Nazi soldier pursued them, threatening to kill the infant. Miller's mother offered her wedding ring to the soldier, pleading for their lives. In a moment of unexpected mercy, the soldier accepted the ring and allowed them to escape.
This act of bravery and the soldier's surprising compassion were just some of the miracles that allowed Miller to survive. Her story, which she shared with thousands during the International March of the Living, inspired the film "The Ring," co-starring her son, Adir Miller.
At the UN, Miller's message resonated with a plea for love and remembrance. She emphasized the importance of never forgetting the Holocaust and ensuring such atrocities never happen again. Her presence at the UN, alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog, underscored the significance of her testimony. Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, expressed his gratitude for Miller's presence, highlighting the importance of her story being heard on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event also included an exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Miller's powerful words – "Don't hate, love" – served as a call to action, urging the world to choose compassion over prejudice. Her story stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering the past to build a better future.
