Evi, who immigrated to NYC in 1960, detailed how she and her mother—who had narrowly escaped deportation and joined Evi in Hungary—went into hiding for a harrowing year until they were liberated by the Soviet Army. Evi was full of wit, grace, and positivity as she recounted some of the more difficult moments of her time in hiding and doing whatever she could to avoid being identified as a Jew. 

She answered a series of thoughtful student questions about life during the War and her experiences in its aftermath. Students also heard from current Dalton Junior Izzy Intrater who discussed her experience working with Evi through Witness Theater, a program that fosters relationships between high school students and Holocaust survivors through drama therapy. It was a sobering and memorable afternoon. More than anything, it grounded our study of what can, at times, feel like unconscionable, far-off events in a real human face, voice, and story. Noting that there are vanishingly few years left for such encounters, students were captivated by and grateful for Evi’s visit.

Story submitted by Middle School Teachers, Zach Terrell & Joshua Bachrach