by Dennis Augustine
During Jewish American Heritage Month, we pause to recognize and honor the extraordinary life of our friend Ruth Litwin, whom Cecile and I shared a Shabbat dinner with recently with her wonderful husband Stan at their lovely home. Ruth is a woman of remarkable courage, compassion, and conviction.
Born to Holocaust survivors and raised in a displaced persons camp, Ruth experienced firsthand the enduring impact of history’s darkest chapters. Rather than let that history fade, she made it her life’s mission to ensure future generations would never forget.
After the war, Ruth's father contributed to rebuilding efforts by helping construct a hospital at the Bergen-Belsen Displaced Persons camp. In a 2019 letter to the editor, she shared that her parents immigrated to the U.S. with her when she was two years old, building a new life in America.
For decades, Ruth visited classrooms in California, sharing her story and teaching students the lessons of the Holocaust—lessons of justice, resilience, and the danger of indifference. Through her tireless efforts, she gave voice to the six million Jews who perished and empowered thousands of young people to speak out against hatred in all its forms.
In recognition of her efforts, Ruth was honored by the California State Assembly during Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) in April 2025. Escorted by Assembly Member Gail Pellerin, she was acknowledged for her commitment to educating others about the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance.
This May, as we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, we remember Ruth not only as a survivor, but as a beacon of moral courage. Her story is part of the broader Jewish American journey—a journey marked by resilience, contribution, and the unyielding pursuit of truth.
“You cannot transmit memory unless you live it and share it. Ruth lived it, and she gave it away—so that others might carry it forward.” Let us continue to carry her light!
