Irena Peritz, a remarkable Holocaust survivor, passed away peacefully in Montreal on January 30, 2023, on what would have been her 98th birthday. Her life story is not only a testament to resilience but also a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the enduring spirit of humanity. Through her diary, she chronicled her harrowing experiences during World War II, ultimately emerging as a beacon of hope and gratitude for life itself.
A Life Shaped by Trauma
Irena Koretz was born on January 30, 1928, in Boryslaw, Poland, into a family that enjoyed a comfortable life. However, that life was shattered when Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939. Forced to flee their home, Irena and her family endured unimaginable suffering, including a year in a slave labour camp and four months of hiding in a cramped attic to escape the Nazis.
In her diary, she vividly recounted those dark days and the sheer terror of living under constant threat. On August 8, 1944, when Soviet troops liberated her, she wrote, “For the first time in four months I feel wind and sun against my skin. I fill my lungs with fresh air and breathe freedom. I have nothing, but I have everything – my life.” This entry encapsulated her profound appreciation for the simplest of freedoms, a sentiment echoed by her daughter, Ingrid Peritz, who noted her mother’s lifelong wonder at the world around her.
Honouring the Past
Irena’s commitment to remembering her past and honouring those who did not survive the Holocaust was evident throughout her life. In 2002, she collaborated with her friend Sally Spilhaus to publish her diary, aiming to educate others about the Holocaust and pay tribute to the victims. She generously donated her memoir and a collection of tributes from childhood friends to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Reflecting on her experiences, Irena once stated, “It gave me a wonderful appreciation of life… It’s the experiences that you don’t live through that you should regret, not the ones you do.” This perspective allowed her to navigate the complexities of her trauma with grace and humility.
A Legacy of Kindness and Curiosity
Irena’s legacy extends beyond her survival story; it is also defined by her profound kindness and interest in others. Friends and family remember her as a woman who made everyone feel valued and heard. Her son-in-law, Josh Freed, remarked, “She had a PhD in life,” highlighting her ability to engage deeply with those around her.
Born into a Jewish family, Irena embraced cultural and social diversity throughout her life, even after moving to Quebec City in 1949. She instilled in her children a love for the arts and an appreciation for education, even enrolling them in French schools long before it was common for non-francophones. Her dedication to her family and community was unwavering, inspiring the next generation to embody the traits she cherished most: resilience, kindness, and gratitude.
A Life Well-Lived
Irena’s active lifestyle remained a cornerstone of her identity well into her later years. A member of the “Lunch Bunch” running group, she spent many summers hiking in Maine and engaged in various activities at her seniors residence, from choir to tai chi. Even during the isolating months of the COVID-19 pandemic, she remained active, following workouts from her room.
Her love for life extended to her grandchildren, whom she encouraged to embrace every experience fully. As her grandson Daniel Feist noted, she wanted them to live life to the fullest, making memories rather than merely saving money. Last year, she lit extra candles during Passover to remember those she lost, including the couple who adopted her first child, with whom she was reunited just two years before her death.
Why it Matters
Irena Peritz’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her commitment to sharing her experiences serves not only as a tribute to those who perished but also as a vital lesson for future generations. In a world still grappling with injustice and discrimination, Irena’s life encourages us to stand against hatred and cherish the relationships that enrich our lives. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who strive for a kinder, more compassionate world.
