Holocaust survivor: 'You have to be hopeful'

COEUR d’ALENE — When Carla Peperzak is asked how she’s doing, her answer is always the same: 

“Hanging in there.” 

But the life of this 100-year-old has been about far more than hanging in there. As a young woman growing up in Holland, she survived the Holocaust and went up against the Nazis in the 1940s during World War II. 

“She saw an opportunity to be a helper, so she helped,” said Dr. Mary Noble, keynote speaker at the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations luncheon Wednesday. 

Peperzak’s actions were heroic. She joined the Dutch underground and found hiding places for fellow Jewish people. She forged papers. She impersonated a German nurse. She used stolen ration cards to buy food for those being persecuted. 

“She saved the lives of 42 Jewish people,” Noble said.  

The Spokane resident was one of about 100 people at the KCTFHR’s annual event, and when introduced, received standing ovations. 

Afterward, she graciously stayed, even stood, as people lined up to shake her hand, look her in the eye and express gratitude. 

“Thank you very much,” said Amy Hebert. 

The luncheon was held at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn on what would have been the 95th birthday of Anne Frank. The famous diary of the German-born Jewish girl told of her family’s life hiding for two years during the German occupation of the Netherlands.

Anne Frank wrote this: “Where there’s hope, there’s life, it fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.” 

When they were found, they were sent to concentration camps. Anne Frank died at the age of 15. 

Jody Hiltenbrand, task force president, said they have come far in their fight against discrimination but have far to go. 

“Let's keep Anne’s spirit in our hearts today as we continue the long works of human rights,” she said. 

Tony Stewart, task force secretary and event emcee, said Anne Frank, “left us a road map on how to live by embracing love, compassion, giving of ourselves the greater good, courage and devotion to a world that has respect for all humanity.” 

Stewart said the luncheon was timely as the area has been facing challenges "from a small minority spewing hatred, bigotry and prejudice."

“Let me be clear that these perpetrators of hate will fail in their efforts to change our values and who we are as a people,” he said. 

Stewart said there were many wonderful people in the room who are taking a stand and making a difference. 

“You will not remain silent,” he said. 

The luncheon featured Noble and Hershel Zellman, M.D., of Spokane. Noble and Zellman, members of Temple Beth Shalom, are the founders of the annual remembrance of the Holocaust at Temple Beth Shalom. Zellman is one of the co-founders of the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force, now Human Rights Spokane. 

Noble and Zellman said Jewish people face persecution still today, but still find hope. 

“We can remember Anne Frank's own words, ‘How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world,’” Noble said.  

She said Peperzak has never been a bystander and even at 100, continues to speak up against the consequences of “Nazism, antisemitism and bigotry.” 

“When I’m feeling discouraged, I think of Carla," Nobel said. “It helps.” 

Peperzak was recently honored by the Spokane School District, which opened the Carla Olman Peperzak Middle School on Spokane’s South Hill. In 2020, she was named Washington’s Person of the Year. Her book, “Keys of My Life: A Memoir by Caral Olman Peperzak,” was published by Kendal Hunt Publishers. 

A 90-minute documentary of her life, “Carla: The Rescuer-Screener-Watermarked,” is being produced by Gonzaga University professor Kristine Hoover. 

Peperzak said it’s “difficult to take” when she hears of attacks on Israel and of the persecution of Jewish people in the United States, but she refuses to give in to anger.

“You have to be hopeful,” she said. 

Peperzak said when she speaks to young people, she tells them they should be respectful, always. 

“You can respect a person even if you don't like them,” she said. 

Growing up, and before World War II began, Peperzak knew Anne Frank and her family, and was friends with Anne’s sister, Margot, as they attended the same temple.  

She described Anne Frank as happy and smart. 

“She was a good girl,” Peperzak said. 

She expressed disappointment that bad things seem to make the news and nice is ignored. 

“There's still so much positive in this world,” she said. “There is good in people.” 

Stewart praised Peperzak.

"What a special person as she teaches, especially young people, not only the tragic history of the Holocaust but calling on them to cherish and protect democracy," he said.