Remembering those we lost in 2025
The USC Shoah Foundation mourns the passing of members of our community in 2025, including survivors who have given testimony, Manfred Goldberg, Paula Lebovics, Ben Lesser, Aron Bell, David Schaechter, Györgi Kun, Lucy Jacobs, Edward Anders, Rose Girone, Melvin Mathias, Marian Turski, Agnes Keleti, and Jack Meister.
We especially remember Wallis Annenberg, life-time board member and supporter of the Institute; Marvin Levy, longtime friend and supporter; Michele & Rob Reiner, Institute supporters; and Marc Bennett, visual art, film producer, and Institute friend.
We are grateful to the survivors, partners, friends, and family members who entrusted us with their stories and shared their passion for preserving memory for future generations.
May their memories be a blessing.
We remember Manfred Goldberg, 95
Manfred Goldberg was born on April 21, 1930, in Kassel, Germany, to Rosa and Baruch Goldberg. He had a younger brother. Raised by Orthodox Jews, Manfred attended a Jewish primary school. Read more.
We remember Paula Lebovics
USC Shoah Foundation mourns the loss of Holocaust survivor and beloved friend of the Institute Paula Lebovics. She was 92 years old. Lebovics was one of the 12 children standing behind the barbed wire in a famous photo taken during the liberation of the camp. Read more.
We remember Ben Lesser
We remember Ben Lesser, Holocaust survivor and dedicated advocate for Holocaust remembrance.Ben was born in Kraków, Poland, in 1928. Ben and his family were able to avoid the Krakow ghetto by moving… Read more.
Aron Bell, the last living member of the Bielski partisans
We remember Aron Bell, the last living member of the Bielski partisans, led by his three brothers—one of the most successful rescue operations during the Holocaust.Aron was born in Stankiewicze,… Read more.
In memory of David Schaecter, educator and advocate
We remember David Schaecter, survivor of the Holocaust, co-founder of Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, and dedicated advocate for survivors. David was born on August 29, 1929, near the village of Snina… Read more.
In Memoriam: Wallis Annenberg, 1939–2025
The USC Shoah Foundation joins the University of Southern California and countless communities around the world to mourn the passing of Wallis Annenberg, a Life Member of the USC Shoah Foundation… Read more.
We remember György Kun
We are saddened to learn of the passing of György Kun, who gave his testimony in October 1999 in Budapest, Hungary. His daughter, Andrea Szőnyi, an educator and former colleague at the USC Shoah… Read more.