(New York, NY) – Jack Kliger, CEO and President, and Bruce Ratner, Chairman of the Board, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, issued the following statement today on the passing of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, z”l, a member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees since 2004:
“The world feels a bit darker today with the loss of Ruth Westheimer. Dr. Ruth has been a cherished member of our Board of Trustees for two decades. Known worldwide, the ‘Holocaust orphan’, renowned sex therapist, educator, author, cultural icon passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years old.
Dr. Westheimer’s life story was a testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring human spirit. Born Karola Ruth Siegel in Frankfurt, Germany in 1928, she separated from her family and left Germany on the Kindertransport when she was only 10 years old, never again seeing her family who all lost their lives during the Holocaust. After the war, she emigrated to the United States, where she went on to become a beloved figure, known for her groundbreaking work in the field of human sexuality and her ability to connect with people across generations.
Her association with the Museum of Jewish Heritage was a source of immense pride for both Dr. Westheimer and our institution. As a Board member, she played an integral role in furthering our mission to educate, commemorate, and inspire future generations about the Holocaust and its lessons. Her commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring that its history is never forgotten was unwavering.
Her warmth, wisdom, and tireless advocacy for Holocaust education resonated deeply with our staff, community, and fellow Board members. She often shared her personal story, offering invaluable insights into the indomitable human spirit and the importance of tolerance, understanding, and empathy.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the world at large, the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation honored Dr. Ruth Westheimer in 2016, and the Museum more recently honored Dr. Ruth at its annual Generation to Generation benefit in 2019, citing her dedication to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring that the lessons of history continue to shape a more just and compassionate future.
Dr. Westheimer’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Her legacy as a Holocaust orphan, educator, and advocate for human connection and understanding will continue to inspire us all. The Museum of Jewish Heritage is committed to upholding her vision and furthering her mission.
We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Westheimer’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. The Museum will honor her memory through ongoing initiatives that reflect her commitment to Holocaust education and the values she held dear. Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s remarkable life will forever serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. May her memory be a blessing.”
Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s family has requested that donations be made in her memory to the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir, and YM&YWHA of Washington Heights.
About The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is New York’s contribution to the global responsibility to Never Forget. Opened in 1997, the Museum is committed to the crucial mission of educating diverse visitors about Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust.
The Museum’s current offerings include Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark,a new exhibition about the extraordinary rescue of Denmark’s Jewish population in 1943, a story of mutual aid and communal upstanding in difficult times for visitors aged 9 and up; The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do, a major exhibition offering a timely and expansive presentation of Holocaust history, on view in the main galleries; and, Survivors: Faces of Life After the Holocaust, featuring photographer Martin Schoeller’s portraits of 75 Holocaust survivors in his signature style.
The Museum of Jewish Heritage maintains the Peter & Mary Kalikow Jewish Genealogy Resource Center, a collection of almost 40,000 artifacts, photographs, documentary films, and survivor testimonies, and contains classrooms, a 375-seat theater (Edmond J. Safra Hall), special exhibition galleries, and a memorial art installation, Garden of Stones, designed by internationally acclaimed sculptor Andy Goldsworthy. The Museum also hosts the LOX at Café Bergson an OU-certified café serving eastern European specialties.
Each year, the Museum presents over 100 public programs, connecting our community in person and virtually through lectures, book talks, concerts, and more. For more info visit: http://mjhnyc.org/events. Museum receives general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts. For more information, visit mjhnyc.org.