Photo of Gita (right) and Zuzana Hojtasova in Prague, 1945. Note that their clothes do not fit—their dresses are short. It is shortly after liberation. Gift of Milton and Gita Kaufman and Howard and Sue Pinsky. 1752.91.
In July 1942, Gita Hojtasova (10 years old), Zuzana Hojtasova (7 years old), and their mother Gertrude were deported from their native Prague to the Terezin concentration camp/ghetto. They were liberated in 1945.
Several artworks Zuzana made in Terezin show the complicated childhood that she endured there. But throughout her work, her abiding love for her mother is clear.
A few examples of art Zuzana made her mother while they were interned at Terezin are shown below.
Child’s drawing for Mother’s Day. Text translates as “Mother’s Day”. Gift of Milton and Gita Kaufman and Howard and Sue Pinsky. 1794.91.Child’s drawing for her mother’s birthday. Zuzana made this birthday card for her mother. The window (with sun) opens up as if shutters to reveal text in Czech. The text translates as: “Dear Mommy, I wish you all the best and hope that next year for your birthday we will be together in Prague. Lots of luck and health wishes you Zuzka.” Gift of Milton and Gita Kaufman and Howard and Sue Pinsky. 1794.91.
Below is a cardboard heart Zuzana made for her mother.
Cut out heart made by Zuzana Hojtas as a child for her mother. Small heart made out of cardboard and paper, with a ribbon attached through two holes at the top. Text in red translates from Czech as “for luck out of love”. Gift of Milton and Gita Kaufman and Howard and Sue Pinsky. 1986.91.
