Erika Estis was born to Jewish parents Paul Freundlich, a pharmacist, and Irma Beith Freundlich on November 14, 1922 in Hamburg, Germany. In 1935, with the passage of the Nuremberg Laws, Erika’s father was forced to give up his apothecary. Since they were living above the business, the family also had to move. In 1938, Erika attended the Talmud Torah Oberrealschule. After Kristallnacht, a teacher at the school suggested that her parents send her on the Kindertransport to England, where she lived for six years, during which time she survived the Blitz. In 1946, Erika immigrated to the United States.

Join the Museum for a program exploring Estis’ life and experiences during and after the Holocaust.

Stories Survive is made possible by the Goldie & David Blanksteen Foundation.

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