Holocaust Survivor Trudie Stroble Shares Life Story With Westridge Community

On November 7, almost 74 years after the end of the Holocaust,  Trudie Stroble sat in front of the Upper School Ethics classes in the Community Room and recounted her experiences of survival - only one week after the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. The relevance of her story was particularly painful considering the recent events, but having recounted her and her family’s life of strength and perseverance, her lasting message was that love always prevails. “Why hate someone?” asked Trudie. “We must not hate them - I don’t know how to hate. I only feel love.”

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A role model for all, Stroble is an inspiring testament to the power of love and courage.  During her talk, she recounted her favorite doll given to her by her Papa being ripped away by the Nazis when they first took her, the vivid memories of dogs’ gnashing teeth and the soldiers’ black shiny boots when they marched her off, at four years old, like cattle. She also recalled the poignant moment of rescue when she saw American soldiers liberate the concentration camp.  Stroble shared her life experiences after World War II and how she vowed to live a life of compassion and empathy. The love she emits and genuinely feels for all people is a sign of hope in tragic times, and she has one request: that we all share her story.