Liberation of Auschwitz after 80 years: Ginette Kolinka’s Story of Survival and Resilience
January 27, 1945, was a day of liberation, of freedom, and of hope for the survivors of the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp. Eighty years have passed since the Soviet Army arrived at the gates of the camp, and yet, the memories of the horrors that transpired within those walls remain etched in the minds of the few who survived. Among those survivors is Ginette Kolinka, a Polish-born French citizen who shares her remarkable story of survival and resilience with humor and wit.
A Life Turned Upside Down
Born in 1931 in Cracow, Poland, Ginette Kolinka was just 13 years old when the war broke out. Her family, consisting of her parents and younger brother, were forced to flee their home as the Nazis occupied the city. Tragedy struck when her brother died of malnutrition, leaving her family devastated. In 1943, they were deported to Auschwitz, along with thousands of other Jews from Poland.
Upon arrival, Ginette and her family were forced to endure unimaginable hardships – overcrowding, starvation, disease, and unimaginable cruelty. Her parents died within months, leaving her an orphan at just 14 years old. In the midst of such horror, Ginette discovered a coping mechanism that would stay with her throughout her life: humor.
Laughter in the Face of Despair
In the depths of despair, Ginette began to find ways to make light of the dire situation. She would often play pranks on the guards, making them smile, and engage in witty banter with fellow prisoners. Laughter became a way to release tension, to momentarily forget the constant fear and uncertainty. As she would often say, "If you’re going to be in a hellhole, you might as well make it entertaining!"
Surviving the Worst
Ginette’s ability to find humor in the darkness helped her cope with the constant struggle for survival. She recalls the day she was forced to dig her own grave, thinking it was her last moment alive. Instead, she decided to make the most of it and began to daydream about all the things she would do after the war – "I was going to dance the tango, eat delicious croissants, and buy a new wardrobe!"
The Liberation
January 27, 1945, was the day Ginette’s life was forever changed. As the Soviet Army approached the camp, Ginette and the remaining prisoners waited anxiously, unsure of what lay ahead. When the doors finally opened, Ginette saw the faces of the liberators, and it was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
A Legacy of Resilience
Ginette’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome even the most unimaginable suffering. Her use of humor in the face of horror has inspired countless people around the world. Today, Ginette Kolinka is an internationally recognized speaker and author, sharing her story to educate and entertain audiences.
A Message to the World
As we reflect on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Ginette’s message is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. "Laughter is the best medicine," she says. "It’s not about forgetting what happened, but about finding ways to heal, to move forward, and to never let the horrors of the past define our present."
In the words of Ginette Kolinka, "I may have lost my youth, my family, and my innocence, but I gained something far more precious – the knowledge that even in the depths of despair, we can find ways to laugh, to love, and to keep going."
