In a recent sad announcement from the Congregation Beth El synagogue, Fanny Lebovits, a treasured Holocaust survivor and longtime San Diego resident, has passed away. Lebovits was a respected figure in the community, often sharing her life experiences and endlessly raising her voice against antisemitism. A definitive loss, her contribution to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and its atrocities will endure.
Lebovits described her life story in a memoir published in 2019, outlining her horrifying experiences during the Holocaust. According to the Jewish Federation of San Diego, she bravely faced the adversity of surviving five concentration camps and the Libau ghetto.
Born in Latvia, Lebovits moved to San Diego in 1979 and became a lifelong member of the New Life Club for Holocaust Survivors and their families. The Jewish Federation of San Diego praised her, saying, "Incredibly brave and loving, she shared her story countless times with thousands of children and adults to ensure that we never forget the lessons of the Holocaust."
In an earlier La Jolla Light article, Lebovits spoke about her experience in the concentration camps, noting that her survival was due in part to many miracles. Her memoir, "Memories, Miracles & Meaning: Insights of a Holocaust Survivor," written when she was 95, became a testament not only to the unimaginable events she lived through but also to her determination to fiercely combat hate and to promote love and resilience. The strength and courage displayed over her 100 years of life will be sorely missed, and her commitment to fighting against hate remain forever inspirational.
Fanny Lebovits is survived by her nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who will hopefully carry on her legacy and commitment to the truth about Holocaust, shining a light on the immeasurable importance of love, understanding, and resilience.
