Holocaust survivor Olga Horak OAM passes away at 98, leaving a legacy of hope and education

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Olga Horak OAM, a Holocaust survivor and passionate educator, has passed away at the age of 98.

Olga Horack   “Do not to hate. Respect people. Have dialogue with people from different backgrounds.”   Photo: Katherine Griffiths

Her life story is an inspirational testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Born in 1926 in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, Olga’s life changed dramatically with the outbreak of World War II. In 1944, at just 16 years old, she and her family were deported to Auschwitz, where she experienced the horrific realities of the Holocaust.

Olga’s father and sister were among the many who were immediately sent to the gas chambers. Olga and her mother were subjected to brutal forced labour and the inhumane conditions of the camp. Despite the unimaginable horrors, Olga’s bond with her mother gave her the strength to survive. In her memoir “From Auschwitz to Australia” she wrote, “We cooked verbally…and promised ourselves to make the most beautiful cakes if we survived.” These imagined meals were a way to cope with the gnawing hunger and despair that surrounded them.

Later in 1944, Olga and her mother were forced on a death march to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. The conditions were horrific, and both women contracted typhus. In her memoir Olga poignantly recalls the moment of liberation: “I was liberated, but my mother didn’t make it. Just one day after freedom, she took her last breath.” This devastating loss meant that, at 18, Olga was left completely alone, a survivor but with no immediate family left.

After the war, Olga made the arduous journey to rebuild her life. In 1949, she emigrated to Australia with her husband, John Horak, also a Holocaust survivor. Together, they started a family in Sydney, where they became active members of the Jewish community. Olga co-founded the Sydney Jewish Museum, dedicating her life to educating others about the Holocaust and ensuring that the memories of those who perished were never forgotten. In her memoir, she expresses this commitment: “To forget my past is an insult to all martyrs and my family. I owe it to them to tell my story so that future generations will not forget.”

Olga’s work at the Sydney Jewish Museum, where she volunteered for decades, has touched countless lives. Her storytelling, grounded in her own painful experiences, has provided a human connection to history for all who have had the opportunity to hear her speak. In recognition of her tireless efforts, Olga was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2014.

Olga was the Patron of the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors & Descendants after having been a member of the Board of Directors and Vice-President for a number of years.

Dr. George Foster, President of the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors & Descendants, spoke fondly of Olga, saying, “Olga was a wonderful, caring, determined woman who was always willing to give her time to speak of her experiences and teach the lessons of prejudice and racism. She was forthright in her opinions, but always truthful and honest. We had a very close relationship and were able to share our thoughts and feelings openly without favour. We were honoured and privileged to call her our friend. She will be sadly missed by all those who knew her and by those who will not be able to hear her story.”

In addition to her educational work, Olga found solace in art. Her paintings and sculptures, many of which are influenced by her experiences during the Holocaust, are both a reflection of her trauma and a testament to her resilience. “My colours turned black and my flowers turned into dark skulls,” she recently told the Sydney Jewish Museum, describing how her past influenced her art. Yet, despite the darkness, her art also carried themes of renewal and hope.

Olga Horak’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to remembrance. Her memoir, along with her work at the Sydney Jewish Museum where she shared her story with thousands of visitors, ensures that her story, and the stories of those who did not survive, will continue to educate and inspire future generations.