NSW Premier Chris Minns pays tribute to Olga Horak
NSW Premier Chris Minns joins her family and the Sydney Jewish Museum in paying tribute to Olga Horak, a Holocaust survivor and passionate educator, who has passed away at the age of 98.
Olga Horak and her grandson Anthony Levin
NSW Premier Minns wrote to the family, stating: “Mrs Horak will be remembered as a strong and resilient woman and a remarkable Australian. Having endured the horrors of the Holocaust and survived no less than five Nazi camps and losing her entire family, Mrs Horak could have been forgiven for turning her back on the world.
Instead, she chose to become a compassionate and articulate voice for her people, ensuring the atrocities of the Shoah would never be forgotten. She spread a message that is as relevant and important today as it has ever been. Never forget. Learn the lessons of history so that we do not make the same terrible mistakes again.
Mrs Horak said, ‘Being alive, I find this to be a personal triumph. I shall never forget the past, it would be an insult to the victims. We should always remember, and say never again.’
We have been privileged that Mrs Horak chose to make her home here in Australia, a place that she called ‘paradise.’”
Premier Minns’s words echo the sentiments of many who were touched by Mrs Horak’s life. Her journey, marked by unimaginable loss and resilience, is a testament to her strength and the legacy she leaves behind.
Olga Horak’s grandson, Anthony Levin said on behalf of her family: “She came to Australia in 1949 with nothing, still haunted by the unspeakable horrors of Auschwitz and Belsen. And together with her husband John, they started a successful business (Hibodress), a family, and a radically new Jewish-Aussie life.
Since then, her contribution to Holocaust education and fighting antisemitism has been nothing less than titanic. Only a few days ago, a week shy of 98, she attended my niece’s school to share her testimony with the Year 6 class. Her commitment was unwavering until the end. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of the thousands of people she touched. I have no doubt that her memory will indeed be a blessing.”
In paying tribute to Olga, the Sydney Jewish Museum stated: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the beloved Holocaust survivor, Olga Horak OAM. Despite the unimaginable tragedy she faced, Olga was an exuberant force of life. She was a founding member of the Sydney Jewish Museum. For over 30 years, she shared her story of survival with thousands of people from all walks of life, dedicating her life to speaking for those who had their voices taken away. So many who had the privilege of meeting her describe the experience as life-changing.
Olga often said: ‘My message for the future is not to hate. Respect people. Have dialogue with people from different backgrounds.’ Her life story and message about the dangers of hate will live on at the Museum so that future generations can continue to learn from her.
After over 80 years, she is now reunited with her beloved sister, parents, and grandparents. She was a cherished member of the Museum family and will be dearly missed by our entire community. May her memory be a blessing.”
Mrs Horak was also 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.”
An extraordinary life
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. 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.”
Mrs Horak’s work at the Sydney Jewish Museum, where she volunteered for decades, 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.
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’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.
“People say ‘Live for the future, don’t live in the past’ but I don’t live in the past, the past lives in me.” – Olga Horak
Olga Horack was awarded the OAM in the Australia Day awards in 2014
As the community mourns her passing, Olga Horak’s life will continue to inspire those who hear her story. The funeral service will take place at the Sydney Chevra Kadisha on Monday, 19 August, at 11:00 am, where family and friends will gather to honour her memory.
