Just In: Holocaust Survivor, Eva Kor, Dies At Age 85

She survived some of the most gruesome Nazi medical experiments.

This story originally appeared at Do You Remember by Jane Kenney.

  • Eva Kor, a Holocaust survivor, has died at the age of 85.
  • After moving to the United States, she opened an educational museum by the name of CANDLES. It serves to teach people about the horrors of the Holocaust.
  • Memorial services are still in planning.

It has sadly been reported that Eva Kor, who was a Holocaust survivor and the founder of CANDLES Museum, has passed away at the age of 85. The CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center released an official statement confirming Eva’s death. They say that Eva died peacefully on July 4th while on her annual trip to Poland.

Family of Eva have told news outlets that her funeral services will likely take place overseas. Plans for public services were rumored to be in Terre Haute, but there is no confirmation date yet.

Eva Kor lived through every person’s nightmare

CANDLES Museum founder, Eva Kor / WFYI

Eva Kor survived the Holocaust at just 10 years old. She experienced the worst of the worst, including inhumane treatments and the loss of her immediate family.

Eva would later serve eight years in the Israeli army in an effort to create a new life for herself and get to know her fellow soldiers.

She met another survivor and the two wed, then they moved from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Terre Haute, IN. Eva began learning English, bore two children into the world, and worked in real estate for 34 years. She planned to keep everything quiet and put her past behind her. However, when she heard of NBC’s Holocaust special, she knew she had an outlet to tell her story.

Eva Kor / CBS 17

After telling her story, she was able to start speaking all over the world and helping other people with healing from this horrific tragedy. She even founded a museum dedicated to educating people on the events that took place during the Holocaust. Eva made it very clear that anyone can overcome tragedy and everyone can help make the world a better place.

Eva Kor / Courtesy of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center

A statement from her museum

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Eva Kor, Holocaust survivor, forgiveness advocate, and founder of CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center,” CANDLES’ social media announced in a statement.

“We invite those who can to come to the museum next week to pay respects and share memories of time spent with Eva. Information about a public memorial service will be released in the near future. Thank you.”

Eva Kor and CANDLES museum / Triumph of the Spirit

May Eva Kor rest in eternal peace! She has done so much for being the voice of Holocaust victims and survivors alike. Hear Eva talk about her first-hand experience with the Holocaust in the video below.
Subscribe to Dusty Old Thing