Members of the Austin Descendants of Holocaust Survivors group visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio. Courtesy: Iris Bartov  

By Leslie Davis Met, Director, Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio 

The descendants of Holocaust survivors — often referred to as the “second,” “third,” or even “fourth generations” — carry a unique legacy shaped by the experiences endured by their ancestors. These descendants often grapple with inherited grief, resilience, and the responsibility of preserving their families’ stories. On September 15, 2024, the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio (HMMSA) brought together Holocaust descendants from Austin and San Antonio for a special event, including a tour and a presentation as part of the HMMSA’s Inaugural Holocaust Survivor Speakers Series. Both Austin and San Antonio possess communities of survivors and their descendants, yet ironically, only 90 miles apart they had never come together.  

Sunday afternoon was an extraordinary gathering which fostered an intergenerational conversation focused on their unique family histories and how they intersected or shared experiences. They explored the power of memory and strength founded in resilience, and how coping with such a legacy offers an opportunity to discover our collective humanity.    

The event began with a luncheon, full of introductions and conversations about the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, sharing of commonality of experiences with their loved ones. Participants found commonality in geographical areas of their ancestors, interest in participating the HMMSA speakers’ bureau, and/or a desire for participation in Holocaust education within Central and South Texas. The afternoon wrapped up with a tour of the Museum, and a presentation by Robi Jalnos, who shared his father Stephan Jalnos’ story of survival during the Holocaust. Robi was the first presentation in the HMMSA’s Inaugural Holocaust Survivor Speakers Series.  

Recognizing they each were descendants from unique experiences during the Holocaust, there was a common connection that was instantaneous. Moving forward, the groups look forward to keeping the dialogue open and the camaraderie going and growing. The HMMSA looks forward to working with the Austin Holocaust survivor community to train and assist children and grandchildren of survivors in sharing their family stories. It is through the telling of these personal stories and lessons from the Holocaust that we can combat hate, bigotry and antisemitism throughout Texas.  

A special thanks to Diane Jacobs, Sharon Greenwald, Varda Ratner, Iris Bartov and Robin Long for their assistance in putting this event togethe