Born in 1931 in the village of Kobylnik, Poland (now Belarus), her family survived the war hiding from the Nazis for nearly two years in a nearby forest. Ann endured starvation, exposure to freezing temperatures, and constant fear of capture. She credits her parents for her survival, and the life lessons she shares with others. Every Holocaust survivor has a unique and compelling story to share, but there is something distinguishing about Ann’s message. She does not merely recount the details of her particular family’s story of survival; she also imparts the positive lessons she learned from this horrible time in history. Despite the horrors she witnessed and experienced, she has refused the temptation of self-pity and bitterness. Instead, her message is one of hope, teaching the vital importance of tolerance of people’s differences, a value she knows to be the most powerful deterrent against hate. She leaves her listeners inspired to overcome tough times, be kind and accepting of others, while encouraging everyone to speak out against injustice.