Intimacy is the hallmark of this Holocaust memoir. AJL colleague Hava Ben-Zvi survived the Holocaust on her own as an orphaned, spunky, resourceful teenager. Her new book, set in Poland and Israel, moves chronologically through life-threatening dangers of Nazi hegemony, then Communist domination. Hava’s mother and brother emigrate to Israel; German invasion interrupts plans for family reunion. Hava and her father escape by boat to Russian territory. The Germans conquer their Russia-held town; her father is shot. Blonde, twelve–year–old Hava turns to friends and orphanages, which in turn find farm families to shelter her. She hides in plain sight and with luck makes it. Jumping from a Soviet work train, she returns to Poland and eventually, post-war, reaches Israel. She finds her mother through a newspaper add!
How did she feel with every twist of fate? Hava confines her emotions in a spare, swiftly moving, first person narrative. Pen and ink line drawings and maps, the kind a child might sketch, add appeal to the dramatic, sad, hopeful story. A family photograph gallery enhances the succinct epilogue. This riveting page-turner of a survivor’s tale understands it is speaking to young readers several generations after the events. Frank and from a peer’s point of view, it successfully connects with history and hope. Recommended for all school and synagogue libraries. Grades 5-9.

Eva was never caught and never sent to a concentration camp. She survived entirely on her own, in total isolation from anyone she knew and loved, or could trust. Never hidden, she lived in the midst of Polish society, always on guard and aware of the danger of being discovered and betrayed.
With war’s end, Eva accepted the new challenge of life within a family, school and community. In later years she became the director of a large library, prospering as an educator, writer and lecturer.

Eva’s Journey includes a chronology of World War II events and a list of institutions providing information and materials about the war and the Holocaust. It is a valuable resource for leaders, teachers and others.
The chapter, “Other Cultures, Other Times,” lists and describes books about youth in many different cultures, who face personal, political and social problems similar to those facing today’s young people, linking their experiences to Eva’s and providing important lessons.
Eva’s Journey is a book that readers and audiences find heart warming, compelling and absorbing.
Title: Eva’s Journey Author: Hava Ben Zvi Publisher: iUniverse Published in Spring, 2004 Price: $11.95 Illustrated by Pearl Tyree.

Correspondence

Dear Hava,
On behalf of Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue and its Hazak lifelong enrichment program for members 55 and older, I want to tell you how delighted we were with your December 13, 2004 talk on Eva’s Journey: A Young Girl’s True Story.
As I commented at the lecture, I’ve seldom seen our Hazak group so attentive and engrossed in a talk. We were all obviously fascinated with your remarkable story that not only serves as a recognition of your unique personal strengths, but also illuminates yet another aspect of our collective Holocaust history. I am glad that many of our members took advantage of the opportunity to acquire your book for themselves and their grandchildren.
I am especially glad that you are performing the important task of telling your story to our community schoolchildren. Yours is a story that should be shared and remembered. Your talk was perfect for our group, and Lola and I received many compliments on the program.
You have done a real service to the community in sharing your story with our members. Thank you for helping us to continue the fourth year of our award-winning Valley Beth Shalom-Hazak program on an ever-increasing level of quality.
Cordially,
Jerry Rabow, VBS-Hazak Lecture Co-Chair
Valley Beth Shalom Temple
Encino, California

Dear Hava,
My students were spellbound by your storytelling. You masterfully wove your personal narrative into the larger history of Europe during the Holocaust era. Again, thanks for everything, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
John Duvall,
History teacher
Mayfield Senior School, Pasadena

Dear Hava,
This note is to thank you for so generously sharing your story- and most importantly, yourself with our 5th and 6th grade students last week. As you will see by their responses, you had a major effect on them and they appreciated, admired and learned from you. Your commitment to continuing the important work that you do is a lesson in itself, and an immense inspiration. I have taken the opportunity to include my reflections on your presentation in my monthly newsletter for the parents (Wise Happenings). Once again, please know that our thank you comes from the heart with wishes for your health and continuing well-being.
Sincerely,
Rochelle Ginsburg, Principal
Stephen S. Wise Temple
Elementary School

Dear Hava,
Thank you so very much!
You have lit a fire for learning in the hearts of the Jefferson students. Hava, thank you for allowing each of us to take this journey with you. The students are still asking about you and really want you to return. I'll be calling you with some orders in about a week. Thank you kindly.
Joan E. Reid, Librarian
Jefferson Elementary School, Pasadena

Dear Hava,
Thank you for sharing your story with my students. It is a story of inspiration and courage.
Cindy Agobian, Teacher
Sierra Vista Middle School, Covina

Dear Hava,
Ms. Ethial is buying 11 books for her 7th grade history class. She was very moved by your presentation and wants to illustrate your story as a guide in teaching tolerance.
Your memoir “Eva’s Journey” is a tale that needs to be heard by young people. It is especially important to be told over and over at a time when fanatical Middle Eastern leaders proclaim the Holocaust to be a “myth.”
Please continue to recount your Journey as to keep the memory alive and to never forget man’s inhumanity to man as well as untold kindness that enabled you to survive.
Best wishes,
Juliana Goitein, Librarian
Pacoima Middle School

Dear Hava,
...We have some books in every class. The students are really enjoying them.
Thank you for coming to tell your story and sharing yourself with us. You have a wonderful connection with the students.
Best of everything…
Sincerely,
Gerry Jacoby, Principal
Downtown Value School, Los Angeles

Guest Event

download a printable flyer by clicking here

Eva’s Journey
A Young Girl’s True Story
by Hava Ben Zvi
Illustrated by Pearl Tyree

Eva at nine

Place of Meeting: Date: Time:

Author Hava Ben-Zvi will share her story with us as she reveals her tale of life during the Nazi reign-of-horror. Hava’s experience of survival in Poland (1939-1945) is the story of courage over fear and success over defeat. Become a link in Hava’s triumph by joining us here in celebrating her life.
Copies of the book will be available for sale and Hava will autograph them for us.

To My Students

November 19, 2004

Dear 5th grade students of Room 68,

Thank you for your lovely, gracious letters. I was very touched and gratified with your understanding of my World War II experiences, and with your sympathy, and most impressed with your care and attention.
To answer some of your questions about my feelings at the time these events occurred, I can only say that in times of stress and crisis we discover strength and resources we never knew we had.
Was I afraid? Even though I was fully aware of what was happening, I never permitted myself fear. I never cried, perhaps because there was no sympathetic ear. Quiet, controlled, tense, careful not to betray myself by word or by any allusion to my past life and true identity, I lived one day and moment at a time.
Was I sad when my father never came back? Yes, of course. Totally alone, I was more than sad.
Some of you thought I was brave. I did not know it at the time, but I must have been brave, and I never lost hope.
Did I ever fund out what happened to the people I loved? Yes, but only a few of them were fortunate to survive the war. I still correspond with my friend Alicia, whose family sheltered me during those critical hours, in 1941.
About my mother? I did find her in Palestine, today Israel, but only after an advertisement was printed in the local newspaper about a girl looking for her mother. Even though we did not see each other for six years, when we met we talked as if we have never parted, and felt close.
Did I like to live on a farm? I enjoyed feeding and watering the animals, milking the cows and working in the garden and in the fields, but fear was always there.
Some of you asked about life in the orphanage. I liked the girls and boys, most of whom were two to seventeen years old. We, older girls did everything : we washed and dressed the younger children, we made the beds, washed the floors, helped in the kitchen. We even washed all the clothes of the orphanage, by hand. We were often hungry, but not unhappy, and we sang and told stories. I, especially, was always on my guard, just hoping to survive the war.
About children and babies: Yes, the verdict of death included the very young.
Some of you wanted to know about me as a little girl and today: Even Though I had dolls, I preferred to spend time in the library. I loved books of adventure, about school-life and about children my own age. Today, in addition to writing, I visit schools and talk with students. I have a son, a daughter–in-law and three grandchildren: Sarah, Daniel and Michael. Yes, I feel happy and free, and my birthday is on December 30th.
How did I write this book? I always knew the story needed to be told. The book
was “born” the day I retired, and the first draft was rather sketchy. I studied writing and learned that details were important, drawing a living image before the reader’s eyes.
The illustrator, Pearl and I met and became good friends. I am so glad you like the drawings!
I was very moved by your sweet and generous statement:
“You have instantly become my top favorite author of all. I hope to read all the other awesome and amazing books you write.”
Thank you. I am at work on another book, and will certainly come to visit your school again, and perhaps even your Room.
My best wishes to all of you for a long and happy life.
My warmest regards,
Hava Ben-Zvi

Dear 5th and 6th grade students of the Stephen S. Wise Temple School,
Thank you for your moving letters. I was honored by your attention and very impressed with your messages. They were thoughtful and revealed comprehension, empathy and maturity:

• “It gave me a perspective on who I was...It gave me a past to remember...”
• “It gave me a lot of new-found knowledge;”
• “It made me think of what we take for granted today;”
• “You used your mind to make wise choices;”
• “I am so happy I could hear it to understand;”
• “I would gladly do whatever it takes to make sure the world knows about what happened;”
• “Eva, thank you so much for coming here today and bringing your optimistic attitude with you. I am touched;”
• “You are a role model to many of the kids who were at the assembly;”
• “You were brave and courageous and never gave up;”
• “You definitely taught many people to appreciate life itself, let alone the materialistic things...I look forward to reading your book;”
• “It was fascinating to hear what happened when you got older and matured. You probably went through many hardships and had to handle various conflicts;”
• “Things are dangerous in life. Things that are harsh to overcome… But you taught me how to move after the terrible things happened… Thank you;”
• “Survivors like you had to be brave, strong, lucky, healthy. They needed support, care. I hope nothing else happens to you like this;”
• “I think your story was very extraordinary, inspiring and breathtaking...You have survived a deadly time;”
• “Your speech has inspired me to read your book;”
• “It gave me a feeling I was there;”
• “I think it is important that the story be passed from generation to generation. It teaches important lessons;”
• “I could not stop listening...”

Some of your questions were equally serious and required thought and attention.

What kind of impact did the Holocaust have on me?

The Holocaust experience taught me everything I should not be. I am careful about the feelings of others. I know that acts of injustice have to be opposed, even though it may be difficult, to prevent their perpetuation and growth. Many of you mentioned fear. I was fully aware of what the dangers were, but never permitted myself fear. I knew I needed all my strength for survival and hope.

Was there ever a time I carried a small weapon for self- defense?

No, since I knew it would have been futile. I was so young and so isolated from the rest of the Jewish community! However, there was considerable resistance movement, mostly by young people who fought the Germans as partisans in the forests. Many Righteous Gentiles were also part of the resistance movement. I did help to smuggle food into the ghetto. Perhaps it could be considered, in a small way, an act of resistance.

Some of you believe they would not have the strength and resilience to survive.

I believe we have spiritual resources we know nothing about, to be used in times of stress and need. You were a very special audience. I know many members of your families perished during the Holocaust. We have to remember our past and learn from it to prevent such events from ever happening again.

Children's Letters

Dear Eva,
My name is Alejandra Landaverde. I was amazed by the experience you had at the age of 12. It was an awesome pleasure to get to hear (about) your experience, especially getting to meet you in person. I was hoping to ask you some questions. How did you feel about having that experience? Did you ever find out what happened to the people you loved? Eva, you have instantly become top favorite author of all. I hope to read all the other awesome and amazing books you write.
Sincerely,
Alejandra Landaverde
5th grade

Dear Eva,
My name is Omar Terrones. I liked how you told your story in the auditorium. Your story makes lots (of) sense because you didn’t want to get caught by Hitler. I have some questions that you could answer: “Were you scared that they would catch you and kill you? Were people always looked at you like you are weird?” Eva, you are so brave, and your history is one thing that I support! Eva, I would like for you to come and visit our class in Room 68.
Your Friend
Omar Terrones
5th grade

Dear Eva,
My name is Gabriela Guerrero. I am ten years old and I am in Room 68c, and there are 29 kids in my class. I liked how you talked about your story and I hope you come again, but if you come, could you come to our classroom?
I also wanted to say that you are pretty and that me and my friends like your color of eyes. I may check your book in our library so I could read it. And were you nervous when you were alone, when you were talking about your life in the book… I wanted to know what happened to your parents. Are you going to come again? I want you to talk more about your life in the book when you were a little girl.
Sincerely,
Your friend,
Gabriela Guerrero
5th grade

Dear Ms. Ben-Zvi,
I am very grateful that you came to our class. Thanks for telling us your story. I thought it was wonderful. I think your book was splendid.
Sincerely,
Danny, 5th grade

Dear Hava Ben-Zvi,
Thank you for coming to our class and telling us about your life and what happened to your family. I haven’t read the story but I know it is a great story book to read. Oh, and thank you for wasting your time just for us.
Your true friend
David
5th grade

Dear Hava Ben-Zvi,
Thank you for your time and thank you for the story. It was very interesting and informative to the unit we are on, which is making a new nation. It helps us by getting a taste on what the time was, like living there, especially if you were Hebrew.
From Dylan
5th grade

P.S. This will self destruct in 10 seconds (just joking).

Dear Hava Ben-Zvi,
Thank you for coming and spending time with us, and for your autograph, and for telling your wonderful story. You are very beautiful.
Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Helen
5th grade

Dear Hava ben-Zvi,
Thank you for coming to our class and telling us about your interesting life. You really taught us some good things. I thought that you are a very intelligent person. Thank you for signing your signature, answering our questions , telling about your amazing, excellent life, and giving us your wonderful, fantastic, amazing, heart- breaking book. We are very thankful that we had you. By the way, I didn’t think an older lady could look so beautiful!!
Love,
The cute one,
Jasmin
5th grade

Dear Eva,
Thank you for coming to our class and giving us your time. I know it might have been hard for you to tell us about everything that happened in your life. To me you are a great person and brave too. That is sad that your dad died and I know you really loved him though he is dead. In your heart he is alive. When you were telling us about everything you went through, to me it was like being there.
Sincerely,
Tracy Monarrez
6th grade

Dear Mrs. Ben-Zvi,
Thank you for coming to our class. It was delightful to see you. I loved your book! It was sad. I would be lonely too if my father was gone. I appreciate it for coming to our class and sharing your story to us. It was wonderful seeing you. Your book touched me. I can see what you felt like during those times. I appreciate it that you came.
Thank you,
Susie Famisan
5th grade

Dear Mrs. Ben-Zvi,
Thank you for coming in and sharing your experience with us. It was very interesting and exciting to meet you. When we met you I was amazed that you offered to come and talk to us. The book was really sad though. I almost cried.
You are an amazing woman to survive such a scary war. You are an idol to many boys and girls. I would like to read more about the Holocaust because of you. You are an inspiration to me. If I ever have to go through that I would follow your foot steps.
Thank you for coming.
Sincerely, Taylor Carr, 6th grade

Dear Eva,
Thank you for coming to our school! We loved learning about you and we appreciate your time. You are a very wise and intelligent woman.
Always,
Sierra Vista Middle School, Covina

Dear Hava Ben-Zvi,
Thank you for coming to my school (Edgewood Middle School, West Covina) on February 28, 2006. Even though I didn't have a lot of time to hear your story I am reading your book!!! And I'm only gonna tell u this once I LOVE IT!!!!! Thank you for your time!
LOVE ALWAYS,
Mary

Biography

Hava Ben-Zvi

SOMETHING ABOUT MYSELF

Born in Warsaw, Poland, both languages, Polish and Hebrew are my own.
Surviving the Second World War under an assumed name in eastern Poland, I arrived in Palestine, today Israel, in 1946.
At 16, I was still young enough to enter and graduate from high school and later, from a teacher’s college.
1950 was the year of ingathering of exiles from all corners of the world into the new State of Israel. I worked as a teacher in a Ma’abarah, a transition center for new immigrants.

My family and I came to the U.S.A. in 1957 as graduate students. I attended college in the U.S., earned a Master in Library Science, worked in supervisory positions in public libraries and for 27 years served as the director of the Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles.
I am the recipient of the Ezra Award from the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles for a significant contribution to Jewish education in the community.

Why did I become a librarian?

My father introduced me to books by bringing me to a local library in Warsaw, Poland. I could not have been more than six years old, but he set me on a path I was to follow ever since. In later years, becoming a librarian and a writer was a natural outcome of my upbringing, education and environment. While directing a large library, I had the privilege to become familiar with the literary world.
I am married to a now retired university professor of chemistry, and we have a son, an attorney and three teenage grandchildren, Sarah, Daniel and Michael.

Today, following my retirement, it is time to find new interests and new goals. Eva’s Journey: A young Girl’s True Story is the product of this new period in my life.