Scottsdale, AZ – A Scottsdale woman is back in town after the trip of a lifetime. Holocaust survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein received a special award from President Barack Obama.
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Only a handful of civilian Americans receive this honor.
Separated from her parents at 15, moved through a series of Nazi labor camps, Gerda Weissmann Klein’s story of survival is incredible.
“At that time I never had the slightest notion that I’d be able to come and be in this country,” she told FOX 10.
Now 86, the Scottsdale resident has dedicated her life to sharing her story, and to inspiring young people to get involved in their communities.
But she never imagined her journey would lead her to the White House, and when she got the invitation via phone call, she thought it was a joke.
“I said, ‘say hello to the president and give him my best.’ He said, ‘you don’t take me seriously?’ I said, ‘no I don’t,'” recalls Klein laughing.
Earlier this month, Klein sat among 15 very select recipients, including Warren Buffet and former president George Bush. President Barack Obama presented her with the Medal of Freedom.
That medal now sits on her table — yet she says, the experience still feels surreal.
Despite the awards and honors, she remains humble. Her mission hasn’t changed.
“All I wanted to do since I came to this country is give back to this country what it has given me.”
Klein founded an organization called Citizenship Counts. She says she’ll continue speaking in classrooms all over the country, encouraging students to take pride in their citizenship.
Holocaust Survivor Talks About Top White House Honor: MyFoxPHOENIX.com
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