Miami Beach Holocaust survivor turns 108

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A Holocaust survivor from Miami Beach celebrated her 108th birthday Friday.

The big celebration for Mollie Horwitz was held at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

She was joined by her large family, who sang her “Happy Birthday.”

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner was also present.

“I remember everything…everything,” Horwitz told Local 10 News. “Thank you, God.”

City officials say they’re proud to call Horwitz a Miami Beach resident. They celebrate her birthday every year and say she calls them to remind them in case they forget.

Biography (provided by city):

“Mollie Horwitz (née Malka Godur) was born in Ukmerger, Lithuania, on March 16, 1916, to Chaja and Fischel Godur. Growing up in a family of nine siblings, Mollie’s life took a tragic turn during World War II. Her parents, husband, one sister, four nieces and nephews, and her firstborn son, Pinhus, were among the first to be taken away and killed in the Ghetto.

At the age of 12, Mollie was already in the 5th year of High School and working in her parents’ store. She married at 19 and had a son named Pinhus (now known as Phillip) in 1938. However, their lives changed dramatically in 1939 when Russian troops invaded their town, followed by German occupation in 1940.

Living in the Vilma ghetto, Mollie faced unimaginable challenges, witnessing the loss of her husband and enduring hunger, sickness, and the constant threat of being sent to forced labor. Despite the hardships, she managed to send her son to safety with a Catholic friend 60 miles away.

For over years, Mollie and her son lived hiding from the Germans. With the help of the ghetto captain, they were able to escape. Reuniting with her husband’s family and partisans in the mountains, Mollie’s desire was to immigrate to Cuba with her family.

In 1947, Mollie and her family finally made it to Cuba, only to face further challenges. In 1962, she had to leave Cuba, eventually arriving in the USA in January of the same year. Despite the hardships, Mollie has persevered and built a life filled with hope, strength, and resilience.”