Meet Mally Zoberman Rutkoff who is a child of Holocaust survivors and working hard to keep Holocaust memory alive. On September 15, Mally will be honored by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Midwest Office at it’s annual Risa K. Lambert ‘What You Do Matters’ Virtual Chicago Event. ChiTribe wants to learn more about Mally and her message for this generation.
My hope is that the next generation will realize how much they can learn from understanding how hate and prejudice can destroy lives, families, and communities. The lessons are so relevant and critical for our world today.
Mally Zoberman Rutkoff
Annual U.S. Holocaust Museum Fundraiser and Speaker Event
Where did you grow up?
Skokie, Illinois
Where did you go to school?
University of Illinois
What did you do Jewish growing up?
High Holidays, synagogue, Hebrew School, and being part of an inspiring community of Holocaust Survivors and their families.
What do you do Jewish now?
My favorite is preparing the holidays for my family. I value my roles at CJE SeniorLife, Jewish Federation, and the Michael Reese Health Trust. I’m also a proud member of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El.
What do you do for fun?
Playing with my grandchildren, walking with friends.
Favorite takeout spot during the pandemic?
Abigail’s in Highland Park
How do you stay motivated during the pandemic?
Remembering all I have. I think about the many people that are suffering. I focus on the mantra, ‘this too shall pass.’ I also think about what my parents endured during their war years.
Annual U.S. Holocaust Museum Fundraiser and Speaker Event
Mally tells us more about the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Risa K. Lambert ‘What You Do Matters’ Chicago Luncheon. Every year, this is the time when the community comes together to support the Museum and to remember those who perished in the Holocaust.
My parent’s deep concern was that no one would care about what they and their families went through during the Holocaust after they were gone. Most Survivors felt the same way back then. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum continues to work, record, and preserve their stories.
Mally Zoberman Rutkoff
Tell us more about your work with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
I have been involved with the Midwest Office of the United States Holocaust Museum for many years. I volunteered with their annual events, which includes my favorite activity: escorting our honored Holocaust Survivor guests at the Luncheons. I also served as the Chicago and National Chair of the Children of Survivors Group.
How can people support the work you are doing?
My parent’s deep concern was that no one would care about what they and their families went through during the Holocaust after they were gone. Most Survivors felt the same way. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum continues to work, record, and preserve their stories. The Museum uses that information to educate future generations. Other ways to support the museum include donations as well as actively talking about the Holocaust, victims, liberators, and survivors.
What is the most important message you have for the next generation?
My hope is that the next generation will realize how much they can learn from understanding how hate and prejudice can destroy lives, families, and communities. The lessons are so relevant and critical for our world today.
When the Tribe Gathers… we eat, laugh, and cherish being together.
Nominate a Jewish Person of the Week!
Find more Jewish people of the Week on ChiTribe
Find all the Chicago events on ChiTribe’s Event Calendar
