Ella Adler, was born in Krakow, Poland, June 8, 1923. She was survivor of several concentration camps including Plashov and Auschwitz. She was imprisoned for four long years. While most of her family was put to death by the Nazis, she considers her own survival as a miracle. She was liberated by the Russians on May 0f 1945, the last day of WWII. Ella arrived in New York as a stateless refugee in 1947. She married Harry Adler in 1952. The couple has two children and five grandchildren all which survive Ella. Her daughter, Diane, who lives in Israel is married to Desmond Kapland who are the parents of Naomi, Edan and Mya. Allan their son, lives in Tucson and is married to Catherine. They have two children: Zachary and Natalie. Ella is also survived by her loving friend and companion, Kae Knight. In 1964 Ella and Harry moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Ella returned to school, where Ella earned BA and Master's degrees in social work. After graduation she became the Social Services Director at Mesa Lutheran Hospital and served there for twelve years until her retirement. She then worked at John C Lincoln Hospital as a social worker until she ended her professional career. Ella was founding member of the Phoenix Holocaust Survivor's Association, a member where she served as a board member until recently. She was a board member for the Phoenix Jewish Free Loan, as well. She was member of Na'Amat, Jewish Women International, and both Beth El and Congregation Beth Israel. Ella has received numerous awards. For her work in Teaching students about the Holocaust and for her work as a social worker. These include the Humanitarian Award from Jewish Women International in 1955, the prestigious George Washington Medal of Honor from the Freedom Foundation, the Shofar Award from the Phoenix Holocaust Survivors' Association, the Creaseman Award for Excellence from Arizona State University, and among others, an award for excellence in social work from John C. Lincoln Hospital. Ella has been speaking about the Holocaust to students and adults throughout the valley and state for the past thirty-six years. Her own words express her goals. "I have been speaking about the Holocaust at universities, colleges, high schools, on the Native American reservations. ..In my talks about my experiences during the dark days of my incarceration, I emphasize the freedoms innate to this country and the need to participate in its political process. My experiences have hopefully become tools for tolerance, as I emphasize the benefits derived from out diversity as a nation." Also, "I am grateful for my education which provided the vehicle to fulfill my dream of being of service to others. ..In addition.. I teach those I speak to that self fulfillment is achievable for those who embrace a personal vision, possess determination, take advantage of education and never abandon hope." May Ella be granted the peace she so rightly deserved. Services were held on Sunday, October 7th in the Sinai Mortuary Chapel. Contributions may be made to the Holocaust Survivors Association, PO Box 30213, Phoenix, AZ 85054-2013.
Published in The Arizona Republic on 10/7/2007.