In this powerful Legacy Series episode, we sit down with Carolyn Kaplan, a remarkable woman celebrating her 100th year. Carolyn recounts her extraordinary journey from her childhood in Nazi Germany to building a life of resilience, love, and giving back. Through candid conversations, she shares harrowing stories of escaping persecution, her family’s immigration to the U.S., and the importance of faith, education, and community. With humor and wisdom, Carolyn inspires us to face adversity with courage and grace.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Life in Nazi Germany:
   
   • Carolyn reflects on her early life in a small German village, where Jews and Gentiles lived side by side until the rise of Hitler in 1933.
   • How her family narrowly escaped persecution and emigrated to the U.S., thanks to her parents’ foresight and determination.
2. The Challenges of Escape:
   
   • The family’s dangerous journey out of Germany, including a harrowing train ride where Carolyn’s life was threatened by a Nazi soldier.
   • How her father’s bravery and quick thinking ensured their survival.
3. Building a New Life in America:
   
   • Adjusting to life in Chicago as a young immigrant and navigating the challenges of learning a new language and culture.
   • Carolyn’s passion for education and how she became fluent in English, Hebrew, and German by her teenage years.
4. Community and Resilience:
   
   • How Carolyn found strength through faith and the Jewish community in Chicago.
   • Stories of volunteering, teaching Hebrew school, and creating a legacy of kindness through service.
5. Reflections on History and Hate:
   
   • Carolyn’s insights on the cyclical nature of hate and the importance of teaching future generations about love, tolerance, and resilience.
   • Her work with Holocaust education and sharing her story with schools to inspire empathy and understanding.
6. Celebrating 100 Years:
   
   • Carolyn’s reflections on reaching this incredible milestone, the family she’s built, and the lessons she wants to pass on.
   • Her advice for living a meaningful life: “Give freely, love deeply, and never let the bastards get you down.”

Memorable Quotes:

• “The worst times in life are often the waiting periods—but they pass, and we survive.” – Carolyn Kaplan
• “Love and education are the best weapons against hate.” – Carolyn Kaplan
• “Every act of kindness, no matter how small, creates ripples that last for generations.” – Carolyn Kaplan

If Carolyn’s incredible story moved you, subscribe to our podcast and share this episode with friends, family, and anyone who needs a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.

We’d love to hear from you! Send feedback, questions, or guest suggestions to connect@jaimemarco.com

Thank you for tuning in to this unforgettable conversation with Carolyn Kaplan. Her story reminds us that even in the darkest times, courage, love, and resilience can light the way forward. Until next time, keep writing your extraordinary story!