Jaroslava Sklenickova, survivor of the Lidice massacre and Ravensbrück

Jaroslava Sklenickova, survivor of the Lidice massacre and Ravensbrück left a few days ago at the age of 98. She joined her sister Miloslava, who was also a survivor.

The sisters lost everything - including their father - to the horrors of war, and endured nearly three years in a concentration camp with their mother.

I met the sisters in Jara’s home and was truly mesmerized by their strength and their story.

Learning their stories was a life-shaping experience for me. I’m grateful for their willingness to share the trials of their life.

Their story became a prominent feature in my art and in my book ‘The In Between’ which is now out of print. (Jara is on the left side of the spread, Mila is to the right).

The link to their story is here.

To think that the whole family is back together again brings a smile to my heart