MI Local Hero: Holocaust Survivor Speaks Dangers Of Hatred, Prejudice, AntiSemitism

WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Lori Klisman Ellis who nominated her mother Sophie Klisman of West Bloomfield. As a Holocaust survivor, Sophie Klisman volunteers to speak in the dangers of hatred and AntiSemitism at the Zekelman Holocaust memorial Center in Farmington Hills.

Local hero’s full name

Sophie Klisman

Local hero’s home state

Michigan

Local hero’s Patch

West Bloomfield

How do you know the local hero?

Mother

What does the local hero do?

Educates the world about the dangers of hatred, bigotry, prejudice and AntiSemitism.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Sophie volunteers her time to talk to children, adults, and ROTC college students at the Zekelman Holocaust memorial Center in Farmington Hills. She was chosen to go to Poland and Israel to speak and educate others as part of the Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF). She also speaks at schools. At times she speaks with her liberator, a local man. Being a Holocaust survivor she felt it was important to continue to educate others since hatred and genocide continue in our world. At the age of 88 she began speaking and still does so at the age of 93. Her story leaves an impact on everyone she touches.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

She is a woman of valor and has resiliency.

Thank you for all you do, Sophie Klisman!

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Know someone making a difference in town?

Nominate them here.