Hungarian Holocaust Survivor’s Memoir Transformed into Podcast Series

A long-hidden memoir by Hungarian Holocaust survivor Olga Fisch has been transformed into a six-part podcast series, titled Olga, Erika and Me. The project, spearheaded by her granddaughter Ilanit-Michele Woods, combines personal storytelling with historical exploration, shedding light on the impact of the Holocaust across generations.

The journey began two decades ago when Woods encouraged her grandmother to document her experiences before and after the Holocaust. Over the years, Olga Fisch produced a 75-page manuscript in Hungarian, which remained largely untouched until her passing in 2017. It wasn’t until the summer of 2023 that the family translated the memoir into English at the Montreal Holocaust Museum. This significant step paved the way for the audio adaptation.

Following the translation, Woods, an award-winning sound editor known for her work on various film and television projects, embarked on a journey with her mother, Erika Ciment. Together, they retraced Olga’s footsteps through Hungary, Poland, and Israel, recording their experiences. Their travels not only aimed to honor Olga’s memory but also to explore the lasting effects of her trauma on their family.

The podcast series, which launched in September 2025, captures the nuances of their journey and the complex emotions tied to their family history. In an episode of The CJN’s North Star podcast, host Ellin Bessner interviewed Woods and Ciment about the purpose and impact of their project.

Woods expressed the desire to create a narrative that transcended mere historical recounting. She wanted the podcast to be a vehicle for sharing their family’s story, emphasizing how the Holocaust continues to shape their identities. “I didn’t want Olga, Erika and Me to be a political podcast; I wanted it to be a historical podcast about my grandmother and how her life affected us,” Woods said.

The impetus for the memoir’s creation stemmed from a profound family bond. As a child, Woods witnessed her grandmother struggle to share her traumatic memories. This led to a conversation that encouraged Olga to write down her experiences, which ultimately resulted in the manuscript. The emotional weight of these stories was significant for both Ciment and Woods, especially given the unresolved intergenerational trauma within their family.

During their travels, they visited key locations that played a role in Olga’s life, including Auschwitz, where she was deported as a teenager. They also explored sites of memory in Hungary, where Olga lost over 80 family members during the Holocaust. The emotional journey was profound, as Ciment recounted the mixed feelings of returning to a homeland filled with painful memories.

While the podcast is a primary medium for sharing their story, Woods is also considering a book adaptation. She aims to preserve the emotional essence captured in their audio recordings while providing a different format for audiences. The challenge, however, lies in translating the visceral experience of the podcast into written form.

This project serves not only as a personal exploration but also as a contribution to Holocaust education. Woods noted the importance of sharing their family narrative with younger generations, who may not be fully aware of the historical context. The podcast opens a dialogue about the effects of trauma and the significance of storytelling in connecting with one’s heritage.

As the series gains attention, it highlights the importance of preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors and their families. The experiences shared in Olga, Erika and Me resonate with listeners, offering insight into the complexities of memory, identity, and the enduring impact of history on present-day lives.

Woods and Ciment’s collaboration reflects a broader commitment to remembrance, ensuring that the voices of survivors like Olga Fisch continue to be heard and acknowledged in the ongoing narrative of Holocaust remembrance.