Pina Frassineti Wax, a 100-year-old Holocaust survivor, shares her family’s incredible story of survival as she receives Senate recognition from Chuck Schumer
Long Island: A remarkable 100-year-old Holocaust survivor, Pina Frassineti Wax, shared her family’s incredible story of hiding from the Nazis. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer honored her as a “living legend superwoman” during a special event.
Pina and her family found refuge in a convent during World War II. To avoid detection, her brother sometimes dressed as a nun. It was a clever way to stay safe from Nazi soldiers.
During their hiding, Pina faced a serious health scare. She almost lost her leg to an infection, but her mother’s determination saved her. Her mother even walked ten miles to get penicillin from an American army base.
As Italy was allied with Germany, Pina’s family, who were Italian Jews, had to be extra cautious. Her last name, Frassineti, helped them blend in, as it didn’t sound overtly Jewish to the Germans.
Though Pina survived, her grandfather was killed in Auschwitz, and many relatives perished in Dachau. She expressed gratitude for America, which welcomed her after the war.
In a heartfelt statement, Pina emphasized the importance of fighting hate. She reminded everyone that hatred leads to terrible consequences, urging people to remember the past and work towards a better future.
After the war, Pina married Mario Wax, who had also fled Italy. They eventually settled in Long Island, where Pina pursued education and taught Italian history.
Now, Pina has a large family, including three children and several grandchildren. She’s also concerned about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, especially for the children caught in the violence.
Schumer praised Pina’s life story, highlighting the need to educate younger generations about the Holocaust. He believes that sharing survivor stories is crucial to ensuring history is not forgotten.
