Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust

Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust

Presented by Janet Singer Applefield, Holocaust Survivor

Monday, January 12, 2026  –  1:15 pm  –  Brookhaven at Lexington

On September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, with nowhere to run or hide, Gustawa Singer’s parents gave her away to save her life. For the next several years, 7-year-old Gustawa lived a clandestine existence, harboring a secret that her looks hid so well: she was Jewish. Passed between strangers with both honorable and deceitful intentions, Gustawa maneuvered through terrifying situations with only the identity papers of a deceased Polish girl and a well-rehearsed cover story. She came to learn the importance of secrecy and resilience. Her quick wits and the courage of a few virtuous individuals combined to beat the odds. By the end of the war, over 90% of her town’s Jews were annihilated; Janet was one of the few children to return.

On Monday, January 12, 2026, at Brookhaven at Lexington, 1010 Waltham Street, Janet will discuss her book and tell her personal story. Free and open to the public, this event is sponsored by the Lexington Veterans Association.  The program starts with coffee and conversation at 12:45 pm, with the talk at 1:15 pm.  If you plan to attend via Zoom, find the Zoom link at lexmavets.com.