Josh Freed: Remembering a Life Well-Lived – Irena Peritz (1928-2026)
Irena Peritz, a Holocaust survivor and cherished mother-in-law to columnist Josh Freed, passed away last week at the age of 98. Her life, marked by both profound hardship and unwavering optimism, served as an inspiration to all who knew her.
A Childhood Interrupted by War
Born in Poland, Irena Peritz experienced the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand. From the ages of 11 to 16, she and her family were forced to flee the Nazis, enduring unimaginable circumstances. At one point, Irena and her mother hid in a hayloft, narrowly escaping detection when Gestapo officers searched the hiding place with bayonets. Montreal Gazette
Finding Freedom and Hope
Despite witnessing immense loss – much of her extended family was murdered during the war – Irena maintained a remarkable spirit. Upon liberation, at the age of 16, she penned a poignant entry in her wartime diary, expressing both her vulnerability and her newfound freedom: “My legs, a little wobbly and weak, carry me outside as though I were in a dream. For the first time in four months, I experience wind and sun against my skin. I fill my lungs with fresh air and breathe freedom. I have nothing, but I have everything — my life.” Montreal Gazette
A Lasting Legacy
Irena’s optimistic outlook defined her life. She became a source of wisdom, warmth, and compassion for her family and friends. Josh Freed recounts how she became a close friend, a companion for drinks, and even a tennis partner well into her nineties. Montreal Gazette Her ability to find light even in the darkest of times serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
Josh Freed’s Work at the Montreal Gazette
Josh Freed is a columnist for the Montreal Gazette, known for his thought-provoking pieces. He has likewise written about topics ranging from the U.S. Healthcare system Montreal Gazette to the importance of preserving culinary traditions Montreal Gazette and his passion for the Olympic Games. Montreal Gazette He frequently collaborates with other columnists at the Gazette, including Allison Hanes and Bill Brownstein. Montreal Gazette, Montreal Gazette, Montreal Gazette