Josh Freed: A Life Dedicated to Optimism and Resilience

Josh Freed, a columnist for the Montreal Gazette, recently wrote a moving tribute to his mother-in-law, Irena Peritz, who passed away last week at the age of 98. Peritz was a Holocaust survivor who embodied optimism and resilience throughout her life.

Early Life and Holocaust Survival

Irena Peritz experienced immense hardship during her childhood. From ages 11 to 16, she fled the Nazis with her family in wartime Poland. At one point, she and her mother hid in a hayloft while the Gestapo searched for Jews, even stabbing through the hay with bayonets. Much of her extended family was murdered during the Holocaust.

Finding Freedom and Hope

Despite the trauma she endured, Peritz maintained a remarkably positive outlook. Upon liberation at age 16, she wrote in her diary about feeling the wind and sun on her skin for the first time in months and experiencing the joy of freedom, even while possessing nothing. She declared, “I have nothing, but I have everything — my life.”

A Lasting Legacy

Freed describes his mother-in-law as a wise, warm, and compassionate soul who retained a youthful curiosity. Over the years, she became a close friend, occasional drinking companion, and even a tennis buddy to Freed. Her ability to overcome adversity and embrace life inspired those around her.

Continued Contributions

Josh Freed also writes columns on a variety of other topics for the Montreal Gazette, including observations on U.S. Healthcare experiences after a biking accident in Vermont and the complexities of using “tu” and “vous” in the French language. He explores the nuances of Quebec’s linguistic landscape, reflecting on his own experiences as an English speaker navigating French customs.

The Montreal Gazette, as noted on Facebook, continues to provide trusted news and features columns from writers like Josh Freed, Allison Hanes, and Bill Brownstein.