She learned the most significant lesson of her life.
A Holocaust survivor, who had to leave school at just 12 years old when World War II changed everything in Europe, finally realized her long-held dream of attending university.
Jacqueline Kimmelstiel, now 97, escaped persecution after Germany invaded France and sought refuge in a monastery to hide from the nuns and Nazis. After sixth grade, school was off-limits for her, which she came to regret over the decades.
On Tuesday, however, Kimmelstiel experienced a transformative day as the first recipient of the Hebrew Home Reverse Spring Living “Golden Wish” program.
“It felt like I had finally grown up,” Kimmelstiel expressed after participating in individual English and French classes at Mount St. Vincent University in Riverdale.
“They didn’t let us go to school. I’ve always wanted this. I’ve always missed this,” she said with noticeable emotion.
Her day began with an English literature class, where Dr. Leonard Narenz read her a poem that moved her deeply.
“I don’t usually enjoy poetry much, but this was beautifully written, and you really feel the love in it,” she remarked.
In her second session, a French class led by Dr. Severine Rebourcet, she got a chance to brush up on the French she had learned in her youth.
“I lived in France and spoke French for quite a while. I don’t use it often, but I haven’t completely forgotten it,” she shared.
Kimmelstiel also joined a basketball scrimmage, where she proudly served as an honorary coach. After the game, she was gifted a sweatshirt and dubbed the “official dolphin” – the mascot of the school team.
“The game was great,” she noted, though she admitted that basketball was never her sport.
By the end of the day, Kimmelstiel participated in a graduation ceremony, where the school president and officials donned traditional attire and presented her with official university certificates.
The Golden Wish program came to fruition after the Chief Communications Officer learned about her long-time aspiration to experience education once more.
“She had been expressing her desire to attend school since she was 12, so we took action,” a representative explained.
“We contacted the president of Mount St. Vincent and shared Jacqueline’s dream. They made it happen. This was a lifelong experience for her, one she will always cherish.”
Kimmelstiel immigrated to the United States in 1947, worked as a tailor, and later met her husband, a survivor of Auschwitz. During her literature class, her grandchildren Jonah Kimmelstiel and Rebecca Keberson read poetry to her, and spoke with enthusiasm about their grandmother’s unique experience.
“Education has always been incredibly important to her. Throughout our lives, education has been paramount,” Jonah explained.
“Seeing her graduate, alongside her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, is a significant milestone for her.”
Rebecca added that her grandmother often reflects on how fortunate she is to have had this opportunity.
“That right was taken from her without her choice, so discussing her survival during the Holocaust and the barriers she faced has always been a part of our conversations,” Rebecca noted.
“I’ve witnessed the horrors my grandparents experienced as Holocaust survivors, so seeing her with almost four great-grandchildren and now a university degree is incredibly special.”
When presented her degree by university president Susan R. Burns, Jacqueline received praise for her resilience.
“As a Holocaust survivor, she has faced unimaginable losses and hardships, yet Jacqueline never lost her faith in humanity or her vision for a brighter future,” Burns stated.
“One of Jacqueline’s dreams has been the aspiration for higher education. Today, we celebrate her journey beyond just awarding certificates.”
After receiving her degree, Kimmelstiel smiled, saying, “I’m so thrilled to see all these beautiful things.”
“My late husband would be so proud. He always had an interest in these kinds of activities. While he’s no longer with us, I carry this moment for him.”
