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Episode 155: Raised by Survivors — A Conversation with Shelly Piekny Smolar

Join host Bernie Furshpan on Raised by Survivors as he sits down with dear friend and fellow second-generation survivor Shelly Piekny Smolar. Born in a displaced persons camp and raised in Brooklyn’s tight-knit survivor community, Shelly shares candid memories of growing up in a household shaped by trauma, resilience, and tradition. From tales of bullying and cultural clashes to enduring family customs and the struggle to preserve identity, this heartfelt conversation explores what it means to be raised by Holocaust survivors—and the enduring hope for a more humane future.

Tune in for a powerful and personal glimpse into history, family, and the legacy of survival.