Family friend Roza Jaffe recounts,
“My grandfather was a big merchant, my mother helped in the store. They were 9 children, 6 survived by coming to America in their twenties.
One sister died of hunger during the holocaust . . Khotyn, my hometown, was set on on fire and my house along with everything in it was destroyed. My family members and I were forced to travel by foot from Khotyn to the Ukraine. I was the only survivor, an orphan, begging in the streets, until I was taken on a transport to Romainia with a group of other survivors. The Russians came into Romania and I was taken to an orphanage in Odesa . . .”
Roza (who’s name is also spelled Rosa Jaffee), has created a biographical video (in 12 sections, each 10 minutes long) of her fascinating journey from 8-year old orphaned holocaust survivor in Europe to finally, safe haven in Israel. Later Roza emigrated to America and currently lives in Teaneck, NJ, with her husband. Videos posted on YouTube.
Roza, I really need to get ahold of you because seeing your video became very personal. I have been searching for my mother in laws family for many years and found nothing until I heard you talk about the Sibushnicks and how you were named after Reisel who may have died in America. My mother-in-laws mother was Reisel Sibushnick who come to america when she was only 16 to her uncle Leab Press. She died giving birth to my mother-in-law who was named after her, as you say is also your namesake. Please tell me anything you can about her and her family. Pictures for our family history would be great as well. Thanks. Respond to this and I will find a way to get in touch.