Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has died
Judah Samet survived two unthinkable tragedies: imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp and the 2018 massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. But still he held onto his faith in humanity — and made a point of sharing what he’d witnessed.
Samet died on Tuesday of complications from stomach cancer, according to his family. He was 84.
“I have the right to believe that the world is a rotten place, but I don’t,” he said in a 2019 interview with the USC Shoah Foundation, which shared a video of his remarks and praised Samet’s “tireless efforts to document the past and secure a better future.”
“He went through his life with an unrelenting optimism and just saw the good in everybody and every situation,” said his daughter, Elizabeth H. Samet.
Surviving both the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where more than 50,000 people died, and the Tree of Life shooting, where 11 people were gunned down in the deadliest attack on Jews in American history, was a responsibility Samet took seriously.
“I was supposed to be dead at 6 and a half . … So why did I survive everything? I believe I survived to tell the story to as many people (as possible),” Samet told the Shoah Foundation.
For much of his life, Samet avoided speaking about what had happened to him and his family during the Holocaust. Click to read more about him.
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
FILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo Parisians march through the Arc de Triomphe jubilantly waving flags of the Allied Nations as they celebrate the end of World War II in Europe. Nazi commanders signed their surrender to Allied forces in a French schoolhouse 75 years ago this week, ending World War II in Europe and the Holocaust. (AP Photo, File)
APFILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo Parisians march through the Arc de Triomphe jubilantly waving flags of the Allied Nations as they celebrate the end of World War II in Europe. Nazi commanders signed their surrender to Allied forces in a French schoolhouse 75 years ago this week, ending World War II in Europe and the Holocaust. (AP Photo, File)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
FILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill, center, joins the royal family, from left, Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI, and Princess Margaret, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, England, on VE Day. Nazi commanders signed their surrender to Allied forces in a French schoolhouse 75 years ago this week, ending World War II in Europe and the Holocaust. Unlike the mass street celebrations that greeted this momentous news in 1945, surviving veterans are marking V-E Day this year in virus confinement, sharing memories with loved ones, instead of in the company of comrades on public parade. (AP Photo, File)
APFILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill, center, joins the royal family, from left, Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI, and Princess Margaret, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, England, on VE Day. Nazi commanders signed their surrender to Allied forces in a French schoolhouse 75 years ago this week, ending World War II in Europe and the Holocaust. Unlike the mass street celebrations that greeted this momentous news in 1945, surviving veterans are marking V-E Day this year in virus confinement, sharing memories with loved ones, instead of in the company of comrades on public parade. (AP Photo, File)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedLeslie Priest
FILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo a vast crowd assembles in front of Buckingham Palace, London to cheer Britain's Royal family as they come out on the balcony, centre, minutes after the official announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender in World War II. They are from left: Princess Elizabeth; Queen Elizabeth; King George VI; and Princess Margaret. Nazi commanders signed their surrender to Allied forces in a French schoolhouse 75 years ago this week, ending World War II in Europe and the Holocaust. Unlike the mass street celebrations that greeted this momentous news in 1945, surviving veterans are marking V-E Day this year in virus confinement, sharing memories with loved ones, instead of in the company of comrades on public parade. (AP Photo/Leslie Priest, File)
Leslie PriestFILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo a vast crowd assembles in front of Buckingham Palace, London to cheer Britain's Royal family as they come out on the balcony, centre, minutes after the official announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender in World War II. They are from left: Princess Elizabeth; Queen Elizabeth; King George VI; and Princess Margaret. Nazi commanders signed their surrender to Allied forces in a French schoolhouse 75 years ago this week, ending World War II in Europe and the Holocaust. Unlike the mass street celebrations that greeted this momentous news in 1945, surviving veterans are marking V-E Day this year in virus confinement, sharing memories with loved ones, instead of in the company of comrades on public parade. (AP Photo/Leslie Priest, File)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedSTF
FILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo mounted policemen strive to clear a path for Prime Minister Winston Churchill, center, in his car on its way through a surging crowd of VE Day celebrants in Parliament Square, London after the announcement of Germany's surrender in World War II. (AP Photo, File)
STFFILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo mounted policemen strive to clear a path for Prime Minister Winston Churchill, center, in his car on its way through a surging crowd of VE Day celebrants in Parliament Square, London after the announcement of Germany's surrender in World War II. (AP Photo, File)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedPOOL
FILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo a crowd gathers to celebrate VE Day in Piccadilly Circus in London, England. (AP Photo, File)
POOLFILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo a crowd gathers to celebrate VE Day in Piccadilly Circus in London, England. (AP Photo, File)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
President Truman sits before a microphone, holding his speech, at the White House, Washington, DC, May 8, 1945, after he had finished reading his announcement to the nation that Allied Armies have won unconditional surrender from the German forces on all fronts. (AP Photo/stf)
APPresident Truman sits before a microphone, holding his speech, at the White House, Washington, DC, May 8, 1945, after he had finished reading his announcement to the nation that Allied Armies have won unconditional surrender from the German forces on all fronts. (AP Photo/stf)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedMATTY ZIMMERMAN
People crowd Times Square at 42nd Street in New York City on May 8, 1945, as the VE Day celebration continues into the night. The dimout and the brownout of the "Great White Way" have been replaced once more by the bright lights of victory. (AP Photo/Matty Zimmerman)
MATTY ZIMMERMANPeople crowd Times Square at 42nd Street in New York City on May 8, 1945, as the VE Day celebration continues into the night. The dimout and the brownout of the "Great White Way" have been replaced once more by the bright lights of victory. (AP Photo/Matty Zimmerman)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
President Harry S. Truman smiles happily as he announces to the press the complete victory of the Allies over Germany, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 8, 1945. Seated near the wall behind Truman are, left to right: Elmer Davis, Secretary Henry A. Wallace, Maj. Gen. Philip Fleming, Rep. Joseph Martin, Jr., Gen. George C. Marshall, J. Leonard Reinsch, Col. Harry Vaughan, John Snyder, first lady Bess Truman, Mary Margaret Truman and Secretary of War Henry Stimson. Fred M. Vinson is in the foreground.
APPresident Harry S. Truman smiles happily as he announces to the press the complete victory of the Allies over Germany, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 8, 1945. Seated near the wall behind Truman are, left to right: Elmer Davis, Secretary Henry A. Wallace, Maj. Gen. Philip Fleming, Rep. Joseph Martin, Jr., Gen. George C. Marshall, J. Leonard Reinsch, Col. Harry Vaughan, John Snyder, first lady Bess Truman, Mary Margaret Truman and Secretary of War Henry Stimson. Fred M. Vinson is in the foreground.
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
President Harry S. Truman (right center), gestures as he tells newsmen details of surrender of Germany during press conference at the White House in Washington, May 8, 1945 attended by 123 reporters. At top, facing, are (left to right): Gen. G.C. Marshall, Col. Harry Vaughan, J.L. Reinsch, Rep. Joseph Martin, first lady Bess Truman, Rep. John W. McCormack, Mary Margaret Truman, Admiral William D. Leahy, Capt. James K. Vardaman, Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, Matthew Connally, Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal, Senate President Protem Kenneth McKellar, Edward McKin, Stephen Larly, Jonathan Daniels, Attorney General Francis Biddle and Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins. (AP Photo)
APPresident Harry S. Truman (right center), gestures as he tells newsmen details of surrender of Germany during press conference at the White House in Washington, May 8, 1945 attended by 123 reporters. At top, facing, are (left to right): Gen. G.C. Marshall, Col. Harry Vaughan, J.L. Reinsch, Rep. Joseph Martin, first lady Bess Truman, Rep. John W. McCormack, Mary Margaret Truman, Admiral William D. Leahy, Capt. James K. Vardaman, Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson, Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, Matthew Connally, Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal, Senate President Protem Kenneth McKellar, Edward McKin, Stephen Larly, Jonathan Daniels, Attorney General Francis Biddle and Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedSTF
FILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo the 44th Infantry Division, U.S. Seventh Army, parades on VE Day through the town square of Imst, Austria. (AP Photo, File)
STFFILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo the 44th Infantry Division, U.S. Seventh Army, parades on VE Day through the town square of Imst, Austria. (AP Photo, File)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
A huge American flag unfurled in New York’s Herald Square on VE Day on May 8, 1945. This 80x160 foot flag was hung from the eighth floor balcony of Macy’s New York department store, covering the façade from 34th and 35th Streets along Broadway. Beneath it were placed a set of British, Chinese, French and Russian flags, held by two giant mailer fists. (AP Photo)
APA huge American flag unfurled in New York’s Herald Square on VE Day on May 8, 1945. This 80x160 foot flag was hung from the eighth floor balcony of Macy’s New York department store, covering the façade from 34th and 35th Streets along Broadway. Beneath it were placed a set of British, Chinese, French and Russian flags, held by two giant mailer fists. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedASSOCIATED PRESS
Enthusiastic Danish crowds greeted the British column on its arrival in Copenhagen, May 8, 1945. (AP Photo)
ASSOCIATED PRESSEnthusiastic Danish crowds greeted the British column on its arrival in Copenhagen, May 8, 1945. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
People crowd into the street outside the U.S. and British Embassies, Lisbon, Portugal, on VE Day, May 8, 1945. Jubilant crowds celebrated for two days and nights. (AP Photo)
APPeople crowd into the street outside the U.S. and British Embassies, Lisbon, Portugal, on VE Day, May 8, 1945. Jubilant crowds celebrated for two days and nights. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
The floodlit Mansion House, in London, on May 8, 1945, during the VE Day celebrations. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedTom Fitzsimmons
The torch of the Statue of Liberty blazes in the night as the lights are turned on once again at the island in New York Harbor, May 8, 1945, V-E Day, on which the official announcement of the unconditional surrender of Germany was proclaimed. Two service men stand guard at the base of the statue. (AP Photo/Tom Fitzsimmons)
Tom FitzsimmonsThe torch of the Statue of Liberty blazes in the night as the lights are turned on once again at the island in New York Harbor, May 8, 1945, V-E Day, on which the official announcement of the unconditional surrender of Germany was proclaimed. Two service men stand guard at the base of the statue. (AP Photo/Tom Fitzsimmons)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
Members of the executive committee of the United Nations conference met on May 8, 1945 in an upstairs room of the Opera House in San Francisco to consider conference procedure. Left to right, at table: Eelco Van Kleffens, Netherlands; Mostafa Adl, Iran; Jan Masaryk, Czechoslovakia; W.L. Mackenzie King, Herbert Evatt, Australia; Sir Alexander Cadogan, United Kingdom; V.K. Wellington Koo, China; Edward R. Stettinius, Jr. U.S.; Alger Hiss, Secretary General of Conference; V.M. Molotov, Russia; Georges Bidault, France; Ezequiel Padilla, Mexico; Ivan Subasic, Yugoslavia. Representation Brazil and Chile not present for picture but formally sit between Molotov and Bidault. (AP Photo)
APMembers of the executive committee of the United Nations conference met on May 8, 1945 in an upstairs room of the Opera House in San Francisco to consider conference procedure. Left to right, at table: Eelco Van Kleffens, Netherlands; Mostafa Adl, Iran; Jan Masaryk, Czechoslovakia; W.L. Mackenzie King, Herbert Evatt, Australia; Sir Alexander Cadogan, United Kingdom; V.K. Wellington Koo, China; Edward R. Stettinius, Jr. U.S.; Alger Hiss, Secretary General of Conference; V.M. Molotov, Russia; Georges Bidault, France; Ezequiel Padilla, Mexico; Ivan Subasic, Yugoslavia. Representation Brazil and Chile not present for picture but formally sit between Molotov and Bidault. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedASSOCIATED PRESS
Britain's King George VI talks with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and members of the cabinet and chiefs of staff in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, in London on May 8, 1945, during VE Day celebrations. in the foreground are, Sir Archibald Sinclair, Lord Woolton, Winston Churchill, King George VI, Herbret Morrison, Ernest Bevin, Sir John Anderson. (AP Photo)
ASSOCIATED PRESSBritain's King George VI talks with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and members of the cabinet and chiefs of staff in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, in London on May 8, 1945, during VE Day celebrations. in the foreground are, Sir Archibald Sinclair, Lord Woolton, Winston Churchill, King George VI, Herbret Morrison, Ernest Bevin, Sir John Anderson. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
With the final capitulation of the German armed forces Denmark once again celebrates her freedom. Riding in horse-drawn vehicles on bicycles and on foot the Nazi overlord filed out of Copenhagen to surrender to the nearest British forces. Germans crowd onto a miniature tank carrying a trailer on their way to surrender to British troops, May 8, 1945. (AP Photo)
APWith the final capitulation of the German armed forces Denmark once again celebrates her freedom. Riding in horse-drawn vehicles on bicycles and on foot the Nazi overlord filed out of Copenhagen to surrender to the nearest British forces. Germans crowd onto a miniature tank carrying a trailer on their way to surrender to British troops, May 8, 1945. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
A section of the huge crowd gathered in Parliament Square, London on May 8, 1945, as they listened to the premier’s broadcast officially announcing Germany’s unconditional surrender. (AP Photo)
APA section of the huge crowd gathered in Parliament Square, London on May 8, 1945, as they listened to the premier’s broadcast officially announcing Germany’s unconditional surrender. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
Paper showers from buildings on either side of Boston’s Newspaper Row on May 8, 1945, after official announcement of victory in Europe. All traffic was halted on Washington Street for several hours. Most stores declared a holiday. (AP Photo)
APPaper showers from buildings on either side of Boston’s Newspaper Row on May 8, 1945, after official announcement of victory in Europe. All traffic was halted on Washington Street for several hours. Most stores declared a holiday. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
The general surrender signed at Reims, France, on May 7 was ratified at Berlin on May 8, 1945. Keitel, Friedeburg, and Stumpf signed for the German High Command and Air Chief Marshal Tedder signed for the AEF and Marshal Zhukov for the Soviet High Command shown June 1, 1945. This is a photograph of one of a dozen German surrender documents that will be placed on exhibition at the National Archives, Washington, D.C., on June 6 and will remain on view until the first of September, Dr. Solon J. Buck, the Archivist of the United States, has announced. (AP Photo)
APThe general surrender signed at Reims, France, on May 7 was ratified at Berlin on May 8, 1945. Keitel, Friedeburg, and Stumpf signed for the German High Command and Air Chief Marshal Tedder signed for the AEF and Marshal Zhukov for the Soviet High Command shown June 1, 1945. This is a photograph of one of a dozen German surrender documents that will be placed on exhibition at the National Archives, Washington, D.C., on June 6 and will remain on view until the first of September, Dr. Solon J. Buck, the Archivist of the United States, has announced. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
The general surrender signed at Reims, France, on May 7 was ratified at Berlin on May 8, 1945. Keitel, Friedeburg, and Stumpf signed for the German High Command and Air Chief Marshal Tedder signed for the AEF and Marshal Zhukov for the Soviet High Command shown June 1, 1945. This is a photograph of one of a dozen German surrender documents that will be placed on exhibition at the National Archives, Washington, D.C., on June 6 and will remain on view until the first of September, Dr. Solon J. Buck, the Archivist of the United States, has announced. (AP Photo)
APThe general surrender signed at Reims, France, on May 7 was ratified at Berlin on May 8, 1945. Keitel, Friedeburg, and Stumpf signed for the German High Command and Air Chief Marshal Tedder signed for the AEF and Marshal Zhukov for the Soviet High Command shown June 1, 1945. This is a photograph of one of a dozen German surrender documents that will be placed on exhibition at the National Archives, Washington, D.C., on June 6 and will remain on view until the first of September, Dr. Solon J. Buck, the Archivist of the United States, has announced. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedAP
Service men and civilians crowd about a brewery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on May 8, 1945, which was looted during V-E Day violence. (AP Photo)
APService men and civilians crowd about a brewery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on May 8, 1945, which was looted during V-E Day violence. (AP Photo)
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Judah Samet, who survived Holocaust and a synagogue massacre, has diedJohn Rooney
FILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo Pfc. Clarence K. Ayers of Evansville, Ind., reads the news of VE Day as newly arrived German prisoners stand on a New York City pier. (AP Photo/John Rooney, File)
John RooneyFILE - In this May 8, 1945 file photo Pfc. Clarence K. Ayers of Evansville, Ind., reads the news of VE Day as newly arrived German prisoners stand on a New York City pier. (AP Photo/John Rooney, File)
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