Bejarano, Esther (1924–)

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Bejarano, Esther (1924–)

German-Jewish singer. Born Esther Loewy (or Löwy) in Saarlouis, Saar Territory (then French-controlled Germany), Dec 15, 1924; sister of Ruth Loewy, who was killed by German security forces after being expelled from Switzerland; m. Nissim Bejarano.

Holocaust survivor who built a successful career as a singer of folk and political songs; parents deported to Kaiserwald concentration camp near Riga, where they were killed (1941); sent to Auschwitz (April 20, 1943) and assigned to play the accordion in women's camp orchestra conducted by Alma Rosé; liberated (1945); immigrated to Israel; 20 years later, returned to Germany and became an acclaimed performer at music festivals dedicated to German-Jewish reconciliation; remained active on Auschwitz Committee which she helped found.

See also Women in World History.