On a sunny beach near Florence, Giuditta Servi spent her childhood summers surrounded by friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Behind the endless great memories, there is a past of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. For Giuditta, these summers were more than just childhood memories; they were a testament to the life her parents had fought to provide, a stark contrast to the shadows of the Holocaust that had touched their lives previously.

Early Life

Born in Florence to a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother, who converted to Judaism, Giuditta Servi Spagnoletto grew up in a family deeply rooted in Italian and Jewish heritage and culture. Her father, born in Rome but raised in Pitigliano, a town once known as "Little Jerusalem" for its significant Jewish population, carried with him the weight of a disrupted youth. As a teenager during World War II, he was forced to abandon his studies and later joined the partisans, fighting for freedom and survival. 

Giuditta's early years were shaped by her parents' experiences and their determination to build a new life after the war. Growing up in Florence, she attended a Jewish school until the age of 12, immersing herself in a small Jewish community. The Servi household was a blend of secular Jewish life and Italian culture. While not strictly observant in their early years, the family maintained strong connections to their heritage, regularly attending synagogue and celebrating holidays.

As the youngest of three siblings, Giuditta was surrounded by books about the Holocaust, which her parents didn't hide from their children. Her father, in particular, spoke often about his wartime experiences, instilling in his children a deep understanding of history and the importance of freedom. This openness about their family history fostered a deep sense of responsibility to remember and honor the past.

Threads of Wisdom

One of the most enduring lessons Giuditta learned from her parents was the importance of honesty. Her father would always return to shops if a mistake was made in their favor, teaching his children that integrity was more valuable than any small gain. Additionally, despite being forced to abandon his formal education at 14, Giuditta's father instilled in his children a profound respect for learning. He self-taught and emphasized the importance of cultural experiences, taking the family to classical music concerts and encouraging a love for literature. 

Reflections

Looking back on her life, Giuditta reflects on the importance of thoughtfulness and gratitude. She advises her younger self to be less impulsive and to remember the good deeds of others, acknowledging that it's often easier to dwell on negative experiences.

Her greatest dream now is to deepen her connection to her heritage by learning Hebrew and spending more time in Israel. Her Husband, Amedeo, studied in Rome to gain a Rabbinical Degree in pursuit of deepening his connection to Judaism. As a mother of four, with three of her children currently studying in Israel, Giuditta sees her legacy as one of strength, honesty, and awareness. 

"We have to be aware always," Giuditta emphasizes, echoing the lessons of her father. "Things could change, and we can't think that everything is fine and going to stay the same." This vigilance, with her innate optimism, portrays the balance of honoring the past while embracing the future. Described by others as always being optimistic, Giuditta has a superpower of remaining positive and calm in the face of challenges.

As Giuditta Servi Spagnoletto continues to weave her own story, she carries with her threads of resilience, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to remembering the past while building a brighter future.

Giuditta and her father after she finished Law School in Florence.

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