Isabella Schonwetter Fiske

In a small bakery in Newark, New Jersey, a chance encounter between two Polish immigrants set the stage for a remarkable family legacy. Eighteen-year-old Luba stood behind the counter when Mark, a Holocaust survivor in his twenties, walked in with a friend. Unaware that Luba understood Polish, the men playfully commented on her beauty. As they were about to leave, Luba surprised them by responding in Polish, "You never know who understands what you're saying, so be careful what you say." This lighthearted moment of embarrassment and laughter marked the beginning of Mark and Luba's journey together, one that would eventually lead to their daughter, Isabella Schonwetter Fiske.

Early Life

Growing up in Livingston, New Jersey, Isabella's childhood was shaped by her parents' immigrant background and her father's experiences as a Holocaust survivor. "Family first" was the mantra in the Schonwetter household. Isabella fondly remembers spending her days pursuing ballet, performing in the Nutcracker, and later becoming a high school cheerleader.

Isabella grew up hearing her father's stories from an early age. "I kind of related it as, you know, I'm sure when you were growing up, your mom and your dad would tell you stories," Isabella explains. "My dad didn't have those same experiences as I did growing up. So it was very important that he did tell us, and he was very open with us."

This openness about the past, combined with her parents' emphasis on education and respect, laid the foundation for Isabella's future work in Holocaust education. Together with her sister, Isabella founded a national organization that provides grants to schools for Holocaust programming and curriculum. Founded in 2020, their foundation, the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education has reached over 114,000 across 32 states. Their foundation has already reached over 114,000 students across 32 states.

Threads of Wisdom

One of the most profound lessons Isabella learned from her father was the importance of open-mindedness. She recalls a pivotal moment when, as a young mother, she hesitated to hire a German au pair. Her father, the Holocaust survivor, surprised her with his response: "Just because she's from Germany doesn't mean that she had anything to do with the Holocaust. She's not a Nazi. You can't blame a German girl in her twenties that wasn't even alive at that time." This moment taught Isabella the value of not judging individuals based on their heritage or background.

Isabella's grandmother, whom she affectionately called Baba Sala, emerges as a beacon of wisdom in her life. "She was street smart," Isabella remembers. "She was not an educated woman, but she used her instincts." It was Baba Sala's resourcefulness and strength that ensured the survival of Isabella's father and aunt during the Holocaust.

Perhaps the most enduring wisdom passed down through Isabella's family is the power of positive thinking and resilience. "My father and grandmother always looked to the future," Isabella shares. "They always looked at the positive." This mindset has profoundly influenced Isabella's approach to life's challenges. "No matter how bad it feels today, no matter what you're going through, tomorrow is a new day," she advises.

Reflections

As Isabella reflects on her life and the legacy she hopes to leave, she expresses a desire to be remembered as someone who made a difference. Through her foundation's work in Holocaust education and her commitment to spreading kindness, awareness, and respect, Isabella is indeed carrying forward the resilient spirit of her family.

Isabella shares a philosophy inherited from her grandmother: "My grandmother never celebrated her birthdays because she said that every day she woke up was a birthday and a blessing." It's a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of gratitude – a thread of wisdom woven through generations, from the darkest moments of history to the promise of a brighter future.

Isabella and family.