Ernest Bloch z”l
Ernie did not speak much about what he endured until he participated as a Survivor Educator on the March of the Living. He wanted to ensure that students have the chance to bear witness to the remnants of the Holocaust and be encouraged to bring about positive change in our world. It was for all the young student participants. He had an incredible connection with young people.
Ernest Bloch was born in Nýrsko, Czechoslovakia, in 1927. He survived Auschwitz II-Birkenau, Bismarckhütte, Mittelbau-Dora and was liberated by the Soviet armed forces in Prague, Czechoslovakia. His entire family was murdered and his life as a Czechoslovakian was completely destroyed. When the war was over he moved to Canada where he managed to rebuild and create a wonderful life and family. He embodied strength and perseverance. Ernest met his wife Erika in Canada in 1951 and they married a year later. He worked in the construction industry. Ernie will forever be remembered for his love of people, compassion, optimism, his will to overcome hardships, his generous spirit and wisdom, and for the many lives he touched. Ernest passed away on April 6, 2012, Erev Pesach. He is survived by his wife Erika, two children and five grandchildren.
