Selma van de Perre, a Holocaust survivor, has become an inspiring voice for resilience and remembrance through her memoir, *”My Name Is Selma.”* At the age of 98, her story continues to educate and move readers, shedding light on her harrowing experiences during one of history’s darkest times and her enduring will to survive.

Born in 1922 in Amsterdam, Selma van de Perre was just a teenager when the Nazi regime occupied the Netherlands. As a young Jewish woman, she joined the Dutch resistance, adopting the name “Marga van der Kuit” to conceal her identity. Under this alias, she carried out dangerous missions, transporting documents and assisting Jews in evading capture.

Despite her brave efforts, Selma was eventually arrested by the Gestapo in 1944. She was deported to Ravensbrück, a women’s concentration camp in Germany, where she endured unimaginable hardships. Her survival was partly due to the false identity she maintained; the Nazis never discovered she was Jewish.

Selma chose to write her memoir many decades later, believing that the lessons of history must not be forgotten. Her decision was influenced by a growing sense of responsibility to share her story, especially as Holocaust denial and distortion persisted.

In *”My Name Is Selma,”* she recounts her journey with unflinching honesty, covering:
– The loss of her family, most of whom perished in Auschwitz.
– Her time in Ravensbrück, where survival depends on resourcefulness and resilience.
– The post-war years, where she rebuilt her life, pursued a career in journalism, and eventually moved to England.

Selma’s book is not just a memoir of survival but also a testament to the human spirit. It highlights the courage of individuals who resisted oppression and the importance of standing against hatred in all forms.

Selma’s story resonates deeply in today’s world, offering lessons on:
– **The power of identity:** How she used a false name to protect herself while maintaining her true self internally.
– **Resistance and bravery:** Her actions in the Dutch resistance remind us of the importance of standing up against injustice.
– **Remembrance:** By documenting her story, she ensures that future generations understand the consequences of prejudice and the value of compassion.

Now in her late 90s, Selma van de Perre continues to inspire as a living witness to the Holocaust. Through her writing and speaking engagements, she emphasizes the importance of reminding history and the necessity of hope and humanity in overcoming adversity.