Senator Schumer Honors 100-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor as Hometown Hero in Baldwin

In a poignant ceremony held on Monday, Senator Chuck Schumer honored Pina Frassineti Wax, a 100-year-old Holocaust survivor residing in Baldwin, Long Island. The senator presented her with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in her honor, alongside a special Senate floor recognition, celebrating her as a "hometown hero" of New York. Pina Frassineti Wax, originally from Rome, Italy, has not only reached the remarkable milestone of centenarian status but has also witnessed some of the most significant and harrowing events in modern history. During the presentation, Schumer referred to her as a "living legend," emphasizing her resilience and vibrant spirit, which have inspired those around her. He praised her intelligence and energy, while also acknowledging the painful memories she carries from her youth during the Holocaust. The senator detailed Pina’s harrowing escape from the Nazis, recounting how she and her family sought refuge in a Catholic convent to avoid capture. Schumer noted the profound loss that marked Pina's early life, including the tragic fate of family members who perished in Nazi concentration camps, specifically referencing Dachau. Despite these traumatic experiences, Pina has flourished in her new home, dedicating her life to education and advocacy for truth and remembrance. Born in 1923, Pina is a living link to a history that many struggle to comprehend fully. Schumer reinforced the importance of her story as a testament to survival and resilience, especially in a time when antisemitism is on the rise once more, as evidenced by recent protests across New York in response to the ongoing conflict in Israel. As the ceremony unfolded, Pina was surrounded by family, friends, and local officials, including Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, all of whom celebrated her remarkable life journey. Schumer's recognition of Pina comes at a critical moment, just ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, a date that serves as a somber reminder of the past and a call to vigilance against hatred in all its forms. In presenting the flag and recognition, Schumer urged those present to reflect on Pina's legacy, a legacy that embodies the capacity for hope and renewal amidst despair. He called upon her story not just to be remembered but to inspire future generations to stand against injustice and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. Pina Frassineti Wax’s life is a powerful narrative of survival, love, and perseverance, and as the world faces new challenges, her story serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of collective memory.