Holocaust history made personal.
Holocaust History Made Personal
One extraordinary child. One unforgettable story. A powerful lesson for our time.
Janet Bond Brill, PhD, brings audiences into the extraordinary true story of her late mother-in-law, Edna Brill, a Jewish child who survived the Warsaw Ghetto, served in the Polish resistance, endured Nazi prisoner-of-war camps, and emerged as one of World War II’s youngest decorated resistance fighters.
Drawing on rare historical photographs, wartime documents, archival footage, and Edna’s own recorded testimony, Janet delivers a deeply moving multimedia presentation about courage, survival, resilience, and the moral responsibility to confront hatred.
An award-winning, bestselling author, former university professor, and experienced professional speaker, Janet brings both scholarly rigor and a deeply personal connection to the history she shares.
SIGNATURE KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
ONE CHILD AGAINST THE THIRD REICH
THE ASTONISHING TRUE STORY BEHIND LITTLE EDNA’S WAR
From the Warsaw Ghetto and life under a false Catholic identity to the Polish Home Army, two Nazi prisoner-of-war camps, a papal audience, and a new life in Israel and America, Janet traces the astonishing journey of a Jewish child who resisted, survived, and rebuilt.
Built around rare historical photographs, archival footage, wartime documents, family records, and Edna’s own recorded voice, the presentation is emotionally resonant, conversational, and historically rigorous. Audiences leave understanding not only what Edna survived, but what her survival asks of those who hear her story today.
45–75 minutes · Q&A available · In person or virtual
Programs tailored to every audience.
Janet adapts each presentation to the venue, audience, and occasion while preserving the emotional power and historical integrity of Edna’s story.
COMMUNITY & FAITH
Multimedia lectures for Holocaust centers, synagogues, churches, JCCs, libraries, Jewish organizations, and interfaith communities.
EDUCATION
Programs for middle schools, high schools, universities, educators, Holocaust studies courses, and professional conferences.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Book-club appearances, Yom HaShoah programs, remembrance-day keynotes, women’s organizations, heritage groups, and virtual events.
Available in person or virtually · Programs may include Q&A
Speaking across communities.
What Hosts and Audiences Are Saying.
Audiences consistently describe Janet’s presentations as emotionally powerful, historically compelling, and deeply relevant to today.
“Your presentation was nothing short of extraordinary. You brought history to life with such eloquence, passion, and heartfelt emotion.”
Jeri Zimmerman
Executive Director
Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
“Janet Brill gave a terrific book talk about Little Edna’s War to our audience, which included people from around the world. Her beautiful and moving presentation brought Edna’s remarkable story to life in a way that resonates with audiences everywhere.”
Dr. Isabelle Rohr
Deputy Director
JDC Global Archives
Bring Edna’s story to your audience.
Programs are available for educational institutions, faith communities, conferences, libraries, book clubs, and community organizations.
Booking inquiries:
Janet@JanetBondBrill.com