Holocaust survivor recognized at state capitol

California State Assembly member Eduardo Garcia recognized a Holocaust survivor at the 56th Assembly Districts’ Holocaust Survivor Honoree.

Yoka Brouwer, Desert Hot Springs resident, was chosen for her distinguished community advocacy and dedicated efforts to inspire local students, according to Garcia.

“It is with utmost importance that we continue to honor and preserve the valiant life stories of our World War II survivors and liberators,” said Garcia. “I commend Mrs. Brouwer for her tremendous courage and dedicated efforts to share her experiences with our local youth. Her exemplary advocacy will ensure that these stories live on.”

Brouwer was born in the Netherlands in the 1940. Her parents put her in the care of strangers at the age of two, due to the dangers her family because of political turmoil. Brouwer had hidden in more than a dozen places with strangers by the end of the war.

Brouwer, along with her husband and son moved to the U.S. in 1964 where she was able to make a career for herself in technology and computer science. She later obtained a degree in psychology and neuro-linguistic programming and began working as a psychotherapist and trainer.

Brouwer has dedicated years of outreach in schools, sharing tales of her family’s history and struggles with students.