Simcha “Simon” Shilman’s story is one of courage, resilience, and the unyielding Jewish spirit.
Virginia Beach is home to many remarkable individuals, but few stories shine as brightly as that of Simcha (Simon) Shilman, a 102-year-old Holocaust survivor, WWII hero, and a living testament to the resilience of the Jewish people.
Born in 1922 in Odessa and raised in the small Ukrainian town of Satanov, Simcha’s early years were filled with hope and promise. In 1939, as a young man attending college in Odessa, his life seemed to stretch before him. But the world around him was changing. With war looming, Simcha made a fateful decision—he would not wait to be drafted.
Together with four friends, Simcha enlisted in the Soviet Army before the war began, determined to train and prepare, unlike the thousands of soldiers who would be sent to fight without proper preparation. His foresight proved crucial.
Simcha joined the cavalry artillery, serving from the very first day of World War II. For years, he fought on the brutal Eastern Front, witnessing the horrors of war and the triumph of the human spirit. In the pivotal Battle of Stalingrad, he suffered severe injuries that ended his cavalry service. But Simcha’s resolve was unshaken. He transitioned to leading a machine gun squad, where he played a critical role in the Battle of Kursk, the battle that turned the tide against the Nazis.
One of Simcha’s most dangerous missions was crossing the Dnieper River, a feat that marked the beginning of the German retreat. Most soldiers who crossed alongside him did not survive. Yet, Simcha pressed forward, carrying the hopes of victory on his shoulders.
When his unit neared his hometown of Satanov, Simcha was granted permission to return for a brief visit. What he found there shattered his heart—his entire family had been murdered by the Nazis. The streets he had once called home were silent, the lives of his loved ones erased.
With newfound resolve, Simcha returned to the battlefield, determined to honor his family’s memory. He fought all the way to Dresden, witnessing the Nazis’ defeat, and was part of the liberation of Prague on May 9, 1945. It was there that Simcha helped set up a temporary border to separate Soviet and American troops. Though his role was brief, it was pivotal in preventing further conflicts during the fragile post-war period.
After the war, Simcha’s contributions continued. He finished his military service as a First Lieutenant and returned to civilian life, resuming his education in Kyiv. There, he met and married his wife, a fellow Jewish survivor, and together they rebuilt their lives, eventually moving to Moldova, where they raised their son, Boris. At the end of the war he was awarded three medals for bravery. His final medal was in recognition of his courageous act of crossing the Dnipro River.
He later married Agata, a fellow Holocaust survivor, and they rebuilt their lives in Moldova before immigrating to the U.S. in 1991. Simcha immigrated to the United States, seeking freedom and a brighter future for his family. After settling in Detroit, he moved to Virginia Beach in 2012 to be close to Boris, now an engineer working with the U.S. Navy, and his family. Simcha’s grandson, Alex, continued the legacy, serving as a senior officer in the U.S. military.
In 2021, Rabbi Meir Lessoff met Boris on Yom Kippur, sparking a connection that led to several visits with Simcha. Together, they affixed a mezuzah to Simcha’s door and wrapped tefillin—a powerful moment that bridged generations and symbolized the eternal light of Jewish faith. Rabbi Meir recalls Simcha’s radiant smile, boundless enthusiasm, and youthful spirit despite his years.
Today, Simcha is in the fight of his life at Sentara Hospital in Norfolk. As we share his story, we are reminded of the strength and resilience that define our people.
Simcha’s life is a testament to faith, perseverance, and hope. Let us draw inspiration from his journey—a man who not only survived the darkest chapter of history but emerged as a beacon of light for all who know him.
May we honor Simcha’s legacy by embracing our community, supporting one another, and continuing the traditions that have kept our people strong for generations.
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