Irene W. Leigh: Hiding the Holocaust
We are delighted to celebrate local author Irene W. Leigh and her new memoir, Hiding the Holocaust. Join us at C. Burr Artz Library on Saturday, May 23 from 2:00-3:00 pm to learn the astounding story of her Jewish parents’ experiences escaping Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Irene will be in conversation with Sofia Seitchik. Following their talk, Irene will answer questions and sign books. Copies of Hiding the Holocaust will be available for purchase at the event.
Please note: An ASL interpreter will be on hand to provide services as needed.
This event is free and open to the public, presented in partnership with the Frederick County Public Library. For additional accessibility requests, email info@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
About the book: From her parents, deaf psychologist Irene W. Leigh learned how quickly safety could be yanked away. Her parents, Jews who barely escaped Nazi Germany on the eve of World War II, tried to shield Leigh from harm, never talking about the horrors they endured, and it was not until recently that she began to discover the truth by uncovering a shocking document. Having rebuilt their lives from scratch, first in England and then in America, Leigh’s parents passed down a legacy of ambition, persistence, and achievement, shaping her resilience in response to bias and discrimination. In this deeply personal memoir, Hiding the Holocaust, Leigh explores how this unspoken history and inherited trauma has informed her personal, familial, academic, and career experiences. Using a lifespan narrative structure focusing on memories, reflections, and recreated dialogue, Leigh narrates the subtle ways in which Holocaust trauma and loss affected not only her parents but also herself as a deaf child, teen, adult, and parent.
About the author: Irene W. Leigh is a clinical psychologist with a distinguished career in research and teaching, focusing on deaf identity, parenting, attachment, cochlear implants, assessment, psychotherapy and counseling. Leigh is a fellow of the American Psychological Association. She taught in the clinical psychology doctoral program and chaired the Department of Psychology at Gallaudet University, where she holds the title of Professor Emerita and was selected as a distinguished faculty member.
About the moderator: Sofia Seitchik is a Jewish Deaf entrepreneur, transformational coach, and community leader dedicated to creating spaces where people feel seen and connected. She founded Global Deaf Women and is the author of the award-winning book The Light of Deaf Women, which amplifies the success stories of Deaf women. Sofia serves as Program Director for Hillel at Gallaudet University, where she strengthens Jewish life and belonging through collaborations and signature events. She is also co-founder of Matanah, where she guides strategy and relationships to ensure every experience feels intentional, welcoming, and culturally grounded.
