TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - In Terre Haute, and around the world, Eva Kor was well-known for sharing her message of forgiveness.
She passed away on July 4 during her annual trip to Poland.

LINK | HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR EVA KOR HAS PASSED AWAY AT 85-YEARS-OLD
Eva survived the Holocaust and later moved to Terre Haute to found The CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center.
Many have released statements or took to social media to share memories and condolences. You will find some of them below. If you have a memory or just want to share your condolences...share them with us in the comment section of this story.
INDIANA GOVERNOR ERIC HOLCOMB
“The world just lost a giant with Eva Kor’s passing. Janet and I loved and adored her. Everywhere she went, Eva brought light into darkness and provided comfort to those in pain unlike anyone we’ve ever met. From her against all odds survival as a young girl in Auschwitz to her peace spreading message based from home in Terre Haute, Indiana, her relentless and optimistic example inspired the world. Her angelic spirit will live on in the countless souls she saved from ongoing confusion and torment. Janet and I are reminded just how blessed we are to have her as a friend. We will miss her laughter, her wisdom and her passion. We call on every Hoosier to look above on this Independence Day and say a prayer for Eva and the family and nation she leaves behind.”
The world just lost a giant with @EvaMozesKor's passing. Janet & I loved and adored her. Everywhere she went, Eva brought light into darkness & provided comfort to those in pain unlike anyone we’ve ever met. From her against all odds survival as a young girl in Auschwitz 1/3 pic.twitter.com/NJtvHxdrUS
— Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) July 4, 2019
INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Eva Kor’s life and work is a testament to the power of forgiveness. The path to forgiveness is not easy, nor is the quest to spread truth. Both, however, are powerful agents of change, and that is what Eva Kor steadfastly spent her life doing — changing lives with her message.
"Eva stands as one of the tallest and strongest Sycamores. Our Indiana State family is devastated at the news of her passing, but we know her legacy of forgiveness will live on for generations to come." Indiana State University President Deborah J. Curtis.
INDIANA SENATOR TODD YOUNG
"Eva Kor taught so many about the horrors of the Holocaust and, just as importantly, the power of love and forgiveness. Indiana and the world will miss this great American."
CONGRESSMAN LARRY BUCSHON
“A person who had become a friend, Eva Moses Kor passed away today in Krakow, Poland while on her annual trip to visit Auschwitz. Eva survived the Holocaust and became a staunch supporter of forgiveness. She lived a consequential life and will be missed.”
500 FESTIVAL
“Eva Mozes Kor was a treasured member of the 500 Festival family. She was our Grand Marshal, our Pacesetter, our favorite Red Carpet guest, but most importantly, she was our hero. Eva lived a life based in hope, forgiveness, courage and selflessness and worked tirelessly to share her message of healing. She made her community, the State of Indiana and the world a better place. While our staff, volunteers, spectators and participants will deeply miss Eva, it is our great honor to continue her legacy of compassion, hope, resilience, and respect. We are #TeamEva.”
LINK | EVA KOR ANNOUNCED AS 2019 500 FESTIVAL MINI-MARATHON PACESETTER
TERRE HAUTE MAYOR DUKE BENNETT
"I was very sorry to hear of Eva Kor’s passing today. She was a woman of great passion and perseverance. Eva asked me to serve on the CANDLES Board of Directors during the time of rebuilding the museum after the fire. I also made a trip with Eva to Poland and toured Auschwitz while she described her experience with us. I will never forget those experiences. Eva’s message of forgiveness was very special. We can all learn something from her legacy and work to make our world a better place."
NIKKI SIXX FROM MOTLEY CRUE
"Today as the earthquake hit us in LA I got a call that my friend Eva had passed. She was special person who survived so much evil and yet refused to let that define her. She travelled (SIC) the world teaching forgiveness. She texted me a few days ago saying she was going back to Auschwitz AGAIN on another mission to educate people and teach forgiveness. We met a few years ago and she told me she would like to adopt me as her son. She knew my story. As sad as today is I can like so many be happy, proud and joyful that Eva came into our lives. Travel safe sweet lady. SOME IMPORTANT INFO ON EVA♥️ Eva Mozes Kor was a Romanian Holocaust survivor. Along with her twin sister Miriam, Kor was subjected to human experimentation under Josef Mengele at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. She lost both of her parents and two older sisters to the Holocaust; only she and Miriam survived. ❤️ PS. She would give me a stern talking to about these tears in my eyes."
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My heart is breaking today to hear of Eva Kor’s passing. I desired deeply to hear her speak in person. ������
— Landon DeCrastos (@LandonDeCrastos) July 4, 2019
So sorry to hear about the passing of Eva Kor. She was full of life and charisma, and was the epitome of forgiveness, something we can all appreciate and use in our own lives. pic.twitter.com/mLbZw9EHZI
— Matt McCutcheon (@matt_mccutcheon) July 4, 2019
rest in peace, Eva Kor �� thank you for being a ray of sunshine in the darkest places. even though you may not be with us on earth, your story will live on forever. @EvaMozesKor
— libby (@libmey) July 4, 2019
RIP Eva Kor. One of the great voices for the Holocaust survivors. https://t.co/qJRELpZJL7
— Steve Hill (@shill182) July 4, 2019
I am deeply saddened by the passing of a true global hero, Eva Kor. She & her twin sister, Miriam, had the strength to survive the worst Nazi torture imaginable, the depraved medical experiments Dr. Mengele imposed upon twin-born children during WWII. God rest you, dear Lady. https://t.co/QYmuCiyQ43
— JillDeeDee�� (@jilldeedee) July 4, 2019
Eva Kor was truly an inspiration for everyone who believes forgiveness has a place in our world. #Holocaust #HoosierIcon https://t.co/yy5sRTDmLb
— Troy (@TLNewport1) July 4, 2019
Eva Kor's legacy will live on in our hearts, minds and actions when we learn to forgive.
Peace Learning Center inducted her into our Hall of Peacemakers - here are her three life lessons: https://t.co/dt3tVDyMDJ pic.twitter.com/TZCTyGLqGE
— Peace Learning (@PeaceLearning) July 4, 2019
Only five days ago we recorded a testimony of Eva Kor, an Auschwitz survivor, for @AuschwitzMuseum Archive. Today came a news about her passing away.
It more than just 'a breaking news'. It is a devastating one as one more survivor stopped sharing the story. https://t.co/ehGf2Gj27Q
— Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) July 4, 2019
God, what a loss. Rest In Peace Eva Kor. �� https://t.co/KK8frD4FPl
— Hayleigh Colombo (@hayleighcolombo) July 4, 2019
Eva Kor has passed this morning on Independence Day. Mike and I were honored to meet her many years ago. To this day, I remember our conversation about the Holocaust and losing her twin sister in the horrible camp. They are together again. #RIP pic.twitter.com/Fz96ai7DM8
— Faith703 (@Faith703) July 4, 2019
My heart is broken. My friend Eva Kor left this world earlier this morning. She was the most special person I've ever known.
Just a week ago she gave me an Eternal Light award. I'll always try and carry on your Light Eva.
I'll miss you forever my friend.x pic.twitter.com/4ei8mJJtO6
— Ray (@raymeade82) July 4, 2019
I am devastated to learn of the passing of @AuschwitzMuseum Holocaust survivor, Eva Kor. I had the privilege of meeting her two years ago @candlesmuseum. The world lost an incredibly kind, passionate, but fiercely strong woman today. Rest in peace, @EvaMozesKor. #zachor pic.twitter.com/hAGEUzQIJg
— Mrs. Ebinger (@NLmebinger) July 4, 2019
Eva Kor was an incredible woman who shared her story with so many people. Being able to see what she put together with her own will power is outstanding. Meeting her all those years ago will forever be life changing. pic.twitter.com/qq4Ukx44iN
— Liv (@livbricker) July 4, 2019
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