Ballerina Igone de Jongh pays tribute after death of holocaust survivor Edith Eger, 98

The family of Edith Eger has announced that she has died at 98, sharing the news on Instagram. The Hungarian-American psychologist and writer gained worldwide recognition with her book The Choice. Ballerina Igone de Jongh called her “an enormous role model, for many people but also for me personally.” De Jongh said this to the ANP in response to Eger’s death.

Eger survived Auschwitz as a teenager after being deported there with her family. Her wartime experiences went on to shape her career as a psychologist and writer.

De Jongh maintained close contact with Eger for many years after they first met in 2019. At the time, De Jongh performed De dans ontsprongen at Carré, a production inspired by Eger’s life. “That was a very special moment. A warm bond was formed then, and we have always stayed in touch.”

According to the family statement, “she passed away peacefully, with the same grace with which she lived” and “like an angel returning home.” The family emphasizes the impact of her life and work. “We are deeply moved by her life and will keep her memory alive through our actions.” The family also thanks the public “for the love and support for her life and work.”

The Choice brought her worldwide recognition after it was recommended by Oprah Winfrey. It recounts her time in the concentration camps and her process of rebuilding her life afterwards. She later went on to publish The Gift and The Ballerina of Auschwitz.

“We often Skyped and spoke, although that became harder in recent times as her health worsened,” she said. In 2024, De Jongh visited Eger in San Diego, in the United States. “I danced for her in her garden; it was something I really wanted to give her.”