Benjamin Lesser

Holocaust Survivor, Author, Lecturer, and visionary founder of The ZACHOR Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, Ben Lesser passed away peacefully at 96, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the first day of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.

 

Ben Lesser was known around the world for his courageous testimony, tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to education and remembrance.

Born in Krakow, Poland in 1928 to Shari Segal and Lazar Leser. Ben was the second youngest of five children, Moshe Leser, Lola Lieber-Schwartz, Goldie Leser and baby brother Naftali Leser. At age ten his life as a boy was forever changed. He endured four concentration camps, a seven-week death march, and two death trains, one of which was the notorious ill-fated death train from Buchenwald to Dachau where of the 6,000 inmates that walked on, only 18 walked off. Ben was the last living survivor from that train.

Of the family of seven, only two survived the Holocaust - Lola and Ben.

Ben immigrated to America making his way to Los Angeles, where he married his beloved wife, Jean Singer in 1950. They were married for 72 years before her passing in 2022. He retired from UPS of 25 years to co-found with his wife Jean - Ben Lesser and Associates Realty in 1973 and later co-founded The ZACHOR Holocaust Remembrance Foundation in 2009 with daughter, Gail Lesser-Gerber dedicating his life to Holocaust education.

 

Ben’s life was a living testament to resilience and hope. His story of survival and his message to choose love continues to inspire thousands. Through his story, the world was reminded that even after unthinkable suffering, dignity, compassion can prevail. His devotion to build light through his foundation is a legacy that will never fade.

 

He is survived by his daughters, Sherry Kramer and Gail Lesser-Gerber, four grandchildren and blessed with seven great-grandchildren.

 

 

May his memory be a blessing, etched in eternity. “ZACHOR”

He will be laid to rest in Jewish tradition surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 1pm, Mount Sinai Memorial Park, 5950 Forest Lawn Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90068. A memorial will also be held in Las Vegas mid-October.

 

To attend the virtual service, please log onto the Mt. Sinai Website and search for Ben Lesser.

 

 

Supporting his life’s work and mission is the best way to honor Ben and what he stood for. As such, In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ben’s memory to ZACHOR Holocaust Remembrance Foundation.