09/30/2026
El Paso Holocaust Museum mourns the passing of Tibor Schaechner, the last Holocaust survivor in El Paso, and our beloved friend, supporter and cherished member of our museum family.
Tibor passed away at the age of 98 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind an incredible family legacy in his three children, four step-children, seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren who carry forward the life and love he rebuilt after unimaginable loss. For the El Paso Holocaust Museum, this is an immeasurable loss. Tibor was far more than a survivor whose testimony we were privileged to preserve and share. He was our friend. He was part of our family. His presence, his wisdom, his humor, his strength, and his example have shaped this institution and touched generations of people throughout our community.
Tibor was a survivor, in every sense of the word.
After enduring the devastating loss of his family during the Holocaust, he began again by finding love with fellow survivor, Agnes Klein. He started his family line again to now include generations. As Tibor would say, the ultimate defiance of the N**i goal to eradicate Jewish life, was to have children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren.
Thousands of students and adults heard Tibor's story over the years. Through his testimony, he educated countless individuals about the Holocaust, its lasting consequences, and the urgent responsibility we all share to stand against hatred, antisemitism, and indifference.
We mourn with Tibor’s family and all those who loved him, and we are profoundly grateful for the 98 years of life he shared with this world.
May his memory be a blessing.
