Janine and Dhilan come from very different worlds and generations, but their friendship proves that connections can transcend age and background.
Janine, 98, hails from Viloof, Poland, while Dhilan, 13, is from Barrington, Illinois. Despite the age gap, the two have become best friends and colleagues, volunteering together at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie. CBS 2 spent a recent Sunday with them to learn more about their unique bond.
Dhilan began volunteering about a year ago after the museum hosted a traveling exhibit at his school. Janine’s involvement is deeply personal as she is a Holocaust survivor.
When the Nazis invaded Janine’s town, they took her family to a ghetto. Her story of survival has become part of Dhilan’s own narrative through their friendship. Dhilan recounts Janine’s harrowing experiences: “Her father was sent to a work camp and died by suicide. Her mother, fearing for their safety, sent Janine to work in a field—still forced labor, but less brutal than the ghetto conditions.”
Janine’s memories are etched on the walls of the museum. Reflecting on her past, she breaks down when discussing her mother’s unknown fate. Dhilan empathizes deeply with her pain. “I feel horrible because she had to experience this,” he said. “Having a friend with such a vastly different life experience has made me a better person.”
Janine values the opportunity to share her story with Dhilan. “I could tell him what I suffered during the war, and he accepted it without rejection. That was very important.”
Sharing her experiences is part of Janine’s mission at the museum. Christian Batallas, a visitor, expressed the profound impact of meeting her: “You watch the movies. You read the books. To walk in here today and see Janine is here—it was incredible. I told her it’s like she’s a part of history still here with us.”
Back at the desk, the friends catch up on their week. Dhilan proudly shares his academic achievements, to which Janine responds with encouragement: “I’m not surprised, because I know you’re very capable.”
Their special bond is evident to fellow volunteers. “They have such a special friendship. Everyone who works or volunteers here sees that,” said volunteer Courtney Sturgeon. “People often ask, ‘Have you seen Janine and Dhilan today?’”
Janine and Dhilan hold each other in high regard. “If you have somebody you can talk to who wants to listen to you, that’s pure heaven,” Janine said. Dhilan echoed her sentiments, calling her “one of the best persons I’ve ever met.”
On the rare occasions Dhilan can’t make it to the museum, Janine’s Sundays just aren’t the same.
To learn more about Janine’s story and others, visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center’s website.