Cheryl Reibel

Cheryl Reibel is a poet and author whose work centers on Holocaust history and Jewish heritage. Reibel earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from New York University, studied history at Tel Aviv University, and received a certificate in human behavior from the New School in New York City. She also pursued social studies teaching credentials from the University of Delaware. Reibel’s interest in diverse narratives led her to focus on the experiences of Holocaust survivors and the resilience of the Jewish community.

Reibel’s book, "Resilience," is an illustrated poetry collection inspired by her personal heritage. Each poem is based on the real story of a Jewish child or teenager who lived through the Holocaust, many of whom are members of her own family. The collection features thirty-seven stories, a number chosen to honor the significance of "Life" in Hebrew numerology and to symbolize survival across generations. The poetry is crafted to reflect the voices of young survivors, while the accompanying artwork emulates a child’s perspective, emphasizing innocence and inner strength.

"Resilience" was inspired by stories from Reibel’s father, Joseph Reibel, and his brother Adam, whose sisters were honored by Yad Vashem on the Walk of the Righteous Guide in Israel. The book includes a foreword by Alex Frankl, grandson of Viktor Frankl, and has been translated into Hebrew and German for educational use. Reibel has also worked with young adults in transition programs and gifted students in the arts at charter schools, contributing to Holocaust education and arts integration.

"Resilience" is included in the collections of the Washington D.C. Holocaust Museum, the Museum of Tolerance, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Jewish National Fund, Yad Vashem, the Amsterdam Jewish Museum, and the Library of Congress. The book is used in Jewish, Catholic, and public schools, as well as in museums and bookstores in the United States and Eastern Europe. Reibel participates in teaching, speaking engagements, and exhibits, sharing her work on Holocaust remembrance and tolerance with diverse audiences.

Reibel’s mission is to preserve Holocaust memory for future generations. Through the Resilience Project, she connects past and present, fostering tolerance, kindness, and healing through art and poetry. By transforming family history into a universal narrative, Reibel’s work supports Holocaust education and the ongoing effort to prevent future atrocities.