Contact Us
Welcome: This site is a tribute to my mother and an avenue for information as to how her memory lives on through the sharing of her story. 

My mom's passion was reaching others with the message, "We are all connected and part of one human family, We are our brother's keeper."  Nowhere in time is this message more important to share. Her voice is still being heard!  "Stand up against hate in all forms - be willing to step up - speak out and become actively involved. Give out love, compassion, and human decency to all."   Jeannie Smith



Upcoming Events  (if you're interested in attending any of these events please contact me)

2024
Jan 11th - Zoom talk with UJA - Toronto
Jan 12th - Longview, WA.
Jan 14th - Irena's Vow premier - Portland, Oregon 
Jan 17th - Zoom Talk with Classrooms without Borders
Jan 27th - West Palm Beach, Irena's Vow premier
Feb. 4th - UJA Toronto Jewish Federation in Miami
Feb. 10th - Boca Raton, Irena's Vow premier
Feb. 13th - Atlanta, Irena's Vow movie premiere
March 10th - Harrisburg, PA Jewish Federation
Feb. 17th - Naples, FL. Jewish Federation
Feb. 28th - Longview WA book-club
April - 2 - Live Zoom, New Jersey Movie Premiere
April 7th - Live Zoom with Stephen Farber - Reel Talk
April 8th - Live zoom with Ralph Appelbaum - Filmmakers Dialogue
April 12th - Spring Luncheon, Longview, WA.






2023
Feb. 4-6. Jewish Federation - West Palm Beach, Florida
Feb 26-27. Artist for Israel, Los Angeles, California
March 18-20th. Jewish Federation, University of Richmond - Richmond Virginia
April 12th-16th. Fort Rucker, Alabama
April 17th-19th. Private school. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
April 27th-29th. Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, St. Louis, MO
May 11th. Zoom presentation, Philadelphia,  PA
September 9-10. Toronto Film Festival - Irena's Vow
Oct. 25-27. Rucker's, New Jersey - Irena's Vow premiere
Nov. 1st. University Park, PA. - Irena's Vow premiere
Nov. 9th. Los Angeles, CA. Irena's Vow premiere
Nov 14. Zoom talk with Cava, New York
Dec 10th. zoom talk with Classroom with Borders - Pittsburgh



2022

Jan 2nd - Father's House Church, Longview, WA

Jan 9th - Father's House Church, Longview, WA

Feb 4th -  Sousa Mendes Conference - Online conference

Feb. 28th - Ann Arbor School, Michagan

March 21st - Candles Muesuem - Terra Haute, Indiana

May 8th - Grace Commuity Chruch - Woodland, WA

May 10th - Milwaukee Jewish Federation

Dec. 4th - Kauai Christian Conference - Hawaii


2020

Jan 14th - Vancouver School of Arts, Vancouver, WA.

Jan 23rd -  Las Vegas, Nevada Jewish Federation

Feb. 1st - Community appreciation event, Crawforsville, Indiana

Feb. 1st - Crawforsville, Indiana. Fund Raiser at Hoosier Bank

Feb. 5th - Lower Columbia College, Longview, WA

Feb. 10th - Kalama, WA. POE group

Feb. 21-23 - Allentown, Penn.  Irena's Vow reading

Feb. 25th - Nashville, Tennessee.  Jewish Federation

March 5th - Fort Vancouver High School

April 2oth - 21st - Rochester NY Federation

April 23 - Lafayette Hill, PA.  Israel Bond Event

Oct. 19th - Raritan Valley, Community College, New Jersey

2019

Jan 7-9. Nashville, TN. - Herzlian Dinner Series

Jan 10th. Sarasota, Florida. Jewish Federation Lion of Judah Luncheon

Jan 16th. - Grossfeld Leadership Program & the Foreman Leadership Program, Detroit Jewish Federation,  

Feb. 8th - Centralia Christian School, Centralia, WA.

March 3rd - Jewish Federation talk @ Am Yisrael Congregation. Chicago, Ill

March 11th - Chabad of Tri Valley, San Francisco

March 12th - Los Angeles Jewish Federation

March 14th - Chabad of Camarillo, CA.

March 15th - Chabad of Agoura Hills, Los Angeles, CA.

March 28th. - Salem, Oregon. Oregon State Penitentiary 

April 8th - St. Louis Jewish Federation

April 11th -   Annual Women's Event, New Jersey Jewish Federation 

April 16th. - Indianapolis, Indiana.  Jewish Federation Annual Event

April 19-21 - Las Vegas, NV. Marriott Passover Conference

April 30th - Columbus Ohio, Jewish Federation

May 1 - Columbus Ohio. Board of Rabbis Holocaust Ceremony

May 2 - Jewish Family Services - Columbus, Ohio 

May 2nd - Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City

May 3rd - Tinker Air-force base, Oklahoma 

May 21st - Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Jewish Federation

June 1st - Astoria, OR.  Astoria Library

June 14th - Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Holocaust Commission 

June 18th - Hazel Dell Neighbor Association, Vancouver, WA

June 19th - Los Angeles Jewish Federation, Mother/Daughter luncheon

Sept 8th - Calgary Jewish Federation

Sept 12th - South Carolina, Columbia Jewish Federation event

Sept 30th - Vancouver School of Arts and Academics

Nov. 14th - Pacific Academy, Beaverton, Oregon


2018

Jan 18th. Baylor Middle School. Chattanooga, TN

Jan. 18.  Chattanooga, TN. Jewish Federation Annual Meeting

Jan. 19th. East Hamilton High School, Chattanooga, TN

Jan. 26th: Hope and learning Center, Hockingson, WA.

Jan. 27-30: Buffalo, NY. - Holocaust Museum 

Feb. 11th Congregation Koi Ami. Vancouver, WA.

Feb. 28th - March 2nd: Phoenix, AZ. Educators Conference

March 6th- 8th: Cincinnati, OH. Student leadership Day

March 14th: New Heights Church, Vancouver, WA.

March 19-21: Israel Bonds, Chicago, Ill.

April 8 - 11th: Orange-town, NY. Holocaust Museum. Yom Ha'Shoah Commemoration

April 9th: Rockland, NY. Workshop: How Do We Teach These Stories.

April 11th: Stamford Jewish High School

April 11th: Stamford, CT.  Holocaust Commemoration

May 1st: Toronto, Ontario, Jewish Federation

May 1st: Glenforest Secondary School. Toronto, Canada

May 10th: Ft. Vancouver, High School. Vancouver, WA.

May 31st: Mt. View Middle School. Beaverton, Oregon.

June 1st.  Ilwako High School, Ilwako, Washington

July 27. Fort Lauderdale, FL.  National Young Leaders  Retreat

July 30-Aug 3:  Silverton, Oregon. Royal Family Kids Camp

Aug. 4th - Aug 10th:  Petersburg, Alaska. Bay of Pillars

Aug. 31st. - Sept. 3rd. Colorado Springs, Co. Air force Academy

Sept. 6th - Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Philanthropy Event

Sept. 16th.  Montreal, Quebec.  Jewish Federation

Nov. 4th:  Vancouver, B.C. Jewish Federation Evening event

Nov. 28th: Richmond, VA. Jewish Federation Lion/Pom event

2017

Jan 12th: Dallas, Texas - Jewish Federation, Pomegranate/Lion luncheon

Jan 18th: El Paso, Texas - Jewish Federation - Pacesetters Event

Jan 24: Cedar Sinai Park, Portland, OR. 

Jan 25-26: Writer's Conference, Longview, WA.

Feb. 25th: Miami, FL. Teen Education & Engagement, Advancement of Jewish Education

Feb. 26th- March 5th: Indiana State University, Terra Haute, Indiana.

March 6th: Suffern, NY, Rockland Community College

March 7th: Westchester County, NY. Community event

March 8th: Nayak, NY. Educators and 2nd generation presentation

April 20th: Ontario, Canada. Jewish Federation luncheon

April 23rd: Savannah, Georgia. Jewish Federation - Loin of Judah luncheon

April 25th-27th: Omaha, Nebraska. Holocaust Commemoration program

May 10th: Longview, WA. Nazarene Church

May 22nd: Portland State University

June 4th: Foss Home and Village; Seattle, WA.

June 26th-July 20th: Krakow, Poland - Candles museum tour group

July 30th - August 4th: Royal Family Kids Camp

Sept 1-3: - Denver, CO. USAF Academy

Sept 17:  River of Life Church; Cathlamet, WA.

Oct. 3rd: - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jewish Federation Event

Oct. 4th: Westmoore High School, Oklahoma City

Oct. 5th: Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, Oklahoma City

Oct. 11th: Chestnut Hill College: Philadelphia, PA.

Oct. 11th: Byun Athyn College: Philadelphia, PA.

Oct 23rd: Eisenhower School; Wyckoff, New Jersey - Three R's event

Oct 23rd: New Brunswick, New Jersey - Jewish Federation

Oct 29th: Glen Cove, New York. Congregation Tifereth Israel.

Nov. 6-7th: Dallas, TX. Israel Bonds Women's Division luncheon.

Nov. 8-10: Hamilton, Canada. Jewish Federation, Kristallnacht Commemoration

Nov. 13-15: Victoria, BC. Educators training event

Dec. 3rd: Oak Point Community Church, Longview, WA.
______________________________________________

2016

Jan. 31st: Poipu, Kauai - Kauai Christian Fellowship

Jan, 31st: Breath of Life - Lihue, Kauai

Feb. 4th: Breath of Life - Lihue, Kauai

Feb. 7th: North Shore Kauai Christian Fellowship

Feb. 8th: Chiefess Middle School - Lihue, Kauai

Feb. 23rd: Austin, TX. Jewish Federation Lion of Judah luncheon

Feb. 23rd. Austin, TX Federation Pomegranates and Millennium group

Feb. 24th: Austin Jewish Academy

March 6th: Princeton, NJ. Congregation Adath Israel

March 7th: Princeton, NJ. Senior Program at Congregation Beth Chaim

March 7th:  Princeton/Mercer, New Jersey - Beth El Synagogue

March 8 - 10th: Greenwich, Ct. Jewish Federation

March 12th - 20th: Poland: Warsaw & Krakow Study Trip with NY Polish Cultural Institute

March 14th: Lauder-Morasha Junior High, Warsaw, Poland

March 15th: Jewish Community Center, Kracow, Poland

March 17th: Grand Opening of the Ulma Family Museum, Markowa, Poland

March 18th: University of Rzeszow talk, Poland

March 21st. Polish Cultural Institute New talk in New York

April 6th. Delaware. Jewish Federation

April 8th: David Douglas High School, Portland, OR.

April 18th: Congo Valley Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee, Los Angeles, CA.

May 5th: Virginia Beach, Jewish Federation 

May 13th: Longview, WA. Community Center

May 20th: Trillium Charter School, Portland, OR.

May 24th: St, Helens High School, Oregon Jewish Museum, Portland.

June 9th: Rochester, New York, Jewish Federation

June 14th: Chicago, IL. Jewish Federation

July 10th:  17th: Poland trip with the Indianapolis Candles Holocaust Museum

Oct 14-16:  Kent State University - Irena's Vow production

Oct. 20th: Kansas City, MO. Jewish Federation Lions Luncheon

Nov. 1st: Ottawa, Canada. Jewish Federation

Nov. 3rd: Philadelphia, Anti Defamation League

Nov. 10th: Miami Beach, FL. Kesher Judaic Day School fund raiser.

Nov. 20th: My Father's House Church, Longview, WA.


2015

Jan. 14th: Charlotte, North Carolina. Lion of Judah Luncheon

Jan. 15th: Charlotte Latin School, NC. 8th grade assembly

Jan 15th: Providence Day School Students, NC.  School assembly

Jan 15th: Women's Philanthropy Event. NC. Jewish Community Center

March 10th - 11th:  Rockland Community College, New York

April 15th: Seattle, WA. Holocaust Center for Humanity

April 15th: Seattle, WA. Holocaust Remembrance Day Event 7:00 pm

April. 18th - 21st: Philadelphia PA. Annual Yom Ha'Shoah Ceremony Event

April 30th: Federation Women's Spring luncheon, Princeton, New Jersey

May 5th: Welches Oregon, Welches Middle school

May 13th: Women' Fellowship Luncheon, Longview, WA. community Church

May 27th - 29th: San Antonio, TX. Federation Lion Event Luncheon

July 27th: Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Holocaust Conference

Aug. 15th: Portland, OR. Concordia University

Aug. 29th - 31st: Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center: Indianapolis, Indiana

Oct. 1st:  Buffalo, NY. Federation luncheon

Oct. 6th: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA.

Oct. 14th: Atlanta, GA. Jewish Federation; Women's Philanthropy dinner

Oct. 22nd & 23rd. Victoria, BC. Holocaust Education Seminar

Nov. 2nd: Palm Beach, FL. Women's Philanthropy Opening Event, Jewish Federation

Nov. 8th: Seattle, WA. Beth Shalom Temple

Nov. 11th-13th: Houston, TX - Anti Defamation League Honor event


2014

January 27th: University of Denver: Never Again

Feb. 11-13: Lincoln, England: Irena's Vow

Feb. 19-20: York, England: Irena's Vow

March 2nd: Tucson, AZ. Jewish Federation breakfast

March 3rd: Tucson Hebrew Academy

March 11th: Marian High School, South Bend, Indiana

March 12th: Saint Joseph's High School, South Bend, Indiana

March 13th: Bishop Dwenger High School, Fort Wayne, Indiana 

March 13th: University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana

March 14th: Bishop Luers High School, Fort Wayne, Indiana

April 3rd: Teach One to Lead One, Vancouver, WA

April 10th: Lower Columbia Genealogy Society. Longview, WA

April 16th: Monmouth, Western Oregon University 

April 17th: Woodland, WA. High School

April 22nd -24th: Garfield and Palouse, WA. Middle and High School, community event

April 27th: Chicago, IL. UGF Brunch, Beth Shalom Congregation

May 7th: Philadelphia, PA. Jewish Federation Event

May 8th: Rockland, NY, Jewish Federation Event

May 15th: Toronto, Canada. Jewish Federation Women's Installment Event

May 20th -22nd: Houston Texas - Anti Defamation League

June 16th: Montreal, Canada Federation - Top Women Donors

June 19th: Dayton, Ohio. Jewish Federation Dinner Event

Sept. 3rd: Darby, Montana High School

Sept. 13th: Greensboro, NC. Federation Event

Sept. 18th: Springfield, Ill, Top Donors Event

Oct. 1: Cleveland, Ohio Lion of Judah Dinner

Oct. 5th: Cherry Hill, NJ. Community March of Remembrance

Oct. 6th: Egg Harbor Township High School, New Jersey

Oct. 7th: College of St. Elizabeth, New Jersey

Oct. 8th: Bridgeton High School, New Jersey

Oct. 8th: Cumberland County College 

Oct. 15-18: Beaumont, Texas - Love Thy Neighbor Event

Oct. 27th: Wyckoff NJ. Eisenhower Middle School

Oct. 30th: Albany, NY. Fundraising Event, Jewish Federation

Nov. 3rd: South Palm Beach Jewish Federation

Nov. 4th - 9th: Poplar Ridge, Southern Cayuaga High School - Irena's Vow presentations

Nov. 14th: Rochester, WA. Community Event, Bookstore

Nov. 18th: Longview, WA. Retired Educators

2013

Jan. 12th: Vancouver, WA. Forth Plain Church of the Nazarene

Jan. 15th: Tucson, AZ. International Jewish Film Festival event

Jan. 16th: Tucson, AZ. Campaign Kickoff - Jewish Federation

Jan. 25th: Ventura, CA. Women's Philanthropy luncheon

Feb. 7th: Jacksonville, FL. Women's Division luncheon

Feb. 8th: Jacksonville, FL. St. Giles Presbyterian Church and pot luck

Feb. 28th: Miami, Fl. Canadian Lions Luncheon

March 7th: Long Beach, CA. Jewish Federation campaign event

March 12th: Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura, CA.

March 12: Channel Islands, College. Camereo, CA.

March 13th:  FBI group - Los Angeles, CA.

March 19th: San Gabriel & Pomona, CA. Annual women's Forum

March 21st: St Helen's Oregon Public Library

March 28th: Probstel Church, Camas, Washington

April 4th:  Bainbridge Island, WA. Congregation Kol Shalom

April 5th: Woodenville, WA. Congregation Kol Ami

April 14th: Flint, MI, Community Holocaust Memorial, Jewish Federation

April 18th: Hillcrest Nazarene Church, Vancouver, WA.

April 25th: Mountain View High School. Vancouver, WA

April 26th: 55+ Christian Women's group. Vancouver, WA

May 2nd: Fort Vancouver High School. Vancouver, WA.

May 3rd: Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA.

May 6th: Simon Wiesenthal Center, Toronto, Canada

May 13th: Vancouver, Canada. Lion of Judah Event

May 17th: Zion's Camp. Belfair, WA. 

May 30th: Discover Middle School, Vancouver, WA.

July 26th: St. Anne's Feast Event. Los Angeles, CA.

Aug. 16th: Portland, OR: Embassy Suites downtown

Oct. 1st: Ottawa, Canada: Jewish Federation

Oct. 8th: Scarsdale, New York: Jewish Federation Opening Event brunch

Oct 8th: Cherry Hill, New Jersey: Federation Outreach dinner

Oct. 10th: Northern New Jersey: Lion of Judah Luncheon

Oct. 17th: San Francisco, CA.- Lion of Judah Luncheon

Oct. 22nd: Miami, FL. - Federation Opening Event

Oct 27th: Baltimore, MD: Jewish Federation Campaign Kickoff

Nov. 4th: Fort Wayne, IN. - Federation Campaign Opener

Nov. 14th: Spokane, WA. - Community event

Nov. 15th: Spokane, WA. - Teacher Seminar

Dec. 3rd: Greenwich, Connecticut Lion of Judah Breakfa

Irene Gut Opdyke - Rescuer
Jeannie Opdyke Smith - Speaker
"One Person Can Make a Difference!"
In many ways, the story of my mother's life seems too unbelievable, even for even Hollywood. What was it about Irene Gut Opdyke, that caused her to step out of the path of least resistance and get involved when so many others did not? Was it her upbringing? Her faith? What gave her the courage and strength to do what she did?

As Irene's only child, I've been asked these questions many times. I believe the answer is found when we look at her actions, her deeds, and her day to day life. My mother lived out the two greatest commandments: Love the Lord God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. The short simple answer is this: faith, forgiveness, and love!

My mother didn't think she had exceptional courage or strength. She believed we are all placed in positions and circumstances for a reason. Mom had a simple view of life, and faith that carried and sustained her. She often said: "Courage is a whisper from above... If you think only with your head and not with your heart, your head will tell you "Dis is dangerous... don't do dat. You must involve your heart." (Polish accent included)

The day before my mom passed away, she spoke to me of how grateful she was for her life, cherishing each and every day. There was no regret or bitterness, just gratitude. I could only marvel at her contentment and hope at the end of my life, I could run the race set before me and finished as well as she had.

With Much Love,
Janina (Jeannie) Opdyke Smith
​Please feel free to browse through this website.  I've included pictures, videos from the 2009 Broadway play, Irena's Vow, and interview videos.

You will find a list of my upcoming speaking engagements below
I do my best to answer the emails sent my way. Be patient as I do travel quite a bit. my contact email: JeannieSmith9116@gmail.com 

Interested in booking for a talk: contact the Jewish Speakers Bureau at:
http//www.JewishSpeakersBureau.
Dear Jeannie

You have made me an instant celebrity. The phone calls and E-Mail are still coming in. Everybody felt it was the best Lion Of Judah event they ever went to. But needless, to say I owe it all to you. Jeannie what is extraordinary about you, is you speak from your heart. Your mother’s story is amazing in so many ways. Her bravery is what made her so unique and such an amazing woman. Palm Springs, CA.


Jeannie,
The community is still abuzz, talking about how impressed they were with the moving way you tell your mother’s amazing story. So many people have told us that this event and the program presented were one of the best that they ever attended. Thank you for ensuring that our event was such a success. San Diego, CA.

The program this afternoon was absolutely wonderful. Thanks so much for your recommendation.  Jeannie Smith is an effective spokesperson: gentle, bright, engaging. Daytona Beach, FL.



Some comments and Feedback 
Please contact me for references
WOW! What a presentation about a very special person. I thought the manner in which you spoke about your mother's WWII experiences was both informative but very personal. When you mimicked her accent, Irene almost came alive. I had to keep reminding myself how young she was during this period of her life (afterall only about 4 years older than you were when you found out about this part of her life). She was wise and clever beyond her years. Thank you so very much for reminding us through Irene's story that one person can make a difference and unless the silent majority speaks up, similar events could repeat themselves. Your mother would be proud that you are continuing her mission. Vancouver, WA.
Jeannie Opdyke Smith

I am so grateful for having read this book. It was deeply moving. I am a seventeen year old girl, as Irene was when the war began, and I cannot even imagine having to experience all of things she did....being raped, a mistress, etc. I admire this woman so much, her courage and determination are one in a billion. It's incomprehensible to know what she went through during those dreadful years, yet through it all her faith is what helped her to survive. I will never forget this book for as long as live...I've read so many books, and I have to admit that I think this one has truly moved me the most. I've read many Holocaust stories as well, but this had a profound effect on me. Please read this book--you'll gain not only a better insight of World War II and the Holocaust, but also how to appreciate life more and realize how much you take for granted.
In My Hands - Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer
 Knopf/Random House
Irene Gut Opdyke

Some reviews:
  An extraordinary display of heroism and courage in adversity.
More about Irene:

* The Israeli Holocaust Commission named Irene one of the Righteous among the Nations; a title given to those who risked their lives by hiding and saving Jews during the Holocaust. 
* She was presented with the Israel Medal of Honor, Israel’s highest tribute, in a ceremony at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.                     * The Vatican has also given Irene a special commendation.
* Irene's story is part of a permanent exhibit in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.                                                             * In 2008 Irene posthumously presented the Commanders Cross – the Polish medal of honor, given by the President and First Lady of Poland.
* In 2009 Irene was presented posthumously the Courage to Care award by the Anti- Defamation League in a special ceremony in Washington DC. 
  
Both of these awards were accepted by Irene’s only child – Jeannie Smith.
Katy Carr: Mala Little Flower.  
On the top ten charts in Poland.  Thanks Katy!
** This song is dedicated to my mom at the end. Please feel free to listen and enjoy!

Hi Jeannie,

i am a songwriter from England with Polish roots and I have just released an album about the WW2 Polish Experience. I understand that one of your recent speakers from Jeannie Smith, whose mother was Irena Gut Opdyke. My song Mala little Flower which was released alongside my album on 17th Sept 2012 to commemorate the Soviet invasion of Poland was 'Song of the day,' on the very renowned Polish Radio Station 'Trojka' and this song has been inspired by Irena's story. My album will be released in Britain on 11th Nov. 

With Best wishes Katy

Mala little flower on Soundcloud
http://soundcloud.com/mjmmusicpl/katy-carr-mala-little-flower







The drawings below were created by Jamie, of Woodland, Washington.
Thanks Jamie, these are awesome!
Left - right: Irene, Wadja, Bronia,Maria, Janina 
Irena's Vow

Irene's Wedding Day
Broadway
Staring Tovah Feldshuh
Jeannie,
Thank you does not seem adequate. I have NEVER been so inspired in all my life, Thank you for sharing your Mother's incredible story. Honestly if I didn't hear it I would have never believed something so tragic and wonderful at the same time could be true. I thank your mother for believing and I thank you for telling her story. It is necessary, important and no one could tell it as good as you. You were truly amazing. Your mother would be so proud of the remarkable woman you are. Thank you! thank you!
                 Dan Gordon and Linda Grey
 Actress         Tovah                 Feldshuh