Charles Rotmil • 1932-2025
The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine Mourns the Passing of Esteemed Maine Holocaust Survivor and Educator Charles Rotmil.
It is with deep sadness that we announces the passing of Charles Rotmil, one of Maine’s most significant voices in Holocaust remembrance and human rights education. Charles was a dedicated storyteller, survivor, artist, and teacher whose life and legacy enriched countless lives across the state.
Born in Strasbourg in 1932, Charles survived the traumas of Nazi persecution as a hidden child losing his mother, sister, and eventually his father, who was deported to Auschwitz. Through the courageous efforts of a Belgian monk and a caring family, Charles and his brother Bernard were sheltered in Christian homes, often changing names and living under constant danger.
After the war, Charles and his brother emigrated to the United States, arriving in New York in December 1946, where they stayed with relatives. Charles went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts from Goddard College in 1982 and eventually settled in Maine.
In Maine, Charles worked as a high school language teacher and devoted decades to sharing his story. He spoke to thousands of students and community groups, helping educate new generations about the horrors of the Holocaust and the moral imperative to confront prejudice, bigotry, and hatred.
Over the years, Charles also expressed his experiences through artistic work as a photographer, painter, and filmmaker, enriching his public talks and resonating deeply with his audiences. His contributions were recognized by many; for instance, he was honored by the Maine Masonic community as a Lessing Lecturer for his commitment to Holocaust education and memory.
Charles’s message was simple but powerful. As he often said, “I don’t live in the past. The past lives in me.” He believed his role was not that of a historian but of a witness—and he carried that responsibility with humility, courage, and love.
“Charles touched the lives of so many across Maine and beyond,” said Tam Huynh, Executive Director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine. “Through his stories, his art, and his courage, he inspired countless students, educators, and community members to stand against injustice and embrace compassion. His presence will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on in every student he taught and every life he touched.”
His passing leaves a profound void in our community. We extend our deepest condolences to his partner, Cathryn Wilson, friends, and all who were touched by his life. The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine will honor his memory by continuing to advance Holocaust and human rights education, and by supporting the work he cared so deeply about.
The Holocaust and Human Rights Center is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and promoting human rights through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Through programs in schools across Maine, public lectures, and community events, we reach thousands of students and citizens each year, fostering awareness, empathy, and a commitment to justice. Charles Rotmil’s stories and teachings exemplified our mission—he touched countless lives, inspiring generations to remember the past and act with courage and compassion in the present.
Watch Jack speak here.
Photos: Charles speaking to students in the Michael Klahr Center Rotunda and portrait taken by Photographer Jack Montgomery.