February 2025 Portrait of the Month — Jakob Frenkiel

Jakob Frenkiel

This portrait of Jakob Frenkiel is different from many of the portraits that we feature, but its clarity makes the intensity of his stare even more stark. It was created by high school students in Wilton, Connecticut who were older than Jakob himself was when he was sent to a forced labor camp and later to Auschwitz. He survived the horrific conditions and emigrated to the United States at age 16.

Workshop participants around the world have connected to Jakob through reading about him and drawing his portrait:

"Jakob Frenkiel, the boy who was determined and full of courage. He was stubborn yet loving, and never gave up.”

 -India O., Boca Raton, Florida

"It felt very special to be able to recreate a photograph of someone who has been through so much, and give them tribute."

-Isa T., Wellington, Florida