A Testament to Faith, Resilience, and Unity​

Faith-based organizations are drawn to Roslyn’s multi-media presentation of her award-winning book, "Meant to Be: A True Story of Might, Miracles and Triumph of the Human Spirit" for its profound impact on diverse religious communities. Her compelling story of her parents’ World War II survival and triumph—overcoming the horrors of the Holocaust and atomic bomb—embodies the essence of faith, willpower, and divine trust.

Roslyn's message of interfaith and interracial tolerance, community building, hope, and peace resonates deeply across all faiths. She has inspired audiences in a range of churches, synagogues, temples, and interfaith gatherings, including keynotes at the 2022 Interfaith Council of Halton’s UN World Interfaith Harmony Week and 2019 Interfaith Voices Against Antisemitism.

Her parents' story, featured in a Gemini-nominated television documentary, underscores the universal relevance of her message.

Roslyn is available to bring her dynamic presentation and powerful message to your organization, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding that transcends all religions.
Here's what Churches, Synagogues and
​other faith-based community groups are saying...
"I'm glad Roslyn came. She shared some history we really needed to be reminded of, history that if we choose to ignore, we're going to fall back and do it again. The stories of her mom and dad were powerful, renewing and hopeful even in the midst of the disaster they went through. Brooksville First was really happy to have her here and would recommend her for anyone at any time."
~ Pastor Edd Denton, First United Methodist Church of Brooksville, Florida​​
"Thank you so much for speaking at our Women’s Fellowship. Every one was really impressed how you took a very bad part of history and showed real triumph of spirit and true miracles. We all should take the story of your parents and incorporate it into our own lives. I highly recommend your event to anyone that wants to hear an amazing story by a wonderful speaker."
~ Anne McNamara, Community Congregational Church, New Port Richey, FL

“Roslyn Franken gave an outstanding presentation to our synagogue and interfaith council this past week as part of our United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week programming.  She has an amazing story to tell of her parents overcoming the two horrible tragedies of the 20th century, her mother three times from the concentration camp gas chamber and her father from the atomic bomb in Nagasaki.  She presents their story with passion and polish, including short videos and pictures to make the story come alive.  But the overall message of her presentation, so important in our time, is about resiliency and overcoming adversity and this is what makes it a truly remarkable talk that inspired great conversation and comments after she finished.  I highly recommend this presentation to school groups, synagogues and interfaith groups for her inspiring and universal message.”
~ Rabbi Stephen Wise, Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Halton and Programming Director of the Interfaith Council of Halton

"There were many lessons learned from your amazing presentation. Not only what was meant to be, but how the many examples of kindness, courage, and the right attitude could motivate all of us to want to live a good life. We gained a great deal because of you and your book. Thank you so much for writing your inspirational novel and of course sharing it with the Golda Meir Chapter of Hadassah of Chomedy Laval."
~ Phyllis Mazer, Event Organizer, Golda Meir Chapter of Hadassah 

"Roslyn Franken’s presentation was compelling, heartfelt and inspiring.  The love and admiration she has for her parents was moving and the way she shared their remarkable story touched us all deeply.  Her use of audio visual elements enhanced the message she delivered with her engaging speaking style.  Members of our congregation were talking about her presentation for days and many wanted to purchase more of her books to share with others.  That shows how deeply they appreciated her presentation and wanted others to hear how the amazing story of Sonja and John Franken was “Meant to Be.” 
~ Rev. Grant Dillenbeck, Stittsville United Church, Ottawa, ON

​"Roslyn, what an amazing story on such an important topic, and one that should be shared with all! It felt like we were traveling back in time and sharing your parents' journey with you. Your presentation was emotionally charged, uplifting and you presented in a manner that was both entertaining and inspiring. Your ability to connect to a variety of personalities, cultures, and ages is a true gift and you would be a huge asset to ANY group who is looking for an amazing, one-of-a-kind speaker."
~ Rabbi Mendy Yarmush, Rabbi, Chabad at Wiregrass, Florida

“Roslyn Franken's presentation of her book, Meant To Be, was breathtaking! From the moment she began telling her parents' story, the entire audience was completely captivated. The entire room was filled with tears, laughter, gasps, and sighs as they hung on her every word. As the daughter of two heroic people, Roslyn was able to add an extra touch of personal insight that helped the story of these two faith-filled survivors come alive. Even weeks later, our congregation is still talking about this experience. This is such a powerful story everyone needs to hear!
~ Russell O. McKee III, Pastor, Harvester United Methodist Church, Land O'Lakes FL

​"Roslyn Franken's presentation was an evening filled with emotion and inspiration. A skilled speaker, Roslyn describes the unique and unbelievable journey of her parents, two unlikely World War II survivors, with candour and pathos. Much of this story of survival is set against the background of the two theatres of war: the concentration camps in Europe and prisoner of war camps in Asia. The whole audience laughed and cried as Roslyn, using a multi-media approach including music, took us half way around the world and back while giving us a rare and very personal glimpse into the lives of her parents. With Roslyn as our guide, we went from tragedy to triumph as she shared valuable insights taught to her by her parents. In the end, we were all left to marvel on how her parent's example of self determination and their recognition and belief in a power "greater than our own" can and did make all the difference on what is meant to be.
~Stephen Schneiderman, Executive Director The Bess and Moe Greenberg Family Hillel Lodge

"Roslyn Franken recently held our audience spellbound with her riveting personal narration - MEANT TO BE -  the story she wrote of her parents’ captivity during World War 2, her mother in the Holocaust and her father as a Prisoner of War in Japan.  Senior adults who related to the age of her parents, and with knowledge of the horrifying time in history, wept as Roslyn shared her very heartfelt love for the sacrifices her parents made. Her presentation was moving and gave a great understanding of what millions endured during the Holocaust and Pacific War. Those fortunate enough to hear Roslyn’s story at Celebration55 in Leesburg, FL will never forget what was 'Meant to Be'!"
~ George Thomas, Pastor, Celebration Baptist Church of Leesburg, FL

"Roslyn Franken was our feature speaker at our recent Holocaust Memorial Event. The presentation about her book, MEANT TO BE, fully exceeded my expectations and this was the biggest turnout we had for this event. She tells her story in a very captivating manner and her presentation is very uplifting.  We can all take away something very important from her message.
~ Judith Elkin, Community Service/Adult Education Chair, Temple Beth David, Spring Hill, FL

"Everyone present took the time to indicate what a thrilling story you have. Your ability to affirm belief and trust, in the context of your story, was emotionally and spiritually inspiring. It was a privilege that you should invite us into that part of your life, and the charismatic and direct way that you did that. Thank you again."
~ Paul McKechnie, St. Paul Presbyterian Church of Ottawa

​“Roslyn is a fabulous story-teller. We can all learn from the way she infuses lessons from the horrors of War and what happened to her parents…  with inspirational insights, drawn from their bravery, resilience, and unique perspectives on life.  Her message is so important – more than ever, to fight bigotry and hate and in particular, to mitigate anti-Semitism.” 
~ Jenni Frumer, PhD, LCSW, MSEd, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NEXT GENERATIONS

"Roslyn’s relatability and accessibility, in personality, and in the presentation of this remarkable story made her presentation at our Temple's Holocaust Remembrance Day event both fascinating and compelling...Roslyn was deservedly and resoundingly well-received, and the positive response to her appearance continued to echo for weeks thereafter. Roslyn Franken’s is a powerful voice for teaching, for learning, and for inspiration!"
 ~ Len Schwartz, Congregational Vice-President, Temple Beth David of Palm Beach Gardens, FL

"Roslyn Franken's amazing story about her parents, both prisoners of war during WWII, kept us riveted to our seats. It was inspiring and uplifting and we all left feeling a greater trust in the Powers that Be that many unexplainable events in our lives are simply 'meant to be.' The accompanying slides and video brought her story to life very effectively. I would definitely recommend Roslyn as a speaker at any gathering. 
~ Carol Kay, Events Coordinator, Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, FL

​"Roslyn's presentation was breathtaking and uplifting, entertaining and inspiring. I highly recommend experiencing Roslyn’s Meant to Be presentation and reading the book as a means of inspiration to assist with the troubles and tribulations that we all experience one way or another in our daily lives. She is a wonderful story teller! I was an educator for over 40 years and I listened to many story tellers but Roslyn Franken is one of the best! Ms. Franken’s presentation would be a great asset to any organization."
​~ Etty Segal, President of the Tampa Ameet Chapter of Hadassah, FL

“The story of your parents and your own personal journey was moving and authentic and the feedback from the guests has been excellent. You took us with you down your road of hardship and tragedy and yet left us all feeling inspired and filled with hope. I would be more than happy to recommend you to speak at any community event anywhere in the world!"
~ Janice Benatar, Senior Development Officer, Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, Canada

"The Jewish community center of West Pasco presentation for this year’s Holocaust Remembrance program included a very special guest, Roslyn Franken… I highly recommend everyone to see Roslyn Franken and hear her story. The range of emotions she evoked from the audience was amazing...Thanks to Roslyn for making this year’s JCC Yom Hashoah program an event to remember."
~ Eileen M. Hochstadt, President of the Jewish Community Center of West Pasco, FL

​“Roslyn's parents’ remarkable life story kept everyone spell bound and needs to be told to many. Her presentation style was both dynamic and inspiring. I would highly recommend Roslyn as a speaker for your group event.”
~ Howard Rothman, President, B’nai Brith Greater Tampa Bay Unit #2603, Senior International Vice President (Retired) B’nai B’rith International, Clearwater, FL

"My testimony of Roslyn Franken's presentation that was given at the Baha'i Center of Clearwater Meeting of the Minds event, is one of wonderful knowledge. Her portrayal of the experience of her mother at Auschwitz, and her father in Nagasaki on the naval ship of the Dutch Navy brought us closer to feel like we were there with them. She is an eloquent speaker and captivates the audience." 
-Kambiz Rouhani, Coordinator, Meeting of the Minds, Baha'i Center of Clearwater, FL

"An amazing story of Adonai’s faithfulness. Miracle after miracle testimony from John & Sonja Franken, as told by their daughter Roslyn Franken, proving Adonai never leaves us or forsakes us. In the midst of  the horrific darkness & tragedy of the Holocaust and Prisoner of War camps, Elohim Chayim, The Living G-d rescues, restores and makes John & Sonja victorious over unspeakable evil. Truly an inspirational story that will touch the heart of many!"
~ Rabbi Steve Weiler, Temple Shoresh David, FL