Staff Reports
Holocaust survivor Irene Zisblatt will speak on her experiences and will provide the opportunity for many to be educated on the Holocaust and antisemitism and to hear a message of courage, hope and inspiration.
The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, at the Chabad UF Jewish Student & Community Center (2021 NW 5th Ave.) in Gainesville.
Zisblatt at age 95 will tell her story of being a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, the only one that survived out of her whole family. Zisblatt was an inmate in Auschwitz-Birkenau and was a victim of Josef Mengele’s experiments. She is one of the few who was able to escape from the infamous death camp.
She is well known for her autobiography, “The Fifth Diamond”, and her testimony in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning documentary, “The Last Days.”
“The Holocaust is a challenging subject of a time that is difficult to imagine, but its lessons are vital and valuable to learn, as well as critical to the future of humanity,” said Chanie Goldman, the Chabad UF Jewish Student & Community Center director in a press release. “Irene’s courageous story of survival is an inspirational story of hope and perseverance. We’re honored to have her come to Gainesville.”
A special feature in the program will include renowned local musicians, Stephen Fine (violin), Alan Clark (piano), and Sophie De (violin) performing, including the stirring theme from “Schindler’s List.”
Admission is free to allow everyone to listen and learn the lessons of the Holocaust and recommit to bringing love and compassion to the world while vowing, “Never again.”
To RSVP and attain more information, including a donation option to help sponsor the event, go to: www.JewishGator.com/HRD or email: Rabbi@JewishGator.com or call: (352) 336-5877.