George Erdstein
George Erdstein was born in Vienna, Austria in 1938 a few months after the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany. At the time, his parents questioned if and how they could escape. After Kristallnacht, George’s father was arrested by the Gestapo and tortured. He was released when George’s mother presented an affidavit from a relative agreeing to sponsor his immigration to the United States. Later in 1939, George, his mother, and his sister were able to join his father in New York.
“Even though the Holocaust took place over 75 years ago, the lessons are more relevant than ever and we should not forget them. The message of Zachor – to remember – must go on because tolerance is in jeopardy today more than it’s been in a long time.”
More Survivor Stories
Irene Miller
Irene Miller was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1932. When Germany invaded Poland, Irene’s family tried to flee to the Soviet Union and was stranded for several weeks in “no…
Edward Malinowski
Edward Malinowski (Mersyk) was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1939. His family lived on a street that became part of the Warsaw ghetto. When Edward was 4 years old, he…
Survivor Talk Sundays
Join us on Sundays at 12pm to hear first-hand accounts from Holocaust survivors that now live in Michigan.
Educator Workshop with the Institute for Curriculum Services: Exploring the Multifaceted Identities of Jewish Americans
This educator workshop explores the diversity and lived experiences of Jewish Americans to support classroom teaching about identity and complexity. The session includes a focused exploration of Holocaust survivor resettlement…
Educator Workshop with the Institute for Curriculum Services: Jewish Immigration, Restriction, and Resettlement
This educator workshop examines Jewish immigration to the United States from 1880 through the post–World War II era within the broader context of American immigration history. Participants analyze primary sources…
Educator Workshop with the Institute for Curriculum Services: Exploring the History, Traditions, and Beliefs of Judaism
This educator workshop explores Judaism as one of the world’s oldest religions and as a living culture shaped by history, tradition, and resilience. Designed for Michigan educators, the session examines…
Intensive Holocaust Education Workshop for Genesee Intermediate School District Teachers
Join us for an intensive workshop on Trauma-Informed Practices, Art as Resistance, and Voices of Survivors on Thursday, May 7, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Zekelman Holocaust…
Educator Workshop: Next Generation Speaker Talk With Norman Beitner
Hear from Norman Beitner, a child of a Holocaust survivor and Next Generation Speaker at The HC. The Next Generation Speaker Series will be a monthly, virtual opportunity for educators…
Arthur Horwitz Book Launch: Dual Identities: Living in Meier’s Shadow
The Holocaust Center is proud to host the official book launch of Arthur M. Horwitz’s book, “Dual Identities: Living in Meier’s Shadow.” A photograph. A secret. A lifetime of responsibility.…
Educator Workshop: Next Generation Speaker Talk With Linda Cohen
Hear from Linda Cohen, a child of a Holocaust survivor and Next Generation Speaker at The HC. The Next Generation Speaker Series will be a monthly, virtual opportunity for educators…
Educator Workshop: Women and the Holocaust
The Holocaust was not a gender neutral event. Women experienced the Holocaust differently and were targeted specifically based on their gender. Centering the experiences of women provides a more complete…
