International Holocaust Memorial Day and the 70th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Soviet Army will be commemorated at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center with testimony from an Auschwitz Survivor, Claire Heymann. The program will also feature a candle-lighting ceremony with Auschwitz Survivors who live on Long Island.
Claire Heymann survived Auschwitz death camp as a teenager. She was a slave laborer in the Weichsel-Union-Metallwerke, a munitions factory at Auschwitz, and participated in resistance activities. She was a bunkmate to women who organized the destruction of Crematorium III in October 7, 1944. Claire is one of the few former camp prisoners still alive who witnessed the execution of Róza Robota, one of the leaders of the Auschwitz Resistance. In January 1945, as the Soviets approached Auschwitz, Claire was forced onto a death march and was eventually liberated by Soviet troops.
Holocaust historian Helen Turner will discuss the material objects in the death camp, such as items that were taken from prisoners, objects that were issued to prisoners, and practical and artistic works created by prisoners in Auschwitz.
All are invited to view the special exhibit, Objects of Witness: Testimony from Holocaust Artifacts, which includes items connected to Nazis, Rescuers, camp and ghetto prisoners, and WWII soldiers.
A donation of $10 is suggested.
