THE REPORTER: Survivor to share his story in Vacaville

Survivor to share his story in Vacaville

BY REPORTER STAFF/

Posted: 02/19/2011 05:14:07 AM PST

Chabad of Solano County will present a special lecture by Phillip Bialowitz on Sunday, March 6, at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Vacaville.

Bialowitz is one of eight living survivors, and the only witness telling the story memorialized in the book and movie "Escape From Sobibor." The infamous Nazi death camp, Sobibór, is where an estimated 250,000 people perished between 1942 and 1943. Bialowitz joined a small group of Jewish prisoners who overpowered their captors and freed approximately 200 of the camp's 600 slave laborers.

Through the past 20 years, Bialowitz has lectured frequently to diverse audiences in North America and Europe about both his experiences at Sobibór and the continued importance of mutual respect among people of different beliefs.

He has testified at several war crimes trials. Bialowitz' memoir has been published in English (title: A Promise at Sobibór: A Jewish Boy's Story of Revolt and Survival in Nazi-Occupied Poland) and in Polish (title: Bunt w Sobibórze). A curriculum based on his book has been developed for Polish schools by the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.

In 2008, Bialowitz was interviewed extensively for the forthcoming documentary, Hidden Holocaust at Sobibór.

Chabad of Solano County is presenting this lecture as part of its rich educational programs, including a Holacaust series that began last March with a very well attended lecture by Leon Leyson, a survivor on "Schindler's List."

"We believe that it's very important, especially for the youth to hear first hand experiences from individuals who have lived through the horrifying experiences of the holocaust," said Rabbi Chaim Zaklos, director of Chabad of Solano County in a press release announcing the March event. "We anticipate this lecture to be very well attended, at maximum capacity; teenagers are welcome and encouraged to attend."

Admission tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door, sponsorships are also available at $150 (which includes 2 admissions, reserved seating and pre lecture reception with Bialowitz).

To purchase tickets, visit www.JewishSolano.com or call 448-8057. For more information email[email protected].