Resilience & Hope in Dark Times: One Auschwitz Survivor’s Lesson on Optimism

Michael Bornstein, one of the youngest known survivors of the Auschwitz
death camp – and his daughter, TV news producer and co-author Debbie
Bornstein Holinstat will join us for a special talk and book signing.
Through a series of photos, recently discovered documents and
memories shared – Michael and Debbie will relate the unforgettable true
story of how a father’s courageous wit, a mother’s fierce love, and one
perfectly timed illness saved Michael’s life during the Holocaust. Listeners
will undoubtedly recognize the iconic photo of a four-year-old Michael at
liberation, but few people knew of the miracles behind his survival until he
and his daughter released their narrative non-fiction New York Times
bestseller Survivors Club in March 2017. Shocking but also uplifting, this
story of the choices made in one Polish village in the 1940’s, and Michael’s
life choices that followed, will inspire audience members from ages 10 to
110.

Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz
Through a series of photos, recently discovered documents, and memories shared, Michael and Debbie will relate the unforgettable true story of how a father’s courageous wit, a mother’s fierce love, and one perfectly timed illness saved Michael’s life during the Holocaust. This talk is shocking and heartbreaking but also unexpectedly uplifting as Michael relates his message of optimism in the face of tragedy. Appropriate for ages 10+.

Empathy, Inclusion, Tolerance… and the Holocaust
Michael’s family recognized the signs of bigotry all around them in 1930’s Europe – yet no one imagined where that rising discrimination could lead. In this timely and relevant talk, Michael and Debbie share his astonishing survival story and remind listeners of the pressing need to stand up against bigotry, support inclusion, and always respect diversity. This is an ideal talk for corporate functions and diversity training seminars.

Lessons From the Holocaust: Justice Silenced
In the years that led to the most devastating acts of genocide in world history, there was a deliberate and coordinated effort to silence attorneys and advocates. The absence of those voices contributed to a Holocaust in which six million innocent Jewish prisoners were killed, including Michael Bornstein’s father and brother. Michael and Debbie share the details of his tragic loss and inspiring survival, and can be joined by Michael’s son Scott Bornstein, Co-Chair of the Global Intellectual Property Practice for Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Ideal for CLE seminars and legal conferences.

“This Too Shall Pass”: See a Better Future, Live a Better Life
Michael was born in a ghetto, moved to a labor camp, survived the most notorious death camp on the planet, lost his brother and his father, and endured starvation and poverty. He stayed optimistic through it all by believing the words his mother promised him, “This too shall pass.” Today, Michael holds a PhD in Pharmaceutics and Analytical Chemistry. He and his wife of fifty years have four children, and he shuttles between a home in New Jersey and an apartment in NYC where he can see all twelve of his grandchildren weekly. Michael and Debbie share his inspiring story and a universal message of optimism. We dare you not to cry, laugh, and walk away inspired from this unforgettable talk. A motivational talk, ideal for corporate functions.

“Holocaust survivor responds to Fox News host comparing Fauci to a Nazi”

“A return to Auschwitz, 75 years after liberation”

“Book excerpt: “Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz””

“Auschwitz survivors return for 75th anniversary of camp’s liberation: Going back tells the dead ‘I remember you. … I mourn you'”

“Holocaust Survivor Tells Story of Survival, Gives Message of Love”

“Holocaust survivor learns about family members he never met”

“Holocaust survivor: ‘I became B-1148 instead of a human being'”

“A Moving Holocaust Memoir for Younger Readers, and Older Ones Too”

“The Takeaway: A Child’s Escape From Auschwitz”

“Stuff You Missed in History Class: Speaking with Auschwitz Survivor Michael Bornstein”

“Debbie Bornstein Holinstat on Holocaust “Survivors Club””

“Engaging with Michael Bornstein and his daughter Debbie as they share his story of survival is life changing. Within the first minutes of their speech, young adults and adults experience a deep connection to themselves and today’s world. By reading, Survivor’s Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz or hearing their powerful presentation, each of us is given the gift to reflect on our collective past, to move forward to find solutions, and to learn how not to make these mistakes in the future.”

“The Holocaust is a tough subject to present, and yet Michael and Debbie are such professional and moving speakers. They made everyone in the audience feel important.”

“We cannot say enough wonderful things about Debbie and Michael and their presentations to our community and our 8th graders. Their talks were embedded with Michael’s tragic history and Debbie’s modern elements that brought their story to life with such tenderness. Michael’s delivery is honest and straight-forward with facts, yet is filled with mystery and awe. Debbie is the researcher, writer and storyteller who makes the story relatable and answers the questions that escalate Michael’s story with endearing revelations. We are grateful that we had the opportunity to learn about this incredible family and their sad, but powerful legacy that they are sharing with the world. The result for our community and students was an understanding of a Holocaust survivor’s firsthand experience of the horrors and the coping mechanisms as well as how a modern family finds closure (as much as one can) with such tragedies. Their story had a tremendous impact on our students and community and will no doubt stay with them for years to come.”