January 27 marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The school’s commemoration of the day began earlier in the month with a joint effort between Hillel, the school’s Jewish faith and culture club, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office.
On January 22, the community welcomed Mr. Andrew Laszlo Jr., author and speaker, who described his father’s experiences during the Holocaust.
Mr. Laszlo Jr.’s father grew up in Papa, Hungary. During the war, Mr. Laszlo Sr. was sent to live in a ghetto and later transported to Bergen-Belsen, the concentration camp where Anne Frank died. He was the only member of his family to survive the Holocaust.
Mr. Laszlo Sr. later immigrated to the U.S. and went on to become a world-famous cinematographer who was nominated for Emmy Awards for The Man without a Country and the 1980 Shogun.
For years, he kept his past a secret, even from his family. On the 50th anniversary of his arrival in the U.S., Mr. Laszlo Sr. revealed his past to his son, who went on to chronicle his story in the book Footnote to History. Mr. Laszlo Jr. now shares that story around the country.
Co-head of Hillel Max Salzinger ’25 discovered Mr. Laszlo Jr. while researching Holocaust Remembrance Day activities at peer schools. Salzinger said, “Because of his dynamic speaking skills and story, we considered him a perfect fit for the community.”
Many students joined Mr. Laszlo Jr.’s lecture in the Faculty Room. Callum Rodin ’25 said, “The support of the community made me feel included, and the event and people attending showed me what it was like to be recognized for my identity.”
Later, Mr. Laszlo Jr. joined members of Hillel for dinner and attended classes such as Human Nature and the Good Life and Honors Religion & International Conflict: Israel & Palestine, both taught by Dr. Jason Larson, director of religious and spiritual life.
Salzinger said, “I am very grateful for the support we have received from students and faculty members who made an effort to join us that Tuesday evening. I also want to thank Mr. Laszlo Jr. for joining us and sharing his story.”
