During a historic evening of inspiration and tolerance, members of the community will have a rare opportunity to hear the first-hand account of Esther Basch, age 95.

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As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, Connecticut residents have a rare opportunity to hear the first-hand account of Esther Basch, age 95, who survived Auschwitz concentration camp and the death march.

In partnership with Chabad House of Greater Hartford, Basch will share her story of survival and grit on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Chabad House of Greater Hartford, located at 2352 Albany Avenue, West Hartford, CT.

“Esther Basch is a true survivor,” said Rabbi Shaya Gopin of Chabad of Greater Hartford. “Not only did she physically survive the terrors of the Holocaust, but she lived on with her heart and hope intact. Basch’s upbeat, warm and charismatic presentation titled ‘The Honey Girl of Auschwitz’ is sure to be moving, inspiring and educational for all who attend.”

Esther Basch, now 95 and living with her daughter in Prescott, Arizona, survived the Auschwitz concentration camp after being sent there in a cattle car on her 16th birthday. In April 1945, as the war was nearing its end, she and other women were sent on a “Death March” to Salzwedel concentration camp. She was liberated by American soldiers three days later. Sixty-two years later, in 2007, Basch finally met “Max,” one of the U.S. soldiers who liberated her camp.

Ever since, Basch has traveled the country speaking about not just the tragedy of her experience during the war, but also the triumph of her survival and the happiness she’s found in life since. She is still guided, she said, by some of the core lessons she learned from her parents as a child: do good, love everyone, forgive and think positively. “And this is how I live my life,” she said.

“Esther’s message of staying positive and not allowing negativity to define how we live, is extremely relevant in our lives today,” said Gopin. “It is an honor for us to host Esther Basch and we are so fortunate that she can come to Connecticut to share her riveting story. I encourage everyone who can – young and old – to come hear this remarkable person tell her incredible story of courage, faith, and survival”.

A link to the trailer of her film can be viewed below.

Due to limited space, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased at www.HistoricEvening.com.

Tickets fees are $18 for regular seating and $36 for preferred seating. A special student rate of $5 is also available. A VIP option is available for $180 per person or $250 per couple and includes premium seating and an exclusive meet-and-greet reception with Esther preceding the talk.

For additional information, visit http://www.HistoricEvening.com or email [email protected].

Chabad thanks the Simons Family for their generous sponsorship of this event and is also thankful to community partner CT Voices of Hope.

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