On Sunday, February 9, the University of Tennessee Southern hosted Dr. Alex Kor for his presentation, “My Holocaust Legacy: A Blessing, Not a Burden.” Despite competing with the Super Bowl, a strong audience gathered to hear his powerful story, convened by Dr. Ken Vickers–professor of history and Chair of the School of Social Sciences.
Dr. Kor, author of A Blessing, Not a Burden, shared the harrowing experiences of his parents, Rachmiel “Mickey” Kor and Eva Mozes Kor, both Holocaust survivors. His father endured four years in Nazi labor camps, including Buchenwald, while his mother survived roughly a year at Auschwitz. Alongside her twin sister, Miriam, she was subjected to experiments by Dr. Joseph Mengele, the infamous “Angel of Death.” Beginning in the 1970s, Eva became a dedicated educator on the Holocaust, founding CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, to share survivor stories and promote education.
Dr. Kor’s visit was made possible through the generosity and assistance of Alison Vick and Ken Gluck of the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. UT Southern looks forward to partnering with the Commission for future presentations, which will be open to the public.
The evening concluded with a book signing, where attendees had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Kor and reflect on the enduring impact of his parents’ legacy. UT Southern was honored to host such an important and inspiring conversation.
For more information, visit CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center and the Tennessee Holocaust Commission.