Albert Rosa is a Holocaust survivor with an unusual story – he is also the recipient of five American military medals, including a Purple Heart.

Rosa will share his story of survival, resilience and hope in Santa Clarita on Wednesday, March 9, 2016. The presentation will take place at Chabad of SCV and is open to the public (reservation required).

Albert Rosa was 15 years-old when he and nearly 70 family members were taken from their home country of Greece and forcibly relocated to a concentration camp in Auschwitz, Germany. “We were not human anymore; we were totally dehumanized,” Rosa said referring to the conditions and treatment at the camp. His back is covered with scars from being whipped while working at the camp.

“Two or three weeks [was] the most anyone could make it,” he noted. “I used to be an athlete,” the once 150-pound man explained. While at the camp, his body weight dwindled to a mere 85 pounds.

“The only thing that helped me survive was the promise I made to my brother, Daniel,” Rosa said. The Germans hanged Rosa’s brother for attacking and killing a German soldier who was beating Albert for stealing some potatoes. “When he was on the rope I promised him I will avenge him and stay alive,” Rosa said.

During the Dachau Death March, Mr. Rosa and six others managed to escape from the Nazis, taking refuge in an abandoned barn. They were eventually rescued by American soldiers whom he subsequently joined in fighting against the Nazi’s. He earned five medals, including a purple heart, for his courage and bravery under fire.

He will share his story of survival, resilience and hope at Chabad o SCV. Rabbi Choni Marozov, Director of Chabad in SCV thinks that everybody should attend this talk, “It is imperative that every person, especially youth, hear Albert Rosa’s presentation.” He said, “Hearing a firsthand account of this dark part of recent history will help us avoid the repetition of such terrible events.”

Details and reservations available at www.chabadscv.com/lecture

DATE: Wednesday, March 9, 2016
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Chabad of SCV – 23120 Lyons Ave. #19 Newhall, CA 91321
ADMISSION: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Free for COC and CalArts students

We invite the entire community to join in the lecture. For more information or to RSVP visit www.chabadscv.com/lecture or call 661-644-5735