Chair of Georgia State’s Sociology Department shares his Holocaust Experience

Remembering the past is important to many people. Especially when the past holds memories valuable to the progression of society and to the betterment of people.

The past offers a chance to reflect on events that occurred, but also offers a chance to remember what should not be repeated.

On February 22, Dr. Eugen Schoenfeld, a Holocaust survivor and sociology professor at Georgia State, shared his Holocaust experience in a talk entitled “Why We Should Remember…Reflecting on My Holocaust Experiences.”

The event took place at 11:30 in the morning in the Speaker’s Auditorium of the Student Center and was followed by a reception in the Sinclair Suite, also located in the Student Center.

The event was organized by TRIO Programs and the Office of Educational Opportunity

because they really felt it was important for Dr. Schoenfeld’s story to be heard.

“A lot of people don’t know the struggle Jews experienced in the Holocaust. I think it’s important for people to be made aware and remember the importance,” said Donnia Turner, educational program specialist in the TRIO Program.

A couple of Georgia State alumnae also commented on the talk.

“ As a Jewish person, it’s important to know the knowledge [Dr.Schoenfeld] has gained through the experience he’s had…And to honor our past,” Courtney Charvat said.

Moriah O’Barr shared similar thoughts and said,

“If we don’t know where we came from how do you know where we are going.”

Ultimately, the talk served as a way to raise awareness, offer insight, but most importantly to remember a historic event and remember how not to let it happen again.