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 Mt. Kisco, NY - Mr. Jay Sommer, Holocaust survivor and author of Journey to the Golden Door, recently shared his experiences with more than fifty Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester members, parents, and staff at a talk sponsored by the Westchester Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center.
The event was held at the Club’s Mount Kisco facility.
Mr. Sommer, who speaks ten languages fluently, was born in Germany in 1927 and raised in Czechoslovakia. His father died when he was in the fourth grade, forcing him to quit school and support his family. At age 12, he was incarcerated in a Nazi labor camp for the duration of World War II and in 1948 emigrated to the United States. Once in the U.S., he resumed his education at night – attending classes for twenty-one uninterrupted years. Mr. Sommer teaches Modern Languages and Literatures at Fairfield University and is a resident of New Rochelle. He was honored as the National Teacher of the Year in 1981-82.
Mr. Sommer told of his escape from a prison work camp, the killings of his family at Auschwitz, the time spent as a refugee in Italy, his eventual journey to New York, and his experience as a language teacher. Donna Cohen, Executive Director of the Westchester Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, led a discussion with Club members, who ranged from 4th – 10th grade, prior to the talk.
“We were honored to have Mr. Sommer share his captivating story with us,” said Brian Skanes, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester. “His life experiences are astounding and were enlightening to hear. Our Club members had many questions for Mr. Sommer, all of which he answered appropriately and honestly.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester is located at 351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY and can be reached at (914) 666-8069 or visit www.bgcnw.com.
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