On February 13th, Chabad of Venice hosted a historic and deeply moving event as Holocaust survivor Joseph Alexander shared his extraordinary story of survival with a record-breaking crowd of over 950 attendees, including 200 local high school students. The event stands as one of the most significant Holocaust remembrance programs in the history of the Venice community.

At 102 years old, Mr. Alexander captivated the audience with quiet dignity as he recounted his journey through 12 concentration camps during World War II. Traveling from Los Angeles to speak, he delivered his story entirely from memory — vividly describing his once joyful life in Poland, the heartbreak of losing over 100 family members, and the unimaginable horrors he endured, including a harrowing encounter with Dr. Mengele.

Sixteen years old, and then the ghetto

At just 16, Alexander’s life changed forever when he and his family were forced into the Warsaw Ghetto. He would later endure both Auschwitz and Dachau. In one pivotal moment, his split-second decision to run from one line to another saved him from the gas chambers. While his parents and five siblings perished, he miraculously survived and was ultimately liberated by American troops during a death march near war’s end.

Packed into cattle cars for three days without food, water, or facilities… the brutal forced labor… the near-starvation — each detail he shared was a testament not only to his suffering, but to his resilience. His message, however, was one of hope and unwavering strength:

“Never give up.” “Have faith in God.” “Don’t let bullies scare you.”

For eight decades he has dedicated himself to sharing his story, honoring the memory of the six million Jews who perished, including his entire immediate family. “The best way to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again,” he says, “is to know what happened and to resolve to live more ethical and moral lives.”

Tefillin, and a room in prayer

In one of the morning’s most poignant moments, Mr. Alexander donned his tefillin and led the audience in prayer — a powerful reminder that while the Nazis took everything from him, they could never take his faith. “They could take everything from us,” he said, “but they could never take away our faith.”

Recognizing the vital importance of Holocaust education, Venice Mayor Nick Pachota presented a proclamation officially declaring this week Venice Holocaust Education Week, highlighting the city’s commitment to remembrance and to teaching future generations.

The impact of Mr. Alexander’s testimony was deeply felt. Many attendees lingered afterward, sharing their own family stories, expressing their gratitude, and acknowledging that for many, this was the first time they had heard a Holocaust survivor speak in person.

The morning was further elevated by the moving performance of violinist Vladimir Tsypin, whose music gave voice to the pain and hope woven throughout Mr. Alexander’s words.

The event was made possible through the dedication of Chabad of Venice’s volunteers and the generous support of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and the Snyder Family Foundation.

You can watch the replay on our YouTube channel.