Saul Dreier, a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor who has been all over the country sharing his story, will bring his message to Louisiana for the first time on Thursday, Aug. 15.
Chabad at LSU and Greater Baton Rouge will present "Survival Through Song: Saul Dreier" at 6:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Executive Center, 4728 Constitution Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the ticketed talk.
"We are honored to host this historic event, which serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors and promoting tolerance, understanding and peace," said Rabbi Peretz Kazen, director of Chabad at LSU and Greater Baton Rouge.
Kazen said the need to emphasize the message of "never again" decades after Holocaust is heartbreaking.
"We hope that Saul's story will inspire a new generation to work towards a more compassionate world," Kazen said.
As the number of living Holocaust survivors dwindles, it makes Dreier's personal story all the more significant.
"Saul's passion for music helped him survive the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust. Born in Poland, he was just 14 when his life was flipped upside down," a news release states. "He survived three concentration camps, including a stint at Schindler's factory and lost his entire family. Yet, his love for music remained a constant source of hope and strength."
In addition to his speech, Dreier also will play his drums, a method of distraction and joy that he used to stay above the pain and suffering in the camps. At 91, he formed a Holocaust survivor band. Dreier has lived in Florida for 40-plus years.
"Music keeps me alive. I don't have to eat. I don't have to drink. I want to make sure that what I do is perfect," Dreier told NBC News last year.
Tickets start at $25, and subsidized tickets are available for students. For more info, go to chabadbr.com/tickets or contact Rabbi Peretz Kazen at rabbi@chabadbr.com or (225) 267-7047.