Auschwitz Survivor Returns to Share His Story of Survival with Middlesex College
Michael Bornstein and his daughter, Debbie Bornstein Holinstat, returned to Middlesex College to recount his story of survival.
Michael Bornstein and Debbie Bornstein Holinstat speaking to audience in West Hall
Michael Bornstein, one of the last living survivors of the Holocaust and one of the youngest survivors of the Auschwitz death camp, returned to campus alongside his daughter, Debbie Bornstein Holinstat, to recount the harrowing tale of survival in history’s most notorious death camp. Bornstein and his daughter first came to campus in 2019 to share his story with the campus community.
At just four years old, Bornstein managed to evade murder in the most notorious death camp in history.
Born in a polish ghetto, Bornstein’s childhood was unlike most. His family was forcibly moved from the ghetto to a labor camp, ultimately being sent to Auschwitz. His mother kept him hidden in her bunk, where he laid silently under piles of hay for months. He spoke of his mother’s heartbreak upon learning her other son and husband had been killed in the gas chambers, her perseverance to protect her remaining child at all costs, the fear of uncertainty when the two were separated, and the feeling of immense gratitude when they were finally reunited post-liberation.
Bornstein was one of only 52 children under the age of 8 to survive Auschwitz, the faint tattoo on his left forearm a grim reminder.
Though he survived the unimaginable, Bornstein’s optimism shone through as he spoke. He and his daughter continually emphasize the notions of kindness and grace, as well as the strength of education. “Education is something that no one can take from you,” said Bornstein.
Now approaching 85 years old, Bornstein is retired and spends his time visiting schools across the country to ensure this pivotal moment in history is never forgotten. Despite enduring the worst of humanity, he still carries a message of hope and views the world with a gentle compassion.
Bornstein says he hopes that future generations continue to lead with kindness and acceptance toward one another. “It’s easy for unchecked bigotry and propaganda to take us, but I will always believe in optimism,” said Bornstein.
