The Englewood Public Library and the Simon Wiesenthal Center today announced their collaboration on a jointly sponsored program bringing author Ann Arnold to Englewood to discuss her debut book “Together: A Journey for Survival” on Tuesday, September 12, at 7 p.m. Arnold’s book tells the disquieting tale of how her father, Livingston resident Mark Schonwetter, survived the Holocaust with his mother and sister by hiding in the Polish countryside. She applies the lessons of her father’s inspiring story to her very current message on the need for tolerance, especially in the wake of the tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia, on August 12.
Arnold has widely lectured on the fight against stereotyping and discrimination and used her family’s story to demonstrate that even in the worst of times, bias has no place in our world, and the moral requirement of society is to stand up to combat hate. While they were in hiding, the Schonwetters were assisted many times by other Poles, who put their own lives at risk by offering them aid. Special guest Holocaust survivor Mark Schonwetter will be in attendance with his daughter to answer questions.
“My father and I are so excited to be speaking in Englewood,” says Arnold. “Now more than ever we feel a responsibility to speak to both this generation and the next about how to respect one another, even despite our differences.”
The Simon Wiesenthal Center is a global human rights organization researching the Holocaust and hate in a historic and contemporary context. The Center confronts anti-Semitism, hate and terrorism, promotes human rights and dignity, stands with Israel, defends the safety of Jews worldwide and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations.
“The recent events in Charlottesville only amplify the imperative need for programs such as this,” says Michael Cohen, eastern director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center. “They demonstrate to our local communities that bigotry has no place in our society and we must continue to fight with the utmost vigor to promote a message of tolerance.”
The Englewood Public Library is located at 31 Engle Street in Englewood, New Jersey. This program is free and open to the public and no registration is required. A book signing will follow Arnold’s talk. Copies of “Together: A Journey for Survival” will be available for purchase for $21 (including tax) by cash, check or credit card.
For further information on the September 12 program, please contact Cohen (Simon Wiesenthal Center eastern director) at 212-697-1180 or email him at [email protected]. The Englewood Public Library is located at 31 Engle Street, Englewood, New Jersey.
