Speaking to a room full of people, Holocaust survivor, speaker, and author Sidney Finkel captivated his SXU audience with his story of perseverance, forgiveness and hope. Finkel’s address was held on Thursday, Sept. 12th in the Fourth Floor Board Room and was part of the Department of Religious Studies’s Suffering and Death course. His lecture was open to the entire SXU community.
Born Sevek Finkelstein in Piotrkow, Poland; Finkel endured the unimaginable when he and his family became victims of the Nazis’ inhumane treatment against Jews. Forced to live in a disease-ridden ghetto as a child and then later and sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp, Finkel is a true testimony of human endurance.
It was not until 1993 that Finkel first began to open up about the horrific experiences he suffered.
Since then, Finkel has told his story to thousands of students across the Midwest. His relationship with Saint Xavier University began in 2000, when Religious Studies professor Dr. Avis Clendenen invited him to share his experiences at SXU.
Because of his valuable service to Saint Xavier throughout the years, Finkel received an honorary doctorate from the university in the December 2012 graduation ceremony and even gave the commencement speech; this moment proved to be particularly significant to him, especially after being deprived of a formal education as a child and after finally receiving a GED at age 55.
Even though he now been spends most of his time in Tucson, Arizona with his family, Finkel’s ties to Saint Xavier still remain strong; any time he travels to Chicago, he includes SXU on his list of places to visit.
On Thursday, the Fourth Floor Board Room was packed with students, faculty, and even several members of the neighboring community – all of whom were ready to listen to Finkel’s story.
Finkel gave a vivid presentation about his life, focusing on various aspects such as the difficult time he spent in the Piotrkow ghetto, the horrors he endured at Buchenwald, and his life after being liberated.
After the presentation, a Q&A session was held and many students eagerly asked the inspiring 81 year old their questions.
During a small break period, Finkel signed copies of his 2006 memoir, “Sevek and the Holocaust: The Boy Who Refused to Die.”
A few SXU students and outside guests reflected on their experience after the event.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience to meet a Holocaust survivor. I was privileged and honored to meet him,” said Javier Moreno, a junior majoring in criminal justice.
Steve Gonzalez, a guest visiting SXU, reflected on how this event is a better learning experience for everyone. “We take history classes to learn about things in the past – I would describe this experience as meeting history in person. It’s a better way of learning something new; you definitely get more visuals and details than reading from a book or listening to a teacher’s lecture,” said Gonzalez.
Joscelyn Koperdak was awestruck by Finkel’s story and even gave him a hug before asking her question. “It’s really moving. I never thought I’d be in the same room with a Holocaust survivor; it’s surreal. It’s a new experience. It’s amazing – just downright, amazing. I’m just lucky to be here,” said Koperdak.
Meanwhile, Dr. Clendenen commented on the long frienship between her and Finkel.
“I never imagined that meeting him 14 years ago would evolve into a friendship that has deeply impacted my commitment to teaching tolerance and probing the meaning and mystery of human suffering. His humility and dauntless quest for making meaning from the Shoah – the Holocaust – has lodged me in ways that have changed me forever.
Knowing him is a great honor of my life,” Clendenen stated.
To learn more about Sidney Finkel and even purchase his memoir, one may visit his website at – www.holocaustspeaker.com.
Macy Zamudio
Senior News Editor