Fred Amram spent his early years in Hannover, Germany, where he experienced the Holocaust from its inception in 1933. He witnessed Kristallnacht and the Gestapo invading his home. He watched the British bombers from his balcony when Jews were banned from air raid shelters. The loss of uncles, aunts, a grandmother and many more relatives has motivated him to share his experiences in hopes of ending genocide everywhere. Although the transition to a new language and culture was difficult, the ... view more »
Fred Amram spent his early years in Hannover, Germany, where he experienced the Holocaust from its inception in 1933. He witnessed Kristallnacht and the Gestapo invading his home. He watched the British bombers from his balcony when Jews were banned from air raid shelters. The loss of uncles, aunts, a grandmother and many more relatives has motivated him to share his experiences in hopes of ending genocide everywhere. Although the transition to a new language and culture was difficult, the alternatives were worse. Consequently, the United States truly became a land of opportunity where one could build a new life and become more than a "Holocaust survivor." Amram has spoken about the Holocaust and other genocides at Clark University, Carlton College, William Mitchell College of Law and many other educational institutions, churches and synagogues. He frequently leads workshops for government agencies, including the U.S. Army and Air Force. He has testified about his Holocaust experiences at the Minnesota legislature. Amram is admired for his scholarship as well as his story telling ability. With Degrees from Syracuse University and the University of Minnesota, Amram is a retired professor of communication and creativity who served in many administrative capacities including Director of Academic Affairs for the University’s General College. He has authored several books as well as many articles, essays and stories. He has been a visiting lecturer at many universities and has curated several exhibitions about inventing. Amram’s consulting and public speaking services have been utilized in Europe, Asia and North America. In presenting Professor Amram the Patent and Trademark Office’s prestigious Excellence in Education Award, the Commissioner of the PTO referred to Amram as "excellence in education personified." Amram has written a memoir, We’re in America Now: A Survivor’s Stories, Holy Cow! Press, 2016, which has garnered international attention for its insightful content, its entertaining presentation and its literary quality. Copies of Fred Amram’s memoir We’re in America Now: A Survivor’s Stories for sale at the event.Refreshments served following. Event is free and open to the public.Co-Sponsored by Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, Department of English, Department of History, Upper Mississippi Harvest
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