Newsroom

Holocaust Survivor Speaks at the Boys & Girl Clubs of Northern Westchester

Mount Kisco, NY (June 2, 2008) – Mr. Jay Sommer, Holocaust survivor and author of Journey to the Golden Door, recently shared his experiences with more than fifty Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester members, parents, and staff at a talk sponsored by the Westchester Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center. The event was held at the Club's Mount Kisco facility.

Mr. Sommer, who speaks ten languages fluently, was born in Germany in 1927 and raised in Czechoslovakia. His father died when he was in the fourth grade, forcing him to quit school and support his family. At age 12, he was incarcerated in a Nazi labor camp for the duration of World War II and in 1948 emigrated to the United States. Once in the U.S., he resumed his education at night – attending classes for twenty-one uninterrupted years. Mr. Sommer teaches Modern Languages and Literatures at Fairfield University and is a resident of New Rochelle. He was honored as the National Teacher of the Year in 1981-82.

Mr. Sommer told of his escape from a prison work camp, the killings of his family at Auschwitz, the time spent as a refugee in Italy, his eventual journey to New York, and his experience as a language teacher. Donna Cohen, Executive Director of the Westchester Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, led a discussion with Club members, who ranged from 4th – 10th grade, prior to the talk.

"We were honored to have Mr. Sommer share his captivating story with us," said Brian Skanes, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester. "His life experiences are astounding and were enlightening to hear. Our Club members had many questions for Mr. Sommer, all of which he answered appropriately and honestly."

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester is located at 351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY and can be reached at (914) 666-8069 or visit www.bgcnw.com.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester was established in 1939 as a place for "boys to get off the streets." It is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and enabling young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The main unit in Mt. Kisco, NY is a 36,000-square-foot facility featuring an eight-lane pool, Child Care Center, gymnasium, games room, two computer labs and an additional 1,600-foot Teen Center facility. The Club has two satellite programs: a youth and teen center in the Yorktown Community Center; and a full service program at The Community Opportunity Center in Tarrytown, NY. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester serves 3,500 youths, boys and girls ages 6 months to 18 years, from more than 60 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Press Contacts:
Kelly Lee
Co-Communications
914-666-0066
Kelly@cocommunications.com

back to Newsroom

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester
351 Main Street, Mt. Kisco, New York 10549 (914) 666-8069