Holocaust survivor Eric Blaustein of Vernon Hills shows his German identification papers as he discusses his arrest at 17 by the Nazis and his time in Buchenwald prison camp during World War II. Blaustein will speak today at Harper College about his ordeal.

Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald

The birth certificate and German identification papers of Holocaust survivor Eric Blaustein, of Vernon Hills. He was arrested at 17 by the Nazis and spent time in Buchenwald prison camp during World War II. Blaustein will speak Wednesday at Harper College about his ordeal.

Gilbert R. Boucher II / gboucher@dailyherald

About this Article

Eric Blaustein was 17 when he was arrested by the Germans and incarcerated in the Buchenwald concentration camp. He survived by assuming the identity of a dead Italian. Now, he lives in a retirement home in Vernon Hills and tells his story to schools and community groups as a way educate and prevent future atrocities. "I don't want it to be emotional, I don't want pity. I want the truth," Blaustein said.

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