Buchenwald survivor at Harper College Wednesday

When the Nazis rose to power in Germany in the 1930s and 1940s, Eric Blaustein’s comfortable childhood was shattered.

Captured by the Nazis at 17 years old, Blaustein was sent to the Buchenwald concentration camp, where he survived by swapping identities with a dead Italian and leaving behind his former life.

Now, 67 years to the date after Buchenwald’s liberation, Blaustein will bring his harrowing story of survival to Harper College in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Blaustein will detail his journey from a free-roaming child from a middle class family to a disguised youth in an underground movement; and from his months in the camp to his following years as a soldier in the Israeli War of Independence before finally immigrating to the United States and settling in Vernon Hills.

“We thought it was important to bring recognition to this important event in history and for Harper to be part of the national memorial day.” said Ernie Kimlin, Harper’s Student Activities coordinator who helped bring the event to campus.

“The anniversary of Buchenwald’s liberation makes this event even more special for our community.”

Blaustein’s talk is at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, in Building E, Room 106 on the college’s main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine. The event is free and open to the public.