Dorot Presents: “The Boy in the Back; A True Story of Survival in Auschwitz and Mauthausen”
With author Fern Lebo
Tuesday, April 14, 11:00 am
Join us on Yom HaShoah to hear from author and Holy Blossom congregant Fern Lebo about her latest book, “The Boy in the Back; A True Story of Survival in Auschwitz and Mauthausen”, which honours the life of Dr. Jan Blumenstein z”l, her good friend and fellow Holy Blossom member.
Fern will talk about how she came to write this special book, read some excerpts aloud to give us a sneak peek, and invite questions from our audience.
This event is $15/member, $18/member. Lunch is included, and books are available for pre-purchase during registration for an additional $23 or on the day for $25.
SIGN UP HERE (in-person and virtual attendance)
Lunch catered by Holy Grounds Cafe to follow, with Games in our Schwartz/Reisman Atrium beginning at 12:45 pm as usual.
The Dorot program is generously sponsored by a gift from the Estate of Saundra and Henry Sherman
This program is generously sponsored by Louise Blumenstein, in honour of her husband, Jan Blumenstein z”l
ABOUT “The Boy in the Back; A True Story of Survival in Auschwitz and Mauthausen”
A searing and inspirational memoir, The Boy in the Back is a “must read.” As the echoes of history grow louder, author Fern Lebo delivers a searing memoir. With clarity and restraint, The Boy in the Back preserves the lived experience of Jan Blumenstein, whose life stands as both a testament to human resilience and a warning against historical amnesia. From the dehumanization of transport trains to the daily struggle for survival inside the camps, the book captures the physical and psychological toll of the Holocaust while honouring the strength required to endure it. It does not soften the horror, nor does it exploit it. Instead, it bears witness. What distinguishes this memoir from others is its immediate relevance. Lebo draws a direct line between Jan’s experiences and the unsettling resurgence of antisemitism today. She also offers a rare and moving contrast: the arc from unimaginable suffering to the joy of a peaceful old age. Jan’s survival is proof that even after profound trauma, life, meaning, and dignity can endure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fern Lebo is a Toronto native and internationally published author whose work crosses genres — from poetry to business books to historical narrative. Following the October 7 massacre, Fern began interviewing Jan Blumenstein and writing his memoir. Her evocative style conveys Jan’s courage and tenacious will to live, creating an intimate connection with The Boy in the Back, Jan’s true account of survival as told to Fern, his friend and writing voice. The book preserves Jan’s lived experience and stands as both a testament to human resilience and a warning against historical amnesia.
