DURHAM, NC – Five years after his passing, the powerful story of Holocaust survivor Abe Piasek continues to resonate, with efforts underway to ensure that his message endures for generations to come. In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a special event in Durham will spotlight Piasek’s journey of survival and resilience.
Piasek, born in Poland and later a longtime resident of Raleigh, dedicated his life to educating others about the Holocaust. His mission was clear: to shed light on the horrors he endured, the destructive force of hate, and the enduring power of kindness. For decades, he shared his firsthand experiences with schools, community organizations, and media outlets, including CBS 17 in 2019, when he recalled the harrowing reality of life in Nazi concentration camps.
“When we were marching, people fell down. If the guards saw you, they would shoot you,” Piasek said in an interview, a chilling reminder of the atrocities faced by millions.
Preserving Piasek’s Story
One of those deeply impacted by Piasek’s testimony was Steve Goldberg, a former history teacher. After hearing Piasek speak, Goldberg recognized the importance of preserving his story for future generations. “I will never forget Abe’s story,” Goldberg said. “There was so much he could only touch on in 45 minutes.”
Determined to document Piasek’s experiences, Goldberg sought permission to record their conversations. Over time, their relationship grew beyond that of teacher and survivor – they became close friends. Piasek even accompanied Goldberg’s students on a trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., further deepening their understanding of the Holocaust’s lasting impact.
Carrying Forward a Legacy
In early 2020, Piasek’s health declined following a serious fall. Despite his weakening condition, his commitment to sharing his story remained steadfast. “I went to his bedside, and he was very weak,” Goldberg recalled. “He told me: ‘Keep telling my story.’” Days later, Piasek passed away.
Since then, Goldberg has devoted himself to fulfilling his friend’s final wish. With support from Piasek’s family, he has been sharing the survivor’s message at schools and community events, often utilizing video recordings to allow audiences to hear Piasek’s words firsthand.
“It’s an incredible honor,” Goldberg said. “People often tell me they feel like they know Abe after hearing his story.” His hope is that each person who learns about Piasek’s experiences will carry forward his lessons of resilience and humanity.
Upcoming Event in Durham
Goldberg will present “My Friend Abe”—a tribute to Piasek’s life and legacy—on Monday, January 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Durham’s Main Library, located at 300 N. Roxboro St. The event is free to the public, though attendees are encouraged to register in advance.
For registration details and more information about the event, visit Durham Public Library’s official website or follow updates in The Bull City Citizen, your trusted source for local news and events.
Remembering the Holocaust
International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 27, marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. The United Nations established the day to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and to promote education aimed at preventing future genocides.
According to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, over six million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, along with millions of others, including Romani people, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political dissidents. Survivors like Piasek played a critical role in ensuring the world never forgets.
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As Durham’s leading source for in-depth local reporting, The Bull City Citizen remains dedicated to covering stories that matter. From honoring the legacies of remarkable individuals like Abe Piasek to highlighting important community events, our commitment to informative and balanced journalism ensures that our readers stay informed and engaged.
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