eet Joe Engel, a survivor of Auschwitz concentration camp and member of the
Charleston Jewish Federation, who will share stories of survival and hope.
Joe Engel's story begins in the small, close-knit town of Zakroczym. On Sept.1,
1939, the day the Germans invaded Poland, the town was destroyed. Joe was
packed into a cattle car on a transport train to Auschwitz, and he stood up for two
and a half days without food or water. During the Death March, Joe escaped
from a transport train to Czechoslovakia, where he joined the resistance and
went on missions to explode German ammunition. He was liberated by the Red
Army in March 1945. The only surviving members of his immediate family were
two brothers and a sister. Today, Joe lives in Charleston. He is extremely active
in the community and regularly visits schools to share his experiences with
students.

The Human Story Series invites interested members of the community to gather in a safe
space and converse with individuals who have been exposed to prejudice or stigma. Join us to
combat intolerance by engaging in open, honest and respectful dialogue.