Michael Bornstein and Debbie Bornstein Holinstat

(EDISON, NJ) -- One of the youngest survivors of the Holocaust will speak at Middlesex College recounting his time in Auschwitz, at just 4 years old, before being liberated.

Michael Bornstein, now 85, and his daughter, Debbie Bornstein Holinstat, will give a powerful presentation about his extraordinary survival. Together, Bornstein and Holinstat authored Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz, which tells Bornstein’s story of perseverance in the darkest of circumstances.

Middlesex College is honored to present one of the last living survivors of the Auschwitz death camp,” said Terrence Corrigan, History and Social Sciences professor at Middlesex College. “In a time of increasing antisemitism and hate, we need to make sure that the horrors of the Holocaust are not repeated.”

Bornstein is now retired after working more than four decades as a scientist and researcher, though he continues to speak regularly alongside his daughter at schools, synagogues, and business institutions, sharing his experience. They continue to remind listeners to always look forward, but never forget.

The event will take place on April 24, 2025 at 2:00pm in West Hall on the Edison campus of Middlesex College at 2600 Woodbridge Avenue. Attendance is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation to the Holocaust and Human Rights Center. Registration is available online and seating is limited.

“This is a unique opportunity for students and the local community to directly engage with history,” Corrigan said.

Middlesex College, established in 1964, is a public, two-year institution of higher education located in the heart of New Jersey. With a main campus in Edison and centers in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy, Middlesex College offers over 85 degree and certificate programs encouraging its more than 10,000 students to explore, grow, and thrive. Middlesex College, through dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art educational facilities, and holistic student supports, is committed to providing a high-quality, affordable college education that provides every student an opportunity for growth and achievement. Middlesex College is Middlesex County’s premier destination for lifelong learning and workforce training.