Learn about your heritage. Ask questions. Remember the answers. There are not many of us left to tell you firsthand about what we know as the most evil of times for Jews and others whom the Nazis deemed inferior.”

—Ruth Zimbler, member of the Speakers Bureau

The Museum of Jewish Heritage’s Speakers Bureau is comprised of Holocaust survivors, World War II veterans, and descendants of survivors who present their or their family’s experiences during the Holocaust to groups of 20 or more people scheduled in advance. Holocaust speakers are adept at sharing their insights with diverse audiences and contextualizing their own perspectives within the larger narratives of history. They provide experiences that are educational, emotional, and unforgettable.

Schedule a Holocaust Survivor Speakers Bureau Testimony Volunteer

Due to COVID-19, the Museum is offering testimony from members of the Speakers Bureau on Zoom.

The Importance of Holocaust Survivor Stories

Primary sources, like documents on display at the museum or testimony from Holocaust survivors like myself, provide irrefutable evidence of this history with an emotional immediacy that ensures it is never forgotten.

Sally Frishberg, Chalkbeat New York

A presentation by a member of the Speakers Bureau may be booked in conjunction with a virtual visit to the Museum or requested as an independent activity. Please note that all testimonies on Zoom will be hosted and recorded by the Museum.

But once they digest her story, she said, she hopes that they make a connection as survivors, too, of “hardships,” and that they find hopefulness in their own situations, particularly if they suffer, say, from prejudice.

Dulcie Leimbach, New York Times
Bronia Brandman
Bronia Brandman sharing her personal experience of the Holocaust.

Speakers Bureau FAQ

These talks are done on a volunteer basis and are free of charge to all who reach out to schedule a talk. Donations may be made to support the Museum’s work here. Schedule a talk here.

The Museum requires three weeks’ advance notice. The Museum can host testimony with your group on these days only: Monday - Thursday at 1:00 PM.

Generally, the Zoom session is about an hour: 45-50 minutes of testimony with 10-15 minutes for questions and answers.

With Assistance from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; Sponsored by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future; Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Finance