Trapped in Nazi Germany, Marion Blumenthal Lazan and her family sought refuge in Holland, only to be captured and sent to the Westerbork transit camp and later the infamous Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Her 1996 memoir, “Four Perfect Pebbles,” details the harrowing realities of constant fear and deprivation, the struggle to survive in inhumane conditions, and the unimaginable challenge of holding onto hope. One of the most poignant elements of her story is the “four perfect pebbles,” a mental game she played to reassure herself that her family would make it through together.

Now, Lazan is bringing her story to St. Louis.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m., Maryville Hillel will host an evening of conversation featuring Lazan. Although she will join via Zoom from her home in New York, Maryville students and staff will gather in the auditorium on campus to watch the live webinar together. Community members can also join the live Zoom stream. The event will include a Q&A session, allowing the audience to engage with Lazan directly. Registration is required and can be done online.

Marion Blumenthal Lazan

Known for her gripping memoir, Lazan delivers a message of hope, tolerance, and the critical importance of remembering history to prevent future atrocities.

Her story is one of remarkable resilience. Despite suffering the immeasurable loss of her father shortly after liberation, Lazan has devoted her life to sharing her experiences and advocating for kindness and empathy. Her presentations have touched more than a million people, emphasizing the necessity of treating one another with respect and understanding. Her mission is clear: to empower future generations with the lessons of history, urging them to recognize the dangers of unchecked hatred and intolerance.

This evening at Maryville Hillel promises to be both educational and deeply moving. Attendees will hear firsthand about Lazan’s experiences and her call to action: to share these stories, nurture empathy, and ensure that the past never repeats itself.

For those who cannot attend in person, a recording of the event will be made available at a later date.

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