David Groen

Jewish History

Expertise:
Holocaust Remembrance, Jewish Resettlement

Available for in-person lectures in:
South FL

Available via Zoom?
Yes

To book David, e-mail:
dan@hudakonhollywood.com

David Groen is an author and public speaker, with most of his work focused on the plight of Dutch Jewry during the Holocaust and the events surrounding his family. His first published book is "Jew Face: A story of love and heroism in Nazi-occupied Holland". Through the book, and David's website Holland's Heroes hollandsheroes.com, a violin that belonged to his uncle, a victim of Auschwitz, found its way back to David and his family. More details are available on bramsviolin.com, the website David created to help tell this story. He has spoken in various synagogues and institutions, most recently at Boca Raton Synagogue, Chabad Jewish Center of Coral Springs, The Jewish museum of Miami Beach, and 2 synagogues in Boynton Beach, Temple Beth Kodesh and Anshei Chesed. He is working on his second book which tells a broader history leading up to the remarkable story of the violin. David is also a Cantor for the High Holidays at Beth Tovim in Philadelphia.

Lectures include:

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Bram's Violin

This incredible story of hope and inspiration speaks of how the violin belonging to Bram Rodrigues made its way back to his family more than 75 years after his death in Auschwitz. The story tells of Bram’s early years in Amsterdam, a remarkable friendship, and the powerful connection of the past to present. You will learn how the book written by Bram’s nephew, presenter David Groen, had an integral role in forming the events that would transpire years later that gave Bram a legacy that otherwise would not have been.

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Tales of Dutch resistance against the Nazis

After the invasion of the Netherlands by the Nazis in May of 1940, a select group of individuals became part of a resistance whose purpose was to save innocent people and to thwart the Nazis’ efforts at every turn. Jew and non-Jew alike became active in this resistance, doing what they would later refer to as “whatever needed to be done.” This presentation includes some remarkable stories of strength and bravery in the most perilous of times, and the special individual behind these actions.

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The History of Dutch Jewry

A detailed account of the settling of Jews in the Netherlands, dating back to the 13th century, the migration of Jews from Spain and Portugal, and pre World War II Holland, including Amsterdam's strong Jewish presence prior to the Nazi occupation. This will further address the time Holland was known as "Jerusalem of the West", the impact of Sephardic Judaism in Holland, and the devastation of the Holocaust which took 75% of the Jewish population. A breakdown of Jewish population per city and province, including overall demographic and influence will be part of this discussion. It will conclude with an analysis of post 1945 Holland and the rebuilding of the Jewish community to present day.

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The Recovery And Resettlement of World Jewry After The Holocaust

This lecture provides a detailed look at Jewish communities in European cities most impacted by the Holocaust after 1945, and it chronicles the successes and failures of the reestablishment of these communities. In addition, we’ll discuss the impact of the migration of Jews to Israel, the United States and (to a lesser extent) England and France. We will also address the groups within the Jewish world most responsible for the growth in world Jewry’s numbers in the years since WWII ended, as well as current trends and how those trends may impact numbers and locations moving forward.

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From Devastation To Celebrity: The Story Of Holocaust Survivors Who Became Famous

This lecture will discuss the men and women who emerged from the Holocaust to become well-known contributors in various segments of society. This lecture will cover a wide variety of fascinating and inspirational rises in entertainment, literature and politics. Examples include author Elie Wiesel, sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, and film director Roman Polanski.

Are you ready to bring Hudak On Hollywood to your community?

Please e-mail dan@hudakonhollywood.com for additional information. We look forward to hearing from you!

dan@hudakonhollywood.com