Holocaust survivor Gerald Szames to be interviewed by Sandra Scheller, the creator and curator of the "Remember Us The Holocaust" exhibit. On March 11, Lou Pechi, a Holocaust survivor and author, will be speaking in the Library at 6 p.m. His talk will focus on his childhood experiences, including being sent away from his parents to live with a Catholic family during the war. Born in the Croatian city of Zagreb, Louis “Lubo” Pechi was seven years old when the Germans invaded Yugoslavia. In response to the mounting anti-Semitic repression and strict laws prohibiting Jews from traveling, the Pechis converted to Catholicism and changed their identities in the hope of finding safety in Italy. While the Pechi family managed to escape to Rome, a series of unexpected events followed, marking a lengthy journey of survival for Lubo. Decades later, he began the arduous process of recovering the memories of his hidden life by writing his memoir "I Am Lubo: A Child Survivor from Yugoslavia." He was baptized Catholic, which saved him until he was eventually turned in. He was sent to prison, where he spent two days—six hours before the train that would have taken him to Auschwitz departed. Part of the "Remember Us The Holocaust (RUTH)" Exhibit series of speakers. The "Remember Us The Holocaust (RUTH)" exhibit is on display through Dec. 14, 2025 on the Garth Family Reading Level of the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Annex at the La Jolla/Riford Library. Full Speaker Series Schedule: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 6 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 6 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 6 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 6 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 6 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025 from 6 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 from 6 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 from 6 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 from 6 - 7 p.m.
