Free presentations over lunch focus on Holocaust

(Des Moines, IA) – Des Moines University encourages students, staff and faculty to be well-informed on many topics. To this end, the University will offer two free educational presentations about the Holocaust. The public is also invited to attend.
“Exposure to a variety of cultures, religions, beliefs and histories is part of the DMU curriculum as we prepare future health care practitioners to treat a diverse population,” explained Barry Ulberg, Ph.D., educational support counselor at Des Moines University.
Beginning at noon in the Des Moines University (DMU) Academic Center, Lecture Hall 3, 3440 Grand Avenue, on April 9 and April 25, everyone is invited to bring a lunch and learn about this historical tragedy.
“I don’t think we ought to forget the happenings of the Holocaust. They have shaped our minds and attitudes,” explained Holocaust survivor Peter Pintus of Des Moines.
On Monday, April 9, Kathie Swift, education site coordinator for the Des Moines Public Library, will speak about Testimony to Tolerance, the Library’s video series of Holocaust survivors’ stories. Testimony to Tolerance is a collection of 17 Iowa survivor stories. It is available on the second floor of the new central Des Moines library as part of the visual history collection.
On Wednesday, April 25, Pintus will talk about his experiences. Pintus’ memories are part of the Testimony to Tolerance series. He has lived in Des Moines since 1964 and is now assistant to the rabbi at the Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Des Moines and chaplain emeritus in the Iowa Health systems.
“As long as I am alive I will remind people what happened at that time. I feel that is my obligation as a survivor,” he said.
For more information about either event, call 515.271.1611. Everyone is welcome to bring lunch.

What: Lunch & learn about the Holocaust
When: April 9 & April 25, noon
Where: Des Moines University, Academic Center, Lecture Hall 3, 3440 Grand Avenue.
Who: Anyone interested in the topic is invited to attend.
More info: Call 515.271.1611 for any additional information. No RSVP necessary.