Reflecting on My Parents’ Holocaust Journeys: Finding Forgiveness and Celebrating My Family's Legacy
- George Gund Lecture Fund
- History Department
- University Library
- Iowa Jewish Historical Society
- Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines
- Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)

Dr. Alex Kor's late parents, Michael and Eva Mozes Kor, each survived concentration camps during the Holocaust; Eva and her twin sister were victims of Jose Mengele's experiments. Kor will highlight his parents' incredible journeys in the decades after. He will share how Michael and Eva's sense of humor helped them lead happy and productive lives out of the shadow of the Holocaust. For anyone who may be struggling with day-to-day challenges, Kor believes that learning how his parents persevered will provide a perspective to help others.
Kor traveled to Auschwitz more than 20 times with his late mother. He is a member of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center Board of Directors. Kor assisted in establishing the exhibit “Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana” at the Indiana Historical Society to honor his mother. Kor's book, A Blessing, Not a Burden: My Parents' Remarkable Holocaust Story & My Fight to Keep Their Legacy Alive, offers a thorough account of his parents' extraordinary lives and their positive impact on him.
Originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, Dr. Alex Kor a bachelor's degree B.S. in Chemistry from Butler University and a masters in science in Exercise Physiology from Purdue University. He earned his D.P.M. from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. Dr. Kor is a full-time podiatrist for Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Indiana, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
This lecture was recorded and can be viewed on the Available Recordings page.