Thomas Blatt talks about his experiences as a young Jew in World War II Poland and as a prisoner in the Nazi death camp, Sobibor, in his presentation, "Racism, Genocide and Resistance in the Holocaust," on Monday, September 11 at 7 p.m. at the Aberdeen Timberland Library. The program is free of charge and suggested for a middle school to adult audience.

Blatt, a journalist, author and documentary film producer, recounts historical events leading up to the mass exterminations of groups of people the Nazis considered to be subhuman. He follows with his personal experience: During the Nazi occupation of Poland, he evaded capture using forged Christian papers until he was trapped and sent to the infamous Sobibor. In 1943, at age 15, Blatt participated in the revolt and mass escape of several hundred prisoners then joined a group of partisans fighting the Nazis until 1944 when Poland was liberated. Included in the program is a video clip from the film, Escape from Sobibor, which portrays his and others’ roles in the revolt.

Blatt is one of only seven living participants in the prisoner revolt at Sobibor. He resides in Washington state and lectures throughout the world about the tragic results of racism and intolerance, the need to resist oppression and genocide, and the importance of defending life, dignity and human rights.

The library is offering this program as part of The September Project. The project promotes civic events at public, academic and school libraries around the world on September 11 that help people get together as citizens to talk about freedom and democracy. More information about the project is available on the Web site, http://www.theseptemberproject.org.

The Aberdeen Timberland Library is located at 121 E Market Street, Aberdeen. For more information, please call the library at (360) 533-2360.

Timberland Regional Library serves the information, reading and lifelong learning needs of the Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston county public at 27 community libraries and 7 library service partnership locations. The library system is funded by local property taxes. Those needing special accommodation can contact the library a week in advance.