In a heartfelt evening of remembrance and dialogue, Texas Southern University (TSU) and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston came together on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to host a powerful Zikaron BaSalon event. Translating to "Memories in the Living Room" in Hebrew, Zikaron BaSalon offers an intimate and personal approach to Holocaust remembrance—bringing the stories of survivors directly to small gatherings where empathy and education thrive.

Hosted on TSU’s historic campus, the event underscored the deep historical connection between Black and Jewish communities, highlighting a shared legacy of perseverance, solidarity, and advocacy for human rights.

"Texas Southern University is honored to stand alongside our partners at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston in remembrance and unity," said TSU President James W. Crawford III. "Our communities share a profound history of friendship and mutual support. It is our duty to honor that bond and to ensure future generations continue to build bridges of understanding and resilience."

 

 

The emotional heart of the evening came through the testimony of Bill Orlin, a 93-year-old Holocaust survivor. Orlin shared a moving, firsthand account of survival, recounting his experiences as a young boy during the Nazi invasion of Poland. From enduring forced marches to surviving on the brink of starvation, Orlin credited his mother’s unwavering advice as his beacon of hope: “No matter what happens, stay positive.”

Despite unimaginable hardship, Orlin’s journey eventually led him to the United States, where he became a U.S. citizen, a proud veteran, and a successful entrepreneur. His enduring optimism resonated deeply with the audience: “In life, you can choose to focus on hate—or you can choose to focus on hope. I choose hope,” he affirmed.

TSU Board Chairman Brandon L. Simmons paid homage to historic leaders such as Reverend Bill Lawson and Rabbi Roy Walter, whose commitment to social justice solidified alliances between Black and Jewish communities. “Texas Southern University stands on the shoulders of these giants, and tonight we reaffirm our pledge to carry forward their legacy through dialogue, education, and unity,” Simmons said.

Leaders from both TSU and the Jewish Federation emphasized that remembrance is not a passive act but a catalyst for change.

"Tonight marks the third successful event where we’ve partnered with TSU, and each gathering has been more meaningful than the last," said Erica Winsor of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. "We look forward to continuing these partnerships, honoring both Jewish and African American histories—including significant milestones like Juneteenth—and building bridges well into the future."

As the evening concluded, participants reflected on the path ahead—vowing to remember the past, strengthen present relationships, and work together to create a more inclusive, compassionate future for Houston’s richly diverse communities.

For more info, visit tsu.edu