Posted on Friday, April 25, 2025
Holocaust survivor Bill Orlin speaks to group from TSU and Jewish Federation of Greater Houston during Zikaron BaSalon
Texas Southern University (Texas Southern) and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston gathered on Wednesday evening, April 23, 2025, to host a Zikaron BaSalon, which means “Memories in the Living Room” in Hebrew. Zikaron BaSalon’s offers a personal approach to Holocaust remembrance by creating opportunities for survivors to share their stories in an intimate, smaller, and more personal environment.
The gathering took place at The Art Gallery in Houston’s historic Third Ward, where Texas Southern leadership, Jewish faith leaders, and community members came together for an evening of powerful storytelling and meaningful dialogue.
Ninety-three-year-old Holocaust survivor Bill Orlin shared a deeply personal account of perseverance and resilience. Bill was seven years old when German troops invaded Poland and occupied his hometown of Brok. When asked how he and his family persevered during the ensuing years of forced marches at gunpoint, near-death experiences, poverty, and malnutrition, Bill answered simply: “I listened to my mother. She told me, ‘No matter what happens, stay positive.”
Despite years of hardship, his family survived the harrowing ordeal, and Bill went on to become an American citizen, U.S. veteran, and successful entrepreneur. “In life, you can choose to focus on hate—or you can choose to focus on hope. I choose hope," Orlin said.
Texas Southern University President James W. Crawford III reflected on the historical bond between the Black and Jewish communities and the importance of building upon that foundation for the future.
"Texas Southern University is honored to stand alongside our partners at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston in remembrance and unity. The Black and Jewish communities share a long history of friendship and solidarity, and it is our responsibility to build upon that legacy for future generations," said President Crawford.
Texas Southern Board Chairman Brandon L. Simmons remarked, “We stand on the shoulders of powerful leaders like Reverend Bill Lawson and Rabbi Roy Walter. Their legacies reflect a lasting alliance between our communities and Texas Southern University is proud to carry that tradition forward by creating meaningful dialogue and strengthening interfaith relationships for the future."
Leaders from both communities emphasized the importance of preserving memory and building alliances.
"Tonight marks one of three successful events where we have partnered with Texas Southern University, and each has been a powerful experience," said Erica Winsor of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. “We look forward to continuing to stand together on meaningful days of remembrance in African American history like Juneteenth — and beyond. Zikaron BaSalon reminds us that memory is not passive—it is a call to action. We are grateful to Texas Southern University for partnering with us to help bring these conversations to life."
Participants closed the evening by sharing reflections on the work ahead: to remember, to educate, and to strengthen the bonds of friendship across Houston’s diverse communities.
Category: Faculty & Staff, Students, Alumni, News Media