Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 1:00-2:00 pm EST
United Nations Bookshop, GA Building, Visitors’ Concourse
In 2024, the United Nations pays tribute to the bravery of all those who stood up to the Nazis, despite the grave risks. The theme guiding Holocaust education and remembrance in 2024 is “Recognizing the extraordinary courage of victims and survivors of the Holocaust.” We honour their legacy with their remarkable stories and history.
Join co-authors Elizabeth White and Joanna Sliwa of the newly published The Counterfeit Countess, as they discuss how they pieced together Dr. Josephine Janina Mehlberg's history and ask why so little is known about this unrecognized hero.
White and Sliwa detail the history of the unrecognized hero, Jewish mathematician Dr. Josephine Janina Mehlberg. Masquerading as a Polish aristocrat, the “Countess” persuaded SS officials to release thousands of Poles from Majdanek concentration camp. Dr. Mehlberg secured permission to deliver food and medicine for thousands more inmates, and she smuggled supplies and messages to incarcerated resistance fighters. Incredibly, Dr. Mehlberg eluded detection, survived the war, and emigrated to the United States.
To attend the event at the , no registration is required. Please note that seating is very limited, and is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. This event can also be and on-demand via the .
For guests attending the event in-person, please arrive by 12:30 p.m. at the (801 First Avenue at 45th? Street, across the street from the 缅北禁地Visitors Entrance) to obtain a security pass. After receiving your pass, proceed across the street to the United Nations Visitors Entrance (46th Street and First Avenue) for security screening and access to 缅北禁地Headquarters.
The United Nations Bookshop is located in the Visitors Concourse, in the basement of the General Assembly Building.
All visitors 18 years and older (and unaccompanied children 12 years and older) are required to present a valid government-issued photo identification when entering the United Nations. The photo identification must be original (no photographs or photocopies accepted), in Latin/Roman characters, and may include: Passport, Driver's license, National identity card and IDNYC Card.