By Mushka Cunin
LA JOLLA, California– On Monday night, January 27th—amidst the chaos of midterms—the average Triton was buried in textbooks, studying or writing assignments. For many, the date passed unnoticed. But for Jewish students at UCSD, this day held deep significance.
More than 60 students gathered in Price Center to hear the extraordinary story of Holocaust survivor Benjamin Midler. The event, organized by Chabad at UCSD, led by my husband Rabbi Shmulie Cunin and me, was co-hosted by AEPi, the Jewish fraternity. A special thank you goes to Sandy Sheller, who played a crucial role in coordinating this impactful lecture. She oversees the RUTH Remember Us The Holocaust exhibit at the La Jolla Library.
For some, Holocaust Remembrance Day may seem like just another date on the calendar. But for those in attendance, it was a moment of reflection, education, and an opportunity to hear firsthand from a survivor of six concentration camps.
After an intense year and a half—where Jewish students at UCSD have witnessed the true colors of some of their peers in light of the Israel-Hamas war—they understand, now more than ever, the importance of speaking up, recognizing injustice, and taking action.
Benjamin Midler began by recounting his childhood in Poland—a seemingly normal upbringing until Kristallnacht changed everything. Soon after, the Jews were forced into cramped ghettos, confined to just 25% of their previous living space. Then came the camps.
Through it all, Midler said he felt God’s hand guiding him. One story stood out in particular: when Nazi soldiers lined up the children and ordered them to touch a board. Miraculously, he stood on his tip toes and reached it—an action that ultimately saved his life.
Out of three families from his extended family, totaling 15 relatives, Midler was the sole survivor. Many survivors, he explained, struggled to move past their trauma, and some passed away early due to the weight of their memories. But Midler refused to be defined by his past.
Instead, he built a future. He got married, raised three daughters, and now has six grandchildren. After the war, he moved to Israel, then eventually made his way to America. When an opportunity arose to buy an auto parts store, he didn’t hesitate—he jumped in with both feet.
Later, a health concern led him to San Diego, but nothing ever slowed him down. Now, at 96 years old, he still works out daily and had no problem standing for the entire duration of his lecture.
As the evening came to a close, students reflected on the powerful lesson of the night: the importance of being an upstander. If you see something wrong, say something—whether in the world at large or right here on campus.
But perhaps the greatest takeaway from Midler’s story is his unwavering positivity. He faced unimaginable horrors, yet he chose to move forward, to embrace life, and to build a future filled with hope and resilience. His message was clear: No matter what challenges life brings, a positive mindset can make all the difference.
This was, without a doubt, a day that UCSD will not forget.
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Mushka Cunin is the rebbetzin and co-director of Chabad at UCSD