Leon Malmed, a French Holocaust survivor, to speak at LTCC

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Leon Malmed, a survivor of the Holocaust, will share his powerful personal story of loss, courage, and resilience at Lake Tahoe Community College on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Aspen Room.

He will speak about the deportation of his parents to Auschwitz, where they perished, and reflect on the history and enduring dangers of antisemitism.

During the three-year German occupation of France, Leon and his sister, Rachel, were hidden by a Christian French couple and their two sons. At great personal risk, these neighbors made a courageous promise to protect Leon and his sister from the Nazi regime—an act of extraordinary moral bravery that ultimately saved their lives.

Leon recounts surviving years marked by famine and constant fear, yet also remembers moments of humanity and hope. He speaks of finding joy in small things, such as receiving an orange for Christmas, and of the deep comfort he found in the love and selfless courage of those who sheltered him and his sister.

Through his story, Leon encourages students to recognize and value the privileges that come with freedom—especially the opportunity for education. He urges them to learn from history and to use that knowledge to stand up for peace, justice, and human dignity.

The event is sponsored by the Lake Tahoe Community College Foundation.