The SUNY Plattsburgh Jewish studies program hosted two events on Wednesday, November 1, honoring the life of Dr. Vladimir Munk, professor emeritus of biochemistry at SUNY Plattsburgh, who died October 1 at the age of 98.
At the age of 95, Munk returned to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious concentration and extermination camp used by the Nazis to murder more than 1 million people. His trip became the subject of a documentary, “Return to Auschwitz: The Survival of Vladimir Munk.”
The first event honoring the late professor was held in the Skopp Gallery in Feinberg Library where Julie Canepa, a close friend to Munk in his later years, and co-producer of the documentary, read from her book, “The Missing Star,” a recently published novel based on the early life of Munk and his wife, Kitty.
The reading began with an interview and discussion led by Dr. Jonathan Slater, professor emeritus of journalism and public relations, and was followed by Canepa reading excerpts of her novel. Later that evening, there was a screening of “Return to Auschwitz,” and discussion with the filmmakers, Julie Canepa and Bruce Carlin. Speakers at the event also included Dr. Andrew Buckser, professor of anthropology and director of the Jewish studies program, and SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander Enyedi.
Mountain Lake PBS will present a special airing of “Return to Auschwitz” on Monday, December 11th at 5pm