The National Infantry Museum will host Corresponding Angles: The Story of A Liberator & A Holocaust Survivor. On Thursday May 4th, 2023 guest speakers will include Dr. Reuben Sloan, son of a Holocaust survivor and Gail Cohn, daughter of a concentration camp liberator.
When Dr. Reuben Sloan began his career in the medical field, he emulated the advice of his mentor by getting to know his patients on a deeper level. Little did he realize that decision would lead to such a remarkable revelation. In July 2012, Dr. Sloan had a conversation with his patient Gail Cohn and he realized there was an even more meaningful connection between them than just doctor-patient. Gail’s father was a well-known judge in the Columbus, Georgia area, Aaron Cohn. As the two spoke, Dr. Sloan realized that Judge Cohn had been part of General George S Patton’s 3rd Calvary Regiment. That particular Calvary liberated thousands of Jews at Mauthausen concentration camp in 1945. Ina. twist of fate, Gail listened as Reuben mentioned his father was amongst the Jews in that camp. Upon realizing this bond between, Gail and Reuben began discussing the shared history of their families.
Reuben Sloan was convinced that his father and Gail’s had crossed paths. While there is no absolute certainty of this juncture between the two men, all evidence points to it having been true. After the war ended, both experienced a dramatic change in their lives; Icek lost his family in the Holocaust, while Aaron was committed to social justice and empowerment following his experiences of witnessing minorities dehumanized during WWII. Connecting these dots lead Reuben to suspect that they were indeed face-to-face on that fateful day in 1945.
Gail Cohn recalled how her father was devoted to improving the lives of jews who had suffered through the Holocaust. Judge Cohn also spent much of his life working on voter registration for the Civil Rights Movement, having witnessed first hand cruelties of racism. This dedication earned him recognition nation-wide and local memorials such as the Aaron Cohn Middle School and Youth Detention Center in Columbus.
The lecture series featuring Gail Cohn & Dr. Reuben Sloan will take place Thursday, May 4th at The National Infantry Museum (1775 Legacy Way Columbus, Georgia 31903). The event will begin with a reception at 5:30pm, followed by the lecture at 6:15pm.