Boca Raton Library to Host Holocaust Violin Story in Speaker Series

Author David Groen will share the journey of his uncle's violin from Auschwitz to restoration.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:03am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting an old, weathered violin case resting on a wooden surface, with a faint, glowing light emanating from behind.A vintage violin case, its history obscured by time, holds the untold story of a family's resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.Boca Raton Today

The Boca Raton Public Library will host a speaker series featuring author David Groen, who will present the story of his uncle Bram Rodrigues' violin that was lost during the Holocaust and returned to the family nearly eight decades later. Through a PowerPoint presentation and possible musical interludes, Groen will trace the instrument's path from wartime loss to its eventual return, a journey sparked by a childhood friendship and a chance message on Facebook.

Why it matters

The story of Bram's violin highlights the lasting impact of the Holocaust and the power of perseverance in recovering lost family heirlooms. The speaker series provides an opportunity for the community to learn about this important piece of history and the resilience of the human spirit.

The details

Groen's presentation, titled 'Bram's Violin: A Seventy-Six Year Journey from Auschwitz to Restoration,' will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, and Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the downtown branch of the Boca Raton Public Library. The event will be held in the community room and is sponsored by the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library.

  • The speaker series is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, and Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Bram Rodrigues perished in Auschwitz in 1943.

The players

David Groen

The author who will present the story of his uncle Bram Rodrigues' violin that was lost during the Holocaust and returned to the family nearly eight decades later.

Bram Rodrigues

Groen's uncle who perished in Auschwitz in 1943 and owned the violin that is the focus of the speaker series.

Boca Raton Public Library

The library hosting the speaker series on the Holocaust-era violin's journey.

Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library

The organization sponsoring the speaker series.

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What they’re saying

“Through a PowerPoint presentation and possible musical interludes, Groen will trace the instrument's path from wartime loss to its eventual return, a journey sparked by a childhood friendship and a chance message on Facebook.”

— David Groen, Author

What’s next

Attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat in advance to receive an email reminder, though walk-ins will also be accepted. Registration is required, and there are 35 seats available.

The takeaway

The story of Bram's violin serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of the Holocaust and the power of perseverance in recovering lost family heirlooms. The speaker series provides an opportunity for the Boca Raton community to learn about this important piece of history and the resilience of the human spirit.