News & Events

Washington, DC (June 21, 2024) - Irene presents at the German International School.

Chicago (August 13, 2024) - Irene visits friend Ginger Lane and rides on her wheelchair! During WWII, Ginger hid from the Nazis in a laundry shed, came to the US after the war, studied dance at Interlochen, and went on to a wonderful dance career. Even though she’d carved out a life for herself in Chicago, Lane never forgot her family’s roots. Recently, her daughter Beth Lane began work on a documentary film called Unbroken: Would You Hide Me?

Irene Honored with Germany’s Order of Merit

Washington, DC (June 20, 2024) - Irene is honored with the Officer's Cross Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for her work on Holocaust education. The award is the equivalent of the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom.

It was a moving event hosted by the German Ambassador Andreas Michaelis and his wife Heike and attended by family, friends, and the press.

The date of the honor was significant–June 20–as it was that same day in 1943 that Irene and her family were rounded up by the Nazis in Amsterdam and sent to camps where her father would end up dying.

It was also significant because Irene's father, John, was awarded the German Iron Cross for heroism in WWI by the same country that would kill him twenty-five years later. Now, Irene has been awarded Germany's highest civilian honor.

The theme of reconciliation permeated the event. Voices choked up including the ambassador's. May we all learn to reconcile when needed–it is one of humanity's most powerful powers.

The honor received a lot of German media attention:

• Holocaust Survivor Irene Butter Receives Federal Cross of Merit - Tagesshau video (June 20, 2024)

• Holocaust Survivor Irene Butter: Happiness, Miracles, and a Victory - Tagesschau article (June 21, 2024)

• Holocaust Survivor Irene Butter - ARC Audiothek Radio/audio (June 21, 2024)

Irene Donates Personal Items to Holocaust Museum

Washington, DC (June 19, 2024) - Irene donates her childhood blanket and childhood war to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Irene has had her blanket for 90 years. Her letters date back to 1945 when Irene spent time in a displaced person's camp in Algeria for 10 months, separated from her mom and brother who were in a Swiss hospital.

Ann Arbor, MI (April 28, 2024) - Irene presents to a very full audience at the Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor.

Frankfurt, Germany (January 26, 2024) - Irene has an extensive interview (in English and German) in the Frankfurter Rundschau, covering not just her experience, but her thoughts on the rise of antisemitism and the war in Gaza.

Butter sees growing authoritarian tendencies in her own home country, the USA, and is also closely observing the renewed growth of right-wing extremism in Germany.

„It shows that people don’t learn from history, even if we perhaps learn about history.“

So what does she think sharing her experiences can achieve? Butter explains it as an act of self-assertion: „I eventually made the transition of becoming a survivor instead of a victim – which of course I was. I realized if I think of myself as a survivor, then I am more powerful. I wanted it to be an activist and do things that will make a difference “

For Irene Butter, this means doing whatever you can – in your own work, in your personal relations, or in contact with political representatives.

For Butter, this also applies to the war in Gaza. She has family connections to both Israel and Palestine, and more than 20 years ago she founded the Zeitouna group in Ann Arbor, in which Palestinian and Jewish women discuss the conflict in the Middle East, among other things.

„After the Holocaust,“ says Butter, „the slogan ‚Never again‘ was repeated all the time. But that was a false promise. Although so many institutions are dedicated to it, there is now the war between Israel and Gaza, and it is just terrifying for me. I feel shame that so many people are being murdered for no reason. It does not need to happen and it should not happen.

“ The memory of the Shoah, she says, ought to oblige all parties of the conflict to abstain from violence. „I think unless it is resolved, unless both peoples recognize each other as equals with equal rights and equal freedom and equal opportunities, then this will continue and there will be more war and unnecessary killing.“

Read the full article in English.

#1 Podcast in Germany!

Berlin, Germany (July 7, 2023) - Irene’s German podcast, "Irene, How Did You Survive the Holocaust," just won #1 place in the conversation category organized by Deutscher Podcast Preis, the biggest podcast award in Germany! Huge thanks to producer Caroline Schmidt (Norddeutscher Rundfunk), co-hosts high-schoolers Milla Bessling, Mathilda Foitlinski, Lonneke Liebmann, and Ida Seidel. The German team included narrator Julian Greis, writers Moritz Luppold, and Katharina Mahrenholtz, fact checker Yves Müller, editor Alexander Gerhardt, music and sound designer Bente Faust / Honig & Gold, format developer Moritz Luppold, and project management and editing Katharina Mahrenholtz.

The Irene Butter Fund Launch

Ann Arbor, MI (April 15, 2023) - Thanks to all the people who made the launch of the Irene Butter Fund for Holocaust and Human Rights Education such a success. The fund will support projects that embody Irene’s mantras of “Never a bystander,” “Refusing to be enemies,” and “All people are our kin,” and is managed by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Ann Arbor. Thanks to organizers Rita Benn and Simone Yehuda, to supporter Patti Kenner for offering a matching grant, to our amazing keynote speaker Ruth Messinger, and to the hundreds who attended! Thanks also to Andrew Lachman (Ruth's husband), Alan Cotzin and his wife Bette, Hannah Hensel, Kris Holloway, John Bidwell, Sakena Yacoobi, and Holocaust survivor Ginger Lane and her daughter Beth.

Berlin, Germany (December 5, 2022) - The German podcast featuring Irene Butter was honored as Best Podcast by Reporter: Innen Forum. The podcast, entitled Zeitkapsel: “Irene, wie hast du Den Holocaust überlebt?" (“Irene, how did you survive the Holocaust?”), involves Irene being interviewed by four high school students about her Holocaust experience. In response to the award, Irene said, “This is so exciting. Is this a dream?”

Huge thanks to the team for making it possible, especially the engine behind it all: Caroline Schmidt. Also, huge thanks to co-hosts high-schoolers Milla Bessling, Mathilda Foitlinski, Lonneke Liebmann, and Ida Seidel. The German team included narrator Julian Greis, writers Moritz Luppold, and Katharina Mahrenholtz, fact checker Yves Müller, editor Alexander Gerhardt, music and sound designer Bente Faust / Honig & Gold, format developer Moritz Luppold, and project management and editing Katharina Mahrenholtz.

We currently working on an English version for 2023.

See Irene’s interview on the NDR Hamburg Journal.

Read more on our blog.

Irene with her award, with other award recipients, with events hosts, with actor Chris Jackson, another Holocaust survivor, Caroline Edwards, Nina Totenberg, and Wolf Blitzer.

Irene Honored by Anti-Defamation League

Washington, D.C. (November 14, 2022) - Big night for Irene who was honored at the Anti-Defamation League event, ‘In Concert Against Hate.’ The concert, at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, celebrated extraordinary acts of courage and compassion in the face of bigotry and hate. Irene is here with the other award recipients, actor Chris Jackson (of Hamilton fame), CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, NPR’s Nina Totenberg, and US Capital Police officer Caroline Edwards who testified before the U.S. House of Representatives January 6 Committee. Great people who walk the talk, and fight hate every step of the way.

Germany Book Tour

Germany (September 2022) - Irene visits Germany to promote the German edition of her book (Wir hatten Glück, noch am Leben zu sein, Schoeffling + Co.) and to visit places her father lived and worked. It was a remarkable and moving trip. Read more.

Frankfurt, Germany ( August 3, 2022) - The German edition is launched and available through Schöeffling & Co.

German Podcast Stars

Hamburg, Germany ( March, 2022) -NDR, the radio and TV network of northern Germany, has made podcast stars of Irene and her four interviewers: 16-year-old schoolgirls Milla, Ida, Lonneke, and Mathilda. Together, they host the 9 part podcast series “Irene, how did you survive the Holocaust.” The podcast takes a unique approach featuring schoolgirls who are about the same age as Irene when she was in Bergen-Belsen. As Katharina Mahrenholtz said, the girls and Irene formed a quick bond. “It was a total of 22 hours of conversation.” Katharina said, “A real journey with Irene through her life, often it was really hard. There were sessions where the girls and the sound engineer cried. But there were also moments where they giggled with the old lady - when it came to boyfriends, for example…So it's also about how Irene, despite these experiences, built a new life in the USA and therefore triumphed in the end.”

Geneseo, IL and Monmouth, IL (March 23, 2022) - Two students collaborated to create a Book By Me version of Irene’s story. A BOOK by ME is a literacy project for youth, which includes interviewing a subject in order to write and illustrate a 10-page children's book on their life. The project is designed for students 18 and younger and integrates skills such as interviewing, researching, writing, editing, and illustrating. Never Forget Publishing, Inc then publishes the story complete with photographs, a two-page biography, and a matching curriculum. Read more here and buy book here.

The Newest Edition Launches

Dunkirk, NY (September 19, 2021) - The newest American edition of Irene’s book (From Holocaust to Hope: Shores Beyond Shores - A Bergen-Belsen Survivor’s True Story) is launched through Leapfrog Press with a new format (and beautiful cover), allowing for a lower price ($16.00 instead of $20.00) in response to educators asking for a more affordable version.

Help us with discounted books for schools

We are offering significant discounts if you purchase books for middle school classes where Irene has done events or for the school's library or for the school of their choice. Interested? Please contact mbisbee.beek@gmail.com for further information.

SHOUT OUT: Thanks to Pam Jones of Portland, Oregon, who is part of Together, Women Rise, for purchasing multiple copies of Shores Beyond Shores for the library at the Beverly Cleary School Middle Grade Library!

Lakeview, MI - October 2, 2021 - Irene presented at the end of the Tamarack District Library’s hosting of the traveling exhibit “Reading and Writing with Anne Frank.” The Anne Frank USA Center for Mutual Respect loaned the exhibit, which the Friends of Tamarack District Library sponsored.

Irene and Kris Talk the Book & Gender Equality

Online (August 11, 2021) - Close to 300 people turned out to hear Kris interview Irene through Together, Women Rise, a community of women and allies dedicated to achieving global gender equality. Irene was one of their most popular events ever. See it here.

Liberation 75

Toronto, Canada (May 6, 2021) Irene presents on Liberation 75, a global gathering of Holocaust survivors, descendants, educators, and friends, followed by Q&A with book co-author John Bidwell.

Greta’s Connection to Irene

Atlanta, GA (Mar 21, 2021) - Irene’s family was held in Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp for a year before being traded, in January 1945, for Germans being held prisoners by the Allies. Three months later the British army freed the camp. Fifth grader Greta Hawkins (pictured above) wrote to tell Irene that her great grandfather was part of the liberation forces. Greta’s father works at CNN, and shared Irene’s story with his daughter after Irene appeared on CNN as part of the International Holocaust Day in January. Says Greta after reading Shores Beyond Shores, “…it made me feel that I should try to make the world a better place.” Greta, we are sure you will.

Donated Books

Continental, Ohio (Feb 11, 2021) - Thanks to the efforts of high school English teacher Emily Fuller, Irene spoke to Continental students in 2018. Recently, Butter donated 35 copies of her book for use in a classroom/media/library setting, choosing Continental High School as the recipient. “We couldn’t be more honored to accept this heartfelt donation,” the school board said. Read more.

Terrorism at Home

Tupelo, MI (Feb 1, 2021) - WTVA use Irene’s recent words in a piece on the dangers of homegrown terrorism spawned by, in part, many small lies that make lies more believable. That is why Irene’s words are so powerful: “Education is crucial to fight the threat. Everyone has a choice to fill the world with love and hope, not hate and division."

An Active Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Irene’s Call to Protect Democracy

(Jan 27, 2021) - At the annual virtual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust—sponsored by the United Nations and UNESCO and broadcast worldwide—Irene said in a keynote that the events that unfolded with the storming of the U.S. Capitol showed that “democracy is vulnerable, and we cannot take anything for granted.” Read full article

Irene was then interviewed by CNN (see video), and CNN ran an opinion piece by her: “I witnessed Nazism first hand. We must act now to protect American democracy.” Read opinion

Irene’s speech and CNN piece were picked up by various news channels, including People, Jerusalem Post, Bowling Green News.

U of M Alumni Article

Ann Arbor, MI (Dec 2021) - The University of Michigan Alumni Association ran a great article on Irene and the writing of Shores Beyond Shores. The piece also talks about SBS co-author and U of M alum Kris Holloway, who was a former student of Irene’s.

Irene’s 90th Birthday Bash Celebrations

Ann Arbor & the World (December 11, 2020) - Happy Birthday Irene! Hundreds of family and friends Zoomed in over Irene’s birthday weekend to give their good wishes, sing songs, and tell Irene how much they appreciate her. They called in from West Coast to East Coast. From Israel, from Germany, from the Netherlands, England, and Aruba.

The Washtenaw Jewish News ran a full-page birthday ad. The Michigan Theater put Irene’s birthday in lights. And the King’s Singers dedicated a song to her (thanks to Ken Fischer!).

Lastly, the City of Ann Arbor declared December 11, 2020 “Irene Butter Day.” Great fun!

In Memory of Suzanne DeBaun Hopkins

A friend and member of the Shores Beyond Shores team

January 31, 1947 - September 13, 2020

Ann Arbor (September 14, 2020) - Suzanne DeBaun Hopkins, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away on Sunday September 13, 2020. Born January 31, 1947 in Suffern, New York, she was the daughter of the late Reverend Robert S. Hopkins, Jr. and Barbara Welles Hopkins.

She is survived by her two children, Lisa Gould (Douglas) and Steve Jereckos (Jennifer), as well as four grandchildren, Justin and Ryan Gould, and Jackson and Luciana Jereckos.

Suzanne graduated from Alma College, she then continued her studies obtaining a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. She worked as a speech pathologist, and later changed careers to an 8th grade English teacher with Saline Schools.

Suzanne loved to sing with many choirs, read, travel, and enjoy time with her family and friends.

Rose City Reader Interview

Rose City, OR (August 12, 2020) - Irene talked with Rose City Reader about her book and what we learn from Holocaust stories. Read here.

Review: Irene Helps Us Keep Perspective

Eureka, CA (May 19, 2020) - “When my friend, a passionate book lover, suggested I read “Shores Beyond Shores, from Holocaust to Hope, My True Story” by Irene Butter (with John D. Bidwell and Kris Holloway, 2018), I was skeptical. Was this point in history the time to delve into what was surely going to be difficult to process? The fact is, after reading this touching and compelling memoir, I discovered it was the perfect time to read the true story…” - Book review by Tracey Barnes Priestley >> Read More

SBS is Getting Lots of Attention in Germany

Germany (April 18, 2020) - Irene, along with co-authors John Bidwell and Kris Holloway and publicist Mary Bisbee-Beek, was supposed to be in Germany this week to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, but that was cancelled with COVID-19. That doesn’t mean Irene hasn’t been busy or that Shores Beyond Shores (SBS) isn’t getting attention. There has been a lot of coverage in German. So, dust off your German dictionary and read/listen below.

Podcast (in German / auf Deutsch): Actress Gala Winter reads from Shore Beyond Shores, and discuses with Barbara Heine and Agnes Bührig.

Der Spiegel (article in German / Artikel auf Deutsch): A wonderful article by Caroline Schmidt that touches on Irene’s 3 miracles and the vital role that Irene’s father played in the survival of the family. READ TRANSLATION

Die Welt (article in German / Artikel auf Deutsch): An interview with Caroline Schmidt and Constantin Schreiber. Irene emphasizes triumph over personal tragedy.

Deutschlandfunk Kultur (article in German / Artikel auf Deutsch): Having to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen online, due to COVID-19.

Review Praising SBS (London, Feb 28, 2020)

SBS Named 2019 Jewish Book Award Finalist

New York (January 15, 2020) - The Jewish Book Council awarded Shores Beyond Shores a 2019 Finalist in the category of Autobiography and Memoir.

The Nation­al Jew­ish Book Awards were estab­lished by the Jew­ish Book Coun­cil in 1950 in order to rec­og­nize out­stand­ing works of Jew­ish lit­er­a­ture. It is the longest-run­ning awards pro­gram of its kind.

Shores Beyond Shores Launches in England

London (November 7, 2019) - Thanks to TSB Books (a division of Can of Worms) and publisher Tobais Steed for the UK book launch. As a result, Shores Beyond Shores just became exponentially larger and more available with the UK marketplace!

Irene presents to Zeeland High School (Nov. 5, 2019)

Irene’s Sturgis, MI event makes news on both sides of the ocean

Sturgis, MI (October 19, 2019) - Six hundred plus turned out to hear Irene in Sturgis, MI at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. The original article by the Sturgis Journal was picked up by the Jerusalem Post.

Publisher’s Weekly Takes Note of SBS

September 18, 2019 - Publisher’s Weekly, a preeminent authority in the world of publishing, talks about the unique path of Irene’s book, Shores Beyond Shores, including the recent support of new publisher Tobias Steed. Read more.

Perfect NYC Evening Book Relaunch with Andrew Solomon

New York, NY (September 15, 2019) - A large audience turned out to see Irene interviewed by Andrew Solomon at The Museum of Jewish Heritage. Andrew focused on Irene’s resilience, drawing on his expertise in mental health and families. How did she maintain a positive attitude, both in and after the camps? Over time, how did the trauma impact Irene’s mother, her brother, and even her children? Irene and Andrew signed books for an hour. The event—part of the book relaunch with Civic Books—was covered by C-SPAN Book Notes, which will be posted when it goes live. Watch video.

Irene Talks Trauma with Psychology Today

New York, NY (September 11, 2019) - Irene starts a series of columns with Dr. Monica Starkman of Psychology Today on triumphing over trauma. The first article was downloaded over 600 times in the first day.

Conversation with Andrew Solomon: Sept 15

New York, NY (August 3, 2019) - Irene will be in conversation with Dr. Andrew Solomon, author of Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity, and The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression (winner of the 2001 National Book Award for Nonfiction). They will discuss “Childhood and Selfhood.” Admission is free; advance registration recommended.

Jewish Women’s Archive Podcast

Brookline, MA (June 6, 2019) - Irene speaks about keeping silent about the Holocaust helps others to forget. Listen here.

Shores Beyond Shores Goes to New Publisher

London, England (June 6, 2019) - Publisher Tobias Steed acquired world English language rights to Shores Beyond Shores, which will publish in the UK on 8th November, to coincide with commemorations of Kristallnacht, and in the US on 15th September with a launch at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. Read more.

Speaking Up for Those Who Were Killed

Kalamazoo, MI (May 17, 2019) - Echoing Ellie Wiesel, Irene says it is her duty to share her story on behalf of the six million Jews killed in WWII. “For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory. To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.” ― Elie Wiesel

Read more.

Irene Receives 2019 Robert S. Northrup Humanitarian Award

Ann Arbor, MI (Apr 24, 2019) - Irene Butter is recognized with the 2019 Robert S. Northrup Humanitarian Award. Established in 2018, the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor Robert S. Northrup Humanitarian Award honors Rotarian Robert S. Northrup in recognition of his life and distinguished career in medicine, public health and philanthropy. Learn more.

Irene Butter warns of the danger of hateful rhetoric, being a bystander

Lakeview, MI (Apr 26, 2019) - Irene warned students of the dangers of being "silent or passive in the face of evil, injustice, discrimination, persecution, inhumanity to other people." Read more.

Irene speaks on genocide on West Coast

Seattle, WA (Apr 16, 2019) - Irene co-presents on genocide at Garfield High School, and talks at a Seattle Town Hall. Listen to Irene and see Irene at that Town Hall here.

Irene shares story with Perrysburg, MI students

Perrysburg, OH (Mar 13, 2019) - Irene Butter told 400 students to never be a bystander. “That means that we can't turn our backs when things happen that are unjust, mean, evil,” she said. “All human beings are cut from the same cloth and it doesn't matter what color, ethnicity, religion, or gender [we are]. If we open ourselves to meet the other, we'll find out that the differences between us are far smaller than what we have in common.” Read more in the Toledo Blade.

Irene is a person of d-day

Toledo, OH (March 6, 2019) - With the 75th anniversary of D-Day in June, Irene has been identified as a person of D-Day, representing those who suffered in the concentration camps. Her story is being promoted in education programs Read more here.

Survivor with Ties to Anne Frank to Speak at S.F. Synagogue

San Francisco (February 7, 2019) - “Irene Butter endured her share of trauma as a Jewish girl growing up in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s — including a few years in the same Amsterdam neighborhood as Anne Frank and a stint in Bergen-Belsen, the concentration camp where Anne died.”

Promoting Peace and the power of one person at Suffield Academy

Suffield, CT (December 3, 2018) - Irene spent the day at Suffield Academy talking with classes and giving a keynote address (video). She focused on the power of one person’s actions.

Irene said, “I didn't ask to go through the Holocaust, but I was saved through the miracles of luck and the love and determination of my Pappi (father). I owe it to him and everybody who suffered to talk about what I learned because suffering never ends, so our work must continue.”Asked what she would say to her younger self if she had the chance, Irene paused, and said “I would tell myself to try and save my Pappi,” who died on their train to liberation.

Washington, DC welcomes Irene

Washington, DC (November 13-14, 2018) - Irene presented at Washington Hebrew Congregation, and at the Library of Congress with co-authors Kris and John as part of a an annual event cosponsored with George Washington University in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass). See video of presentation.

Preserving stories of holocaust survivors

Washington, DC (November 8, 2018) - National Public Radio’s Joshua Johnson/1A interviews Irene as part of the segment commemorating the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht and the importance of never forgetting.

“Shores beyond shores” named 2018 great group read

New York, NY (October 4, 2018) - The National Reading Group Month Great Group Reads Committee has selected 20 books for their 2018 Great Group Reads, including Irene’s “Shores Beyond Shores.”

The titles were selected on the basis of their appeal to reading groups, which seek books that open up lively conversations about a myriad of timely and provocative and diverse topics, from the intimate dynamics of family and personal relationships to major cultural and world issues.

Photos from Irene’s presentation at Emerson School

Ann Arbor, MI (October 1, 2018) - Irene was just delightful, as I expected, and the students and faculty were equally enthralled.  I was SO impressed with how quiet the students were - and during the Q&A you could have heard a pin drop as they asked question after question. Irene received a standing ovation. The best part was the rush of kids who came forward afterwards to talk to Irene, to thank her, to ask her to sign something of theirs if they didn’t have a book already, and even to take a selfie with her!  It brought tears to my eyes! And, of utmost importance, my dad was thrilled to have inspired this event. He claims it was the best birthday present he could ever have received.  I don’t know how I’ll top it for his 90th!  ;-) — Abbie Lawrence-Jacobson

“Never again doesn’t happen unless we fight for it,” says Michigan Holocaust survivor 

Ann Arbor, MI (September 19, 2018) - Michigan Radio interviews Irene (link/listen here).

story circle book reviews praises Shores Beyond Shores 

(August 29, 2018) - "This book was definitely not light escapist reading, but necessary. This should be required reading in high school history classes." Read more!

Irene speaks against Trump's separation of immigrant families

Ann Arbor, MI (June 30, 2018) - Irene speaks against Trump's immigrant family policy at a large Families Belong Together rally, saying that the fact that "hundreds of vulnerable children are subjected to this extreme trauma is totally devastating and heartbreaking for me. We are here today because we all have a social conscience and recognize that all of us are responsible for each other. We cannot be bystanders."

Northampton Book launch

Northampton, MA (June 20, 2018) - Irene spoke about the dangers of history repeating itself on the Bill Newman Show on WHMP. A crowd of well over 300 listened to Irene's presentation at Hampshire Regional High School, braving a storm and power outage! Thanks to Chris Butler and Anne Howland for organizing.

Western MA Kick-off

Westhampton, MA (June 18, 2018) - A crowd of well over 300 listened to Irene's presentation at Hampshire Regional High School, braving a storm and power outage! Thanks to Chris Butler and Anne Howland for organizing.

Boston welcomes Irene

Boston and Newton, MA (June 11, 2018) - Irene spoke at Boston Latin High School, and Irene and Kris presented at the Newton Free Library to a large crowd. See the video here. 

author Q & A

Washington, DC (May 28, 2018) - Deborah Kalb interviews Irene about why she wrote her book and her experiences. 

Ann Arbor Book Launch

Ann Arbor, MI (May 8, 2018) - A full house of 371 attendees greeted Irene at the Ann Arbor City Library for the launch of her book (video). Read more in The Michigan Daily.

Arts Around Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI (May 3, 2018) - Patti Smith interviews Irene and her book.

Michigan Radio book interview

Ann Arbor, MI (April 30, 2018) - Irene talks about the importance of her book to keep the world from forgetting. Listen.

The diary of anne frank

Fountain, MI (March 18, 2018) - Irene speaks after the performance of "The Diary of Anne Frank." Read more here. 

presidential Letter of thanks

Little Rock (Feb 13, 2018) - President Bill Clinton sends note to Irene thanking her for presentations.

Never again

Little Rock (Feb 10, 2018) - Irene shares her story, implores Americans to be vigilant against signs of authoritarianism (Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette).

Irene speaks to sold out crowds at clinton presidential center

Little Rock (Feb 1, 2018) - Irene was the keynote speaker to over 1,000 attendees at the Clinton Presidential Center on January 31-February 1, making it one of the Center’s most successful and popular events, according to Center staff. See THV 11 interview with Irene.

 ________________

UPCOMING

Past Events

June 21, 2024 | German International School | Washington DC

April 28, 2024 | Presbyterian Church | Ann Arbor, MI

April 16, 2024 | Perrysburg Junior High School Auditorium

March 19, 2024 | East Bay K-8 | Florida

June 30, 2023 | Next Avenue interview by Donna Apidone

May 26, 2023 | Tappan Middle School | Ann Arbor, MI | News story

November 11, 2021 | Penn State Hazleton, PA | Webinar

MLK day, January 17, 2022 | Adrian, MI | Resilience Presentation to all staff with Lenawee ISD Professional Learning Center

Oct. 2, 2021 | Tamarack Library | Lakeview, MI

August 11, 2021 | Together Women Rise (online event with co-author Kris Holloway)

July 2022 | International Association of School Librarians Conference | Part of Remembrance in Action: Educating and Responding to the Holocaust in today’s world | University of North Texas

October 17, 2019 | Irene in Conversation with John Sherwood | Host: Sturgis Public Library | Venue: Sturgis-Young Auditorium | Sturgis, MI

October 10, 2019 | Baker Street Podcast interview with Thom Pollard

October 10, 2019 | Interview on WBET FM Sturgis, MI

September 26th, 2019 | Irene Butter in Conversation with John Sherwood | Host: The Mitten Word Bookstore | Venue: Great Escape Stage Co. | Marshall, Michigan

September 15, 2019 | Book relaunch with new publisher Civic Books and Conversation with Andrew Solomon | Museum of Jewish Heritage | NYC

May 13, 2019 | Kalamazoo College

May 9, 2019 | Fowlerville, MI Library

May 5, 2019 | Temple Emanuel, Grand Rapids, MI

May 1, 2019 | Ann Arbor, MI | Temple Beth Emeth

April 28, 2019 | Dallas, TX | Gateway Nondenominational Church

April 26, 2019 | Battle Creek, MI | Lakeview High School | Read more via
Knowledge Quest and
Battle Creek Shopper News

April 24, 2019 | Ann Arbor Rotary Club

April 23, 2019 | Ann Arbor, MI | Google

April 17, 2019 | Ann Arbor, MI | Garfield High School

April 16, 2019  |  Seattle Town Hall | Jane Adams Middle School | Lakeside High School

April 9-10, 2019 | University of Michigan

April 3-5, 2019 | Washington, DC | Holocaust Museum | Sidwell Friends Middle School

March 27, 2019 | Washtenaw Community College

March 15, 2019 | Milan, MI | Milan Middle School

March 13, 2019 | Perrysburg Junior High School  | Perrysberg, OH

March 11, 2019 | University of Michigan

March 15, 2019 | Milan Middle School | Milan, MI

March 6, 2019 | Girls Scouts | Toledo, OH

February 27, 2019 | Ypsilanti District Library | Ypsilanti, MI

February 21, 2019 | Southfield, MI | Laurus Academy

February 18,2019 | Ann Arbor | Girls Scouts

February 10, 2019 | Or Shalom Jewish Community | San Francisco, CA | Irene with Bay Area author and film-maker, Elizabeth Rynecki

February 6, 2019 | Washtenaw Community College Global Discussion Series

January 23, 2019 | University of Michigan | Jewish Communal Leadership Program

January 3, 2019 | Podcast Interview with Thad Cummings

December 5, 2018 |  Amherst Books | Amherst, MA  |  Co-authors John & Kris only

December 3, 2018 | Suffield Academy keynote | Suffield, CT

November 29, 2018 | Glendale Ridge Vineyard | Southampton, MA | Co-authors John & Kris only

November 14, 2018 (Wed) | Library of Congress | Washington, DC

November 13, 2018 (Tue) | Washington Hebrew Congregation | Washington, DC

November 4, 2018 | Jewish Book & Arts Festival | Ann Arbor, MI

October 29, 2018 | Homestead High School | Milwaukee, WI

October 28, 2018 |  Congregation Sinai  |  Milwaukee, WI 

October 22-23, 2018 (Mon-Tue) | Keynote | University of Michigan Rackham Graduate Building

October 18, 2018 |  National Reading Group Month Authors Panel  |  Greater Lansing, MI

Oct 1, 2018  |  Emerson School |  Ann Arbor, MI 

June 20, 2018  |  Book Launch: Reading  |  Northampton, MA  |  Broadside Books 

June 18, 2018  |  Hampshire Regional High School

June 15, 2018  |  Springfield Town Hall, Springfield, NH  |  Sponsored by Libbie Cass Library

June 11, 2018  |  Newton Free Library 

June 3, 2018  |  Farmington, MI  |  Southeast Michigan Holocaust Center  

May 8, 2018  |  Ann Arbor District Library, Ann Arbor, MI

April 21, 2018  |  With NYT-Bestselling author Jan Jarboe Russell  |  Temple Beth Emeth  |  Ann Arbor, MI

April 3, 2018  |  Northampton, MA  | Writer's Night Out (co-authors John D. Bidwell & Kris Holloway only)

March 28, 2018 |  Bowling Green Ballroom  |  Bowling Green, OH  |  Bowling Green University

March 15-17, 2018  |  The Diary of Anne Frank Play | Post-play presentation | Fountain, MI

March 4, 2018  |  Conference on the Holocaust  |  Richardson, TX  |   The University of Texas at Dallas