ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Avraham Perlmutter, Ph.D. was an award-winning scientist, businessman, author and public speaker. A Holocaust survivor, he emerged with a positive perspective on life—choosing to focus on the people who helped him rather than those set on defeating him. His best-selling autobiography, “Determined: The Story of Holocaust Survivor Avraham Perlmutter” was published in English and in Dutch. For many years, he shared his life story by speaking at local museums, schools, and other venues. His story continues to inspire audiences with its universal lessons on the importance of possessing determination and resilience, helping others, having tolerance, compassion, and empathy for people of all faiths and backgrounds, and obtaining a good education.
Keren Perlmutter, Ph.D. is Avraham's daughter and is an award-winning scientist, publisher, filmmaker, and public speaker. She obtained her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UCLA and her M.S. in Electrical Engineering, M.S. in Statistics, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, all from Stanford University. She was chief scientist and head of an international research and development division at AOL. She also developed technology for Warner Bros. Studios, including the revolutionary “Ultra- Resolution” film restoration process. Keren is a published author of a number of technical papers and has won numerous academic awards. She has also been granted 39 patents for her inventions. More recently, she published her father’s bestselling autobiography in English, Dutch, and German and created an award-winning documentary on his life story. She continues to share her father’s life story by speaking at museums, schools, and other venues.
OUR IMPACT
THE STORY
Avraham Perlmutter is just ten years old when his life changes forever.
In 1938, the Nazis arrive in Avraham’s hometown of Vienna, Austria. Desperate to help their son survive, his parents send him to the Netherlands. But the invading German army soon follows. During the ensuing war-torn years, young Avraham braves harrowing captures, daring escapes, torturous hiding, and heartbreaking losses. Yet he also experiences the goodness of humanity through the strangers who help him.
Surviving the Holocaust takes ingenuity, guts, and sheer determination—all of which he calls on again, when he fights to establish the State of Israel during its War of Independence.
And when mere existence isn’t enough, Avraham moves to the United States to continue his education and pursue his dreams.
Determined takes the audience on an unforgettable journey filled with suspense and danger. But more than just a remarkable story of survival, it's a testament to human kindness, even in the darkest of hours, and to the achievements made possible through relentless perseverance.
WHY WE SHARE THIS STORY
In addition to educating about the Holocaust, Avraham’s inspirational life story provides universal lessons about the importance of:
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possessing resilience and determination
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helping others
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having tolerance, compassion, and empathy towards people of all faiths and backgrounds
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obtaining a good education
His story has a positive call to action that inspires people to be upstanders rather than bystanders when they see injustices.
As such, Avraham’s story not only educates about the Holocaust and the past, but also contains many important lessons that can guide people to do the right thing in the present and in the future.
HOW WE SHARE THIS STORY
Avraham’s story is currently shared in multiple ways:
Documentary: This award-winning 87-minute film is currently available to schools and other organizations. A Q&A with the filmmaker and Avraham's daughter, Dr. Keren Perlmutter, is also available upon request.
Autobiography: This #1 best-selling book has been published in English, Dutch, and German. It has been incorporated into the class curricula at several schools, ranging from elementary to university, and has been selected by book clubs world-wide. It is currently available on amazon.
Multimedia Presentations: Avraham’s life story has been shared to thousands of students at schools ranging from elementary through law school. Today, his daughter Keren Perlmutter, Ph.D. continues to share his remarkable life story through a compelling multimedia presentation that includes video clips of her father's powerful testimony.
Study guide: Designed to accompany the film or book, the study guide incorporates Avraham’s story within the larger historical context and provides opportunities for students to reflect and relate the story to their personal experiences and to the contemporary world.
HOW WE CAN BRING THIS STORY TO YOU
We can bring Avraham's inspirational life story to your school, museum, or organization with a multimedia presentation, film screening, and more. Contact us at determinedstory@gmail.com to schedule an event.