Michael Skakun

Michael Skakun

Keynote Speaker: Writer & Journalist Focused on History & Moral Inquiry; Author of "On Burning Ground"; Holocaust Education Advocate

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Michael Skakun Biography

Michael Skakun is a writer, journalist, translator, memoirist, and public affairs specialist whose work focuses on history, memory, and moral inquiry. Skakun studied with Alfred Kazin, the literary critic and author of "A Walker in the City," and served as editor and columnist for various metropolitan weeklies. As a public affairs specialist, he has worked for National UJA, Israel Bonds, the Congress for Jewish Culture, and several nonprofit organizations and Jewish institutions. As a special consultant to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, Skakun prepared literary and educational materials for National Remembrance Week, observed in all 50 states.

Skakun is known as the author of "On Burning Ground: A Son's Memoir" (St. Martin's Press), which chronicles the wartime survival of his father, Joseph Skakun. Fleeing violence in his Polish hometown of Novogrudek, Joseph Skakun assumed a series of false identities—as a Christian, then as a Muslim, and finally as a recruit of the Nazi SS—to survive under extreme circumstances. After the war, Joseph shared his experiences with his son, who wrote a narrative that explores the horror of his father's ordeal and the resourcefulness that enabled him to endure. The memoir weaves philosophical reflections into the account of war and bloodshed, examining fear, identity, and the relationship between oppressor and victim.

"On Burning Ground" received critical attention, including a starred and lead review in Publishers Weekly, which noted its writing and moral complexity. The Washington Post described the story as "The Story of a Holocaust Houdini." In the "Oprah" reissue of "Night," Elie Wiesel selected "On Burning Ground" as one of five recommended books for advanced reading about the Holocaust, alongside "The Pianist" and "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich." The book has been endorsed by figures such as former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, playwright Arthur Miller, and British philanthropist Lord Jacob Rothschild. A French edition, "Vivre et C'est Tout" (Edition Laffont, Paris), was introduced by novelist and activist Marek Halter and received positive reviews in Le Figaro and other Parisian publications.

Skakun has lectured on the Holocaust, Jewish heritage, and human resilience at institutions including Harvard University, Cornell University, Princeton Club, Columbia Club, Stern College, the National Arts Club in New York, the Museum of Jewish Heritage at Battery Park, the Anti-Defamation League, and numerous Holocaust centers and synagogues. He founded The Joseph Skakun Project, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to Holocaust education and promoting human solidarity and tolerance through programs in education, the performing arts, and interfaith dialogue. A feature film based on the story of "On Burning Ground" has also been developed.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Michael Skakun and other top speakers and celebrities.

Michael Skakun Speaking Topics

List of Speech Topics

  • The Strategies of Survival
  • Decision Making Strategy in an Uncertain World
  • The Politics of International Rescue
  • Genocide & The Holocaust
  • Jewish Eastern European History
  • The Founding of the State of Israel

Michael Skakun Videos

What Does Peace Mean to Michael Skakun? - YouTube

How do I book Michael Skakun to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Michael Skakun for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Michael Skakun, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Michael Skakun or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Michael Skakun for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Michael Skakun, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Michael Skakun are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Michael Skakun, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Michael Skakun speak about?

Michael Skakun is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Jewish Heritage, Author, Non-Fiction Authors, History, Overcoming Adversity and Storytelling.

Where does Michael Skakun travel from?

Michael Skakun generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Michael Skakun?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Michael Skakun for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Michael Skakun for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Michael Skakun or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Michael Skakun is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Jewish Heritage, Author and Non-Fiction Authors. The estimated speaking fee range to book Michael Skakun for live events is Below $10,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Michael Skakun generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Brad Pomerance, Dan Grunfeld and Tova Friedman. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Michael Skakun for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/05/2026.

Michael Skakun Speaking Topics

  • List of Speech Topics

    • The Strategies of Survival
    • Decision Making Strategy in an Uncertain World
    • The Politics of International Rescue
    • Genocide & The Holocaust
    • Jewish Eastern European History
    • The Founding of the State of Israel

Michael Skakun Videos

What Does Peace Mean to Michael Skakun? - YouTube
  • How do I book Michael Skakun to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Michael Skakun for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Michael Skakun, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Michael Skakun or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Michael Skakun for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Michael Skakun, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Michael Skakun are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Michael Skakun, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Michael Skakun speak about?

    Michael Skakun is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Jewish Heritage, Author, Non-Fiction Authors, History, Overcoming Adversity and Storytelling.
  • Where does Michael Skakun travel from?

    Michael Skakun generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Michael Skakun?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Michael Skakun for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Michael Skakun for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Michael Skakun or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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