Sports Exec. and Son of a Survivor, Lawrence Burian (Yom HaShoah Special Episode)

With Yom HaShoah coming up this week, I sat down with Lawrence Burian, the COO of LIV Golf and the son of a Holocaust survivor. Before joining LIV Golf, Lawrence held a number of senior positions at the Madison Square Garden Company, the group behind the MSG Arena, the Knicks, the Rangers, MSG Network, and more. We spoke about his career, his father’s story, and how the two deeply interact. We also discussed Lawrence’s family’s involvement in Holocaust remembrance efforts, what Holocaust education should look like in 2025, and what it means to carry legacy into boardrooms, classrooms, and Jewish homes.

This is a conversation about memory—but also mission.
About trauma—but also strength.
About Jewish identity that doesn't just survive—but builds.

Topics we explore:

• Growing up as the son of a survivor—and what that taught Lawrence about purpose and pressure

• The power of showing up proudly Jewish in high-stakes rooms

• Lessons from a 13-year-old in Auschwitz that still echo in today’s leadership decisions

• Why Holocaust education needs to shift from trauma to relevance

• October 7th, antisemitism, and why “never again” has to mean action—not slogans

Mentioned in this episode:

• Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl

• The Choice – Edith Eger

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:51 Lawrence's Journey in the Sports Industry

06:53 Andrew Burian z"l, Lawrence's father

16:00 Navigating Identity and Responsibility

21:54 Contrasting Generations: From Trauma to Success

25:00 Engaging the Next Generation in Holocaust Education

33:47 Reflections Post October 7th

39:45 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections