Eisig Ornstein collection
Extent and Medium
folder
1
Archival History
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of David Feierman
Original text written by Eisig Ornstein in Poland and Hungary during the Holocaust. The English transation was completed and compiled by his son, Morris Ornstein. Sanford Ornstein (Morris Ornstein's relative) edited the translation and created 15 copies for family members, including his cousin Jessica Merkrebs. Donor David Feierman obtained this copy from his childhood friend Isaac Merkrebs, who was Jessica's father. Donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2015 by David Feierman.
Scope and Content
Contains an English translation of a memoir originally written by Eisig Ornstein from Skole, Poland, in Yiddish during the Holocaust while he was in hiding in Ricske, Hungary and later in Budapest; translated into English with preface, images, and maps by his son Morris Ornstein. In his writings, Eisig describes life, hunger and death in Skole and the Stryj ghetto in Poland and surrounding areas; the fate of his family and friends; creating a bunker and going into hiding; being discovered and the journey with his daughter Hudi (Helen) to Hungary where they acquired official Polish papers identifying them as gentiles, using these he was able to help other Jews in hiding; and their liberation by the Russians in January 1945. Also includes copy of cover letter written by Morris Ornstein to his granddaughter Jessica.
Subjects
- Hungary.
Genre
- Personal narratives.
- Document