Leon M. Holocaust testimony

Videotape testimony of Leon M., who was born in Zaleschiki, Poland (presently Ukraine) in approximately 1933. He recalls cordial relations with non-Jews, despite some "name-calling"; Soviet occupation in 1939; his father's draft into the Soviet military (they never saw him again); German invasion; hiding with his younger brother whenever German or Ukrainian police appeared; hiding during a mass killing which included his grandmother; moving to his other grandmother's in Tolstoye (Tovste); obtaining food from farmers in Lezhanovka, his mother's birthplace; his mother bribing someone to replace her brother in a work camp; the replacement escaping; leaving for Buchach because officials were looking for her; hiding in a cellar during a round-up; discovery; escaping with his mother and brother from the train (he was shot and paralyzed for a year); living with his grandmother in Tolstoye; hiding in a bunker during round-ups; a mass killing in 1943 which included his grandmother; entering a labor camp; hiding his brother all the time; their escape in early 1944; retreating Germans protecting them; and liberation by Soviet troops. Mr. M. discusses the loss of almost all his extended family; not understanding why more Jews did not attempt escapes; sharing his experiences with his children; and his lost childhood.

1 videocassette