Abraham E. Holocaust testimony

Identifier
HVT 0579
Language of Description
English
Level of Description
Collection
Source
EHRI Partner

Abstract

Videotape testimony of Abraham E., who was born in Os?wie?cim, Poland in 1925. He describes the German invasion; fleeing eastward to Sokolow; returning to Os?wie?cim; finding their homes destroyed and possessions stolen; forced labor; SS troops photographing atrocities against the Jews; and evacuation of all local Jews as part of construction of the Auschwitz complex. Mr. E. recalls evacuation to Sosnowiec; his inability to find food; smuggling activities; incarceration and being terribly beaten; his disbelief that humans could treat others, especially a youngster, with such brutality; forced labor in Katowice; deportation to Auschwitz of almost all Jews, including his family, except him and his brother; their deportation to Blechhammer, then Dyhrenfurth; his brother's death from a beating; transport to Auschwitz (A block of Birkenau); and camp leaders helping youngsters like himself. He relates evacuation to Kaufering at the end of 1944; extreme hunger, illness and brutal work conditions; a forced march to Allach; liberation by American troops; living in Munich until 1955; and reunion with his sister. He discusses his hope that his children will never experience what he has; his feeling of having been robbed of his youth; and the lack of knowledge of the role of the SS leading to President Reagan's visit to Bitburg.

Extent and Medium

2 videocassettes (3/4" u-matic)

Conditions Governing Access

This testimony is open with permission.

Conditions Governing Reproduction

Copyright has been transferred to the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies. Use of this testimony requires permission of the Fortunoff Video Archive.

Related Units of Description

  • Associated material: Rose K. Holocaust testimony [sister] (HVT-581), Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yale University Library.

Rules and Conventions

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Process Info

  • compiled by Staff of the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies

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Genre

This description is derived directly from structured data provided to EHRI by a partner institution. This collection holding institution considers this description as an accurate reflection of the archival holdings to which it refers at the moment of data transfer.