Edith P. Holocaust testimony
Abstract
A follow-up, directed videotape testimony of Edith P., whose first testimony was recorded in 1980. She recalls being depressed and feeling sorry for herself for the first time in her life shortly after the first testimony was recorded, and returning to "normal" three days later. Mrs. P. notes her family is the core of her life; not wanting her children to experience the hunger and humiliation she did; her father's role in the Judenrat during Hungarian occupation; receiving help from the Greek Orthodox bishop; vivid recollections of hunger and humiliation, including the first time she was whipped; believing she was in another world in Auschwitz; complete defenselessness; present day regret that she insulted a woman in Auschwitz; her sister-in-law's crucial role in saving her life in Auschwitz; feeling freer in Salzwedel; receiving extra food from an SS; and discussing books with other prisoners. She discusses the contradictions she feels; her belief that simply staying alive in Auschwitz required tremendous courage; the nobility of the souls of those prisoners who did not kill each other for food; and praying to her father who represents nobility of the soul and honor to her.
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.
Rules and Conventions
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Process Info
compiled by Staff of the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies
People
- P., Edith, -- 1920-2010.
Corporate Bodies
- Salzwedel (Concentration camp)
- Auschwitz (Concentration camp)
Subjects
- Mutual aid.
- Aid by non-Jews.
- Postwar experiences.
- Family.
- Jewish councils.
- Survivor-child relations.
- Hungarian occupation.
- Women.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Personal narratives.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal narratives, Jewish.
- Concentration camps -- Psychological aspects.
- Holocaust survivors.
- Video tapes.
Genre
- Oral histories. -- aat