Robert S. Holocaust testimony
Abstract
Videotape testimony of Robert S., a non-Jew, who was born in Weissenstadt, Germany in 1927. He recalls being impressed by a torchlight parade for a relative who was a leader in the SA; membership in the Hitler Jugend; attending gymnasium in Wunsiedel; relatives in California wanting to adopt him; rumors of Kristallnacht (there were no Jews in his town); a teacher who was a high ranking SA member; propaganda which aroused pro-war, anti-American sentiments; emphasis on Hitler's life and greatness; his American aunt arranging for his emigration; being unable to leave after war broke out; his happiness thinking he would be a war hero; threats of incarceration in Dachau for defeatist or anti-Nazi conversations; being drafted in 1943; serving on the eastern front; observing Germans hanging from trees; the execution of his friend for not obeying an order; his profound dilemma after these events; being wounded; deserting; and returning home. Mr. S. discusses his moral outrage after learning of the Holocaust and observing the lack of remorse all around him; the hypocrisy of denazification; feeling compelled to leave Germany; attending Berkeley; the positive influence of a Jewish professor; his identity as a German; and the importance of questioning authority. He shows his Hitler Youth identification card.
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
- S., Robert, -- 1927-
Corporate Bodies
- Hitler-Jugend.
- Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiter-Partei. -- Sturmabteilung.
Subjects
- Postwar experiences.
- Bystanders.
- Postwar effects.
- Denazification -- Germany.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Participation, German.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Moral and ethical aspects.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Atrocities.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal narratives, German.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Personal narratives.
- Nazi propaganda.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Children.
- Men.
- Video tapes.
Places
- Weissenstadt (Germany)
- Wunsiedel (Germany)
Genre
- Oral histories. -- aat