David A. Holocaust testimony
Abstract
A follow-up, directed videotape testimony of David A., whose first testimony was recorded in 1982. Mr. A. discusses his reluctance to talk about the Holocaust, even with his children, prior to recording his testimony; attributing his survival to luck and kindness from others; the speculative nature of survival theories; inappropriate myths of heroism and faith; a kapo and others in his barracks hiding a sick friend, risking their own lives; and having to view the bodies of kapos who were shot attempting to escape. He recalls living with a friend in Berlin after liberation; returning to Poland to be with his father; hostility in Krosno, his hometown; his father's focus on obtaining an education for him; still not understanding how his father and others could let their wives and children be taken away and maintain their sanity; traveling to Poland with his wife and children to show them that the Holocaust occurred in a place with high culture and education; visiting the people who hid his wife; strong emotions at P?aszo?w; wanting to return to visit Rzeszo?w, the last place he saw his family; viewing footage on television of Ludwigslust, from which he was liberated; and continuing difficulty believing what he lived through.
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
- A., David, -- 1928-
Corporate Bodies
- Ludwigslust (Concentration camp)
- Płaszów (Concentration camp)
Subjects
- Postwar experiences.
- Men.
- Video tapes.
- Holocaust survivors.
- Child survivors.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Children.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal narratives, Jewish.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Personal narratives.
Places
- Rzeszów (Poland)
- Berlin (Germany)
- Krosno (Krosno, Poland)
Genre
- Oral histories. -- aat