Josef W. Holocaust testimony

Identifier
HVT 1411
Language of Description
English
Level of Description
Collection
Source
EHRI Partner

Abstract

Videotape testimony of Josef W., who was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1922. He describes his prewar life; German occupation of Prague; anti-Jewish restrictions; deportation to Terezi?n in November 1941, followed by his parents; forced labor; daily life and organization of the camp; meeting his future wife; transport with his family to Auschwitz; transfer after three months from the family camp to Schwarzheide in 1944; arduous conditions; starvation; and forced labor in a gas factory. Mr. W. tells of extreme hunger during the death march to Varnsdorf in 1945; evacuation, as Soviet troops advanced, in cattle cars to Litome?ri?ce; the disappearance of SS guards; walking to Terezi?n; receiving Red Cross medical assistance; returning to Prague; resuming his work as a mechanic; learning his future wife was in Prague; reunion with his mother and sister; marriage in 1947; fleeing to Vienna after Soviet intervention in 1968; and emigration to the United States. Mr. W. speaks of his life in the United States; people's responses to him as a Holocaust survivor; and discussing his experiences with his children.

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: Doris W. Holocaust testimony [wife] (HVT-1410), 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

People

Corporate Bodies

Subjects

Places

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.