Estelle A. and Regina G. Holocaust testimony
Abstract
Videotape testimony of Estelle A., who was born in Berchem, Belgium in 1936. She recalls celebrating Jewish holidays with her uncle's family; her father's conscription for forced labor (she never saw him again); seeking places to sleep with her mother and sister, fearing arrest; her mother placing them in a convent; the kindness of many nuns; her mother's visits; transfers to several foster homes and orphanages; receiving false names and instructions to pose as Catholics; placement in a Jewish children's home in Wezembeek; attending school; placement in another orphanage; its occupation by German troops; liberation; reunion with her uncle (her mother did not survive); living in Antwerp; emigrating with her sister to the United States to join relatives; living with an uncle in New York, then with another uncle in Pennsylvania; moving to New York after high school; and marriage at nineteen. Mrs. A. notes the importance to her survival of being with her sister and that many of her memories are from photographs. She shows photographs, letters, and memorabilia. Her sister, Regina G. joins her and discusses their close relationship and that of their families.
Extent and Medium
2 videocassettes
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
- G., Regina, -- 1935-
- A., Estelle, -- 1936-
Subjects
- Women.
- Video tapes.
- Holocaust survivors.
- Aid by non-Jews.
- Postwar experiences.
- Child survivors.
- Hiding.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Children.
- Convents.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Personal narratives.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal narratives, Jewish.
- Orphanages -- Belgium.
- Identification (Religion)
- Sisters.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Jews -- Rescue.
Places
- Berchem (Belgium)
- Belgium.
- Wezembeek-Oppem (Belgium)
- Antwerp (Belgium)
Genre
- Oral histories. -- aat