Michael V. Holocaust testimony

Identifier
HVT 2725
Language of Description
English
Level of Description
Collection
Source
EHRI Partner

Abstract

Videotape testimony of Michael V., who was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1936. He relates his family's long history in Hungary; his father's successful career as a textile businessman; the impact of anti-Jewish laws; his father's compulsory service in a Hungarian labor battalion and subsequent disappearance (he never saw his father again); German occupation in 1944; moving into a building designated for Jews; good relations with non-Jews; learning of deportations; obtaining false papers of protection from the Swiss consulate; living in a Vatican protected house; escaping a round-up of residents of the house; and moving into the ghetto. Mr. V. recalls liberation by Soviet troops; relocating with his mother to his uncle's in the country to avoid starvation; returning to Budapest; leaving for Vienna after the Hungarian revolution; and emigration to the United States. Mr. V. discusses his identity as a Hungarian and as a Jew and his disagreement with the "show business" view that one could survive by virtue of one's own resources and that people were generally willing to assist Jews.

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

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Subjects

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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.