Joseph P. Holocaust testimony

Videotape testimony of Joseph P., a Catholic, who was born in Bonheiden, Belgium in 1924. He recalls his father's death in 1935 from World War I injuries; German invasion in May 1940; fleeing to France; returning to Belgium via Poperinge; seeing Hitler and other high German officers there; visiting his grandmother in Arlon to obtain food; hiding a Jewish family in 1942; having them leave when exposure was imminent; joining the Resistance; broadcasting to the British from a clandestine radio in their home; arrest on January 3, 1944 with his brother, sister, and mother; separation from his brother after seeing him in terrible condition from being tortured; imprisonment in St. Gilles prison (his mother and sister were released soon); two months solitary confinement; transfer to Bourg Leopold on July 9; liberation by the Red Cross on September 5; traveling to Brussels; and reunion with his family (his brother had escaped and was hidden). Mr. P. notes praying in prison; never discussing the war experience with his family; physical and emotional difficulties for years afterward; recently finding one of the Jews they had hidden, who blamed their family for not keeping them; and hoping to share his story with his grandchildren.

5 videocassettes