Edith P. Holocaust testimony (HVT-974) [videorecording] / interviewed by Lawrence L. Langer and Geoffrey H. Hartman, December 12, 1987.

New Haven, Conn. : Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, 1987.

1 videorecording (1 hr., 37 min.) : col.

English

Associated material: Edith P. Holocaust testimony (HVT-107), Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yale University Library.

A follow-up, directed videotape testimony of Edith P., whose first testimony was recorded in 1980. She recalls being depressed and feeling sorry for herself for the first time in her life shortly after the first testimony was recorded, and returning to "normal" three days later. Mrs. P. notes her family is the core of her life; not wanting her children to experience the hunger and humiliation she did; her father's role in the Judenrat during Hungarian occupation; receiving help from the Greek Orthodox bishop; vivid recollections of hunger and humiliation, including the first time she was whipped; believing she was in another world in Auschwitz; complete defenselessness; present day regret that she insulted a woman in Auschwitz; her sister-in-law's crucial role in saving her life in Auschwitz; feeling freer in Salzwedel; receiving extra food from an SS; and discussing books with other prisoners. She discusses the contradictions she feels; her belief that simply staying alive in Auschwitz required tremendous courage; the nobility of the souls of those prisoners who did not kill each other for food; and praying to her father who represents nobility of the soul and honor to her.

June 01, 2002

Edith P. Holocaust Testimony (HVT-974). Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yale University Library.

Edith P. Holocaust Testimony (HVT-974). Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yale University Library.

Oral histories (document genres)