- Summary
- A follow-up, directed videotape testimony of David A., whose first testimony was recorded in 1982. Mr. A. discusses his reluctance to talk about the Holocaust, even with his children, prior to recording his testimony; attributing his survival to luck and kindness from others; the speculative nature of survival theories; inappropriate myths of heroism and faith; a kapo and others in his barracks hiding a sick friend, risking their own lives; and having to view the bodies of kapos who were shot attempting to escape. He recalls living with a friend in Berlin after liberation; returning to Poland to be with his father; hostility in Krosno, his hometown; his father's focus on obtaining an education for him; still not understanding how his father and others could let their wives and children be taken away and maintain their sanity; traveling to Poland with his wife and children to show them that the Holocaust occurred in a place with high culture and education; visiting the people who hid his wife; strong emotions at Płaszów; wanting to return to visit Rzeszów, the last place he saw his family; viewing footage on television of Ludwigslust, from which he was liberated; and continuing difficulty believing what he lived through.
- Author/Creator
- A., David, 1928-
- Published
- New Haven, Conn. : Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, 1989
- Interview Date
- March 3, 1989.
- Locale
- Berlin (Germany)
Rzeszów (Poland)
Krosno (Województwo Podkarpackie, Poland)
- Cite As
- David A. Holocaust Testimony (HVT-1153). Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yale University Library.
- Other Authors/Editors
- Langer, Lawrence L., interviewer.
Kline, Dana L., interviewer.
- Notes
-
Due to the fact that this testimony contains significant dialogue between the witness and the interviewers, two versions were produced at the time of the taping. One version has the camera focused solely on the witness; the second has two cameras alternating between the witness and the interviewers. The interviewers' questions are based on their study of the original testimony as well as a discussion of the witness's memories of the first testimony, its impact on his life, and general issues concerning memory and language. The witness's additions to the first testimony are included.
Associated material: David A. Holocaust testimony (HVT-62), Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yale University Library.
Associated material: Julia A. Holocaust testimony [wife] (HVT-63), Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yale University Library.
