Joseph G. Holocaust testimony (HVT-2781) interviewed by Jaša Almuli

Videotape testimony of Joseph G., who was born in Thessalonikē, Greece in 1929. He recalls a comfortable childhood; studying music; ghettoization after German occupation; deportation in June 1943 to Auschwitz/Birkenau; separation from his sister and mother (he never saw them again); his music teacher arranging for him to work in the prisoner orchestra, a privileged position; his father's death despite efforts to help him; observing the Sonderkommando uprising; his sense of pride that Greek prisoners were involved; transfer to a camp in Germany; liberation in May 1945 by United States troops; returning to Thessalonikē; and reopening his father's business with an uncle. Mr. G. discusses feeling death was preferable to suffering when he was in concentration camps; pervasive painful memories, particularly the smell of burning flesh; and nightmares resulting from his experiences.