Josef R. Holocaust testimony (HVT-3180) interviewed by Barbara Engelking-Boni

Videotape testimony of Josef R., who was born in Krzeszowice, Poland in 1921 and grew up in Kraków. He recalls a comfortable childhood, attending secular and religious schools; cordial relations with non-Jews; participating in Hashomer Hatzair; ending his education due to Jewish quotas; German invasion; fleeing to Tarnobrzeg with his parents; their return to Kraków; forced resettlement in Borek Szlachecki, Borek Fałęcki, and Samborek; hospitalization with assistance from a non-Jewish physician; joining his parents in Prokocim; forced labor for a German railroad company; ghettoization in Kraków; round-ups, selections, and deportations; smuggling food; working at a military factory; transfer to Płaszów in March 1943; surviving execution by Amon Goeth (he was left for dead); prisoners hiding him during a six week recovery; public hangings and executions by Goeth; evacuation to Częstochowa; assignment to the kitchen; smuggling food; liberation by Soviet troops; return to Kraków; resuming his studies; working in a clothing cooperative; marriage; and testifying at Goeth's trial. Mr. R. discusses present fears arising from his experiences. He notes his survival was due to luck and that only one of his relatives survived.