Larry R. Holocaust testimony

Videotape testimony of Larry R., who was born in Lez?ajsk, Poland, in 1929. In this exceptionally vivid and detailed testimony, Mr. R. describes his privileged childhood; his family's move to Zakliko?w in 1937; and the outbreak of the war in 1939. Mr. R. recalls seeing his father beaten; his family's eviction from their estate; their eventual betrayal and arrest; and the deportation of Jews from Zakliko?w. He describes conditions in the freight cars to Budzyn? and in the camp, where he arrived with his brother in April 1943. He tells of witnessing a mass murder and his consequent desire to survive and bear witness; his relationship with his brother, with whom he remained until just before liberation; and his fantasies of an idyllic postwar life. He relates his summer 1944 transfer to Mielec, where he remained about six months; to Wieliczka; and finally through Auschwitz to Flossenbu?rg (fall 1944). He recalls the evacuation of Flossenbu?rg in March 1945; the aborted transport toward Dachau; the death march; and liberation by Americans. Postwar topics include his reunion with his brother; his physical recovery; his stay in Frankfurt; and emigration to Palestine. Mr. R. also describes living on a kibbutz; difficulties adjusting; experiences in the military; loneliness; illegal emigration to the United States; his marriage to a survivor and her illness; and his relationship with his children.

5 videocassettes (3/4" u-matic)