Sam R. Holocaust testimony

Videotape testimony of Sam R., who was born in Zawiercie, Poland in 1920. He recalls his father's strict orthodoxy; studying for the rabbinate in Lublin; returning home in 1938; German invasion; anti-Jewish violence and restrictions, including confiscation of the family business; ghettoization; forced labor; deportation with his family to Auschwitz/Birkenau on August 26, 1943; separation from his family except his brother; his brother sharing extra food with him; their separation when Mr. R. was transferred to Lagisza (he never saw his brother again); witnessing his uncle's beating death and saying prayers for him; transfer to Jaworzno; deriving comfort from praying with fellow prisoners; a death march to Gross-Rosen in January 1945; train transport to Buchenwald; learning his sister was still alive; liberation by United States troops; traveling to Leipzig, then Markkleeberg; reunion with his sister; and emigration to the United States in March 1947. Mr. R. discusses his persistent nightmares; his strong faith in God; and his belief that his survival was due to divine intervention and frequent miracles.

2 videocassettes