Philip K. and Isabella L. Holocaust testimony

Identifier
HVT 1319
Language of Description
English
Level of Description
Collection
Source
EHRI Partner

Abstract

A follow-up, directed videotape testimony of Philip K., whose first testimony was recorded in 1989. Mr. K. describes Jewish education, culture, and community in Kisva?rda; ghettoization by Hungarian troops in spring 1944, including thousands from surrounding areas; his recognition of danger in spite of others' Hungarian patriotism; deportation to Auschwitz; the entirely different conception of time in concentration camps; a rabbi who kept a mental Jewish calendar and helped him maintain kashruth; dealing with entirely new moral issues; the uncontrollable power of hunger; his desperation when he volunteered for transfer to Dachau; his ongoing and futile search for understanding how and why the Holocaust occurred and why lessons have not been learned; the importance and difficulty of redefining resistance and heroism under previously unimaginable circumstances; the contrast between Nazi and Jewish ideology; the profound change in world events marked by the Holocaust; survivors' profound difficulty learning to live again; his wish not to receive special treatment as a survivor; and the variety of experiences ("There are as many ways of survival as survivors"). He is joined briefly by his sister who discusses her efforts to memorialize those killed in the Holocaust and problems of survivors' children.

Extent and Medium

2 videocassettes (3/4" u-matic)

Conditions Governing Access

This testimony is open with permission.

Conditions Governing Reproduction

Copyright has been transferred to the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies. Use of this testimony requires permission of the Fortunoff Video Archive.

Related Units of Description

  • Associated material: Philip K. Holocaust testimony (HVT-1300), Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yale University Library.

Rules and Conventions

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Process Info

  • compiled by Staff of the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies

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Genre

This description is derived directly from structured data provided to EHRI by a partner institution. This collection holding institution considers this description as an accurate reflection of the archival holdings to which it refers at the moment of data transfer.