Rita S. Holocaust testimony

Videotape testimony of Rita S., who was born in Berlin, Germany in 1935 to a Jewish mother and non-Jewish father. She recalls living with her maternal grandparents; close bonds with them and her maternal uncle; her father's brief military service in 1939 which protected them; having to wear the "star" beginning in 1941; beatings from children on the street; deportation of her uncle, his wife and children, and her grandparents in 1942 (only her uncle survived); being forced to move in 1943; assistance from prostitutes in the neighborhood; her father's forced labor service (they knew he was alive because they were not deported); her mother's boss allowing her to hide in the work area when she was ill; removing their stars to go to shelters during bombings; returning to their apartment after liberation; her uncle's return; her father's return in 1946; and his conversion to Judaism in 1950. Mrs. S. discusses continuing fears resulting from her experiences; her uncle's reluctance to share his camp experiences; her very close relationship with her parents; difficulty coping with their deaths; and sharing her story with her son and husband.

2 videocassettes