Ivan K. Holocaust testimony

Identifier
HVT 3701
Language of Description
English
Level of Description
Collection
Source
EHRI Partner

Abstract

Videotape testimony of Ivan K., who was born in Nitra, Czechoslovakia (presently Slovakia) in 1938, the younger of two brothers. He recounts living in Janova Ves; his and his family's conversion to Christianity in 1942; changing their surname to a more Christian one; their exemption from deportation due to his father's job building barracks in Topol̕čany; his participation in the Slovak uprising in 1944; his mother's denunciation as a Jew; hiding in a mansion with his aunt, mother, and brother; staying in tents in a nearby forest; returning to the mansion; finding his father there; digging a bunker in a mountain forest; local non-Jews bringing them food; partisans assisting them; others joining them at times; having to always keep still and quiet; their helpers bringing a Christmas tree and cookies; warnings of German patrols; wandering in the mountains; staying briefly in a cottage; running when Germans approached; staying with hunters in Horné Hámre; hearing battles between partisans and Germans; liberation in April 1945; living with a woman who had stayed in the bunker with them; moving to Topol̕čany in 1946; learning his paternal grandparents had been killed; and completing his education. Mr. K. discusses his childlike perspective of his experiences; attributing their survival to the many non-Jews who helped them; continuing contact with their rescuers; learning about Judaism as an adult; regretting not discussing his experiences with his parents, aunt, or brother; and sharing his experiences with his daughter.

Extent and Medium

2 videocassettes

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. This testimony can only be used for scholarly purposes.

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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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.