Elena L. Holocaust testimony
Abstract
Videotape testimony of Elena L., a Catholic Romani, who was born in Veľký Šariš, Czechoslovakia (presently Slovakia) in 1921. She recalls attending school until fifth grade; cordial relations with Jews and non-Romanies; working for a Jewish family; persecution of Jews and Romanies by Hlinka guards with the establishment of the Slovak state; observing Jews having to wear identifying marks and their deportation; destruction of Romani houses, including hers; anti-Romani restrictions; living in a hut in the woods; her child's death due to the harsh conditions; hiding from the Germans in a hole in the hut with her sisters, her mother, and her husband's friend; she and her husband assisting nomadic Romanies find shelter; liberation by Soviets; and improved conditions. Ms. L. discusses writing and staging a well-received play about her war experiences, and the importance of maintaining Romani culture.
Extent and Medium
1 videocassette
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.
Rules and Conventions
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Process Info
compiled by Staff of the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies
People
- L., Elena, -- 1921-
Corporate Bodies
- Hlinkova slovenská l̕udová strana.
Subjects
- Postwar experiences.
- Mothers and daughters.
- Sisters.
- Mutual aid.
- Hiding.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal narratives, Romani.
- Romanies -- Nazi persecution -- Slovakia.
- Children -- Death.
- Husband and wife.
- Video tapes.
- Women.
- Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) -- Personal narratives.
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal narratives, Slovak.
Places
- Veľký Šariš (Slovakia)
- Czechoslovakia.
Genre
- Oral histories. -- aat