Those Who Were There: Voices from the Holocaust Podcast - Those Who Were There: Voices from the Holocaust https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/ https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/collections/128 en-us Fortunoff Video Archive, 2019 https://d9jk7wjtjpu5g.cloudfront.net/feeds/banners/000/000/005/original/Unknown-1.jpeg?1616070282 Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/ Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies fortunoff.archive@yale.edu History, Holocaust Studies, Oral History, Testimony, Jewish Studies, no Thu, 12 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000 Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies Survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust are the subjects of “Those Who Were There,” a new podcast from Yale University’s Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies. The podcast is narrated by Eleanor Reissa, actress and Yiddish theater director, and historical oversight by Professor Samuel Kassow. “Those Who Were There” podcast features audio from videotaped interviews conducted between 1979 up to the present. "Back in 1979, video was regarded as a remarkable, groundbreaking technology for documenting the experiences of survivors. The testimonies that resulted were and remain very powerful,” said Stephen Naron, director of the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies. “Today, by adapting our holdings to the podcast format, we have an opportunity to bring these intimate personal accounts of Holocaust survivors and witnesses to a world-wide listenership. After all, only a fraction of our more than 4,400 testimonies have ever been viewed. Every voice, every story is important, and the podcast is a chance to provide a public space for each survivor, one episode at a time.” The podcast’s first season will feature 10 episodes, including accounts from Jewish survivors, non-Jewish witnesses and liberators. The memories shared express a wide range of experiences before, during and after the Second World War by those who experienced it. Still, it is only a small glimpse into the thousands of stories held in this diverse archive. Get a small glimpse into the unimaginable experiences that shaped Holocaust survivors and witnesses—and shaped our world. Personal accounts drawn from the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies at Yale University. Sat, 20 Jun 2026 06:04:27 -0400 In Memoriam: Renee Hartman (1933-2025) <p>Renee Hartman was one of the first four survivors to give testimony to the Fortunoff Archive's predecessor organization in 1979. &nbsp;In this podcast episode, she describes how she was just a child when the Nazis swept into Czechoslovakia. Her parents and sister were deaf, so she became her family&rsquo;s ears, alert to the sound of the Gestapo&rsquo;s boots.We&rsquo;re re-releasing this episode in celebration of her life.&nbsp;</p> Renee Hartman was one of the first four survivors to give testimony to the Fortunoff Archive's predecessor organization in 1979. &nbsp;In this podcast episode, she describes how she was just a child when the Nazis swept into Czechoslovakia. Her parents and sister were deaf, so she became her family&rsquo;s ears, alert to the sound of the Gestapo&rsquo;s boots.We&rsquo;re re-releasing this episode in celebration of her life.&nbsp; Renee Hartman was one of the first four survivors to give testimony to the Fortunoff Archive's predecessor organization in 1979. &nbsp;In this podcast episode, she describes how she was just a child when the Nazis swept into Czechoslovakia. Her parents... Holocaust studies, testimonies, oral history No full 11 3 Renee Hartman was one of the first four survivors to give testimony to the Fortunoff Archive's predecessor organization in 1979.  In this podcast episode, she describes how she was just a child when the Nazis swept into Czechoslovakia. Her parents and sister were deaf, so she became her family’s ears, alert to the sound of the Gestapo’s boots.

We’re re-releasing this episode in celebration of her life. 

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/q23qv3f09x 00:23:09 Sun, 12 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Chapter 10: Aftermath <p>In this final chapter of &ldquo;Remembering Vilna,&rdquo; several of the survivors whose stories we&rsquo;ve featured tell of their journeys to safety and new beginnings, even as the traumas they experienced remained ever present.</p> In this final chapter of &ldquo;Remembering Vilna,&rdquo; several of the survivors whose stories we&rsquo;ve featured tell of their journeys to safety and new beginnings, even as the traumas they experienced remained ever present. In this final chapter of &ldquo;Remembering Vilna,&rdquo; several of the survivors whose stories we&rsquo;ve featured tell of their journeys to safety and new beginnings, even as the traumas they experienced remained ever present. Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 10 3 In this final chapter of “Remembering Vilna,” several of the survivors whose stories we’ve featured tell of their journeys to safety and new beginnings, even as the traumas they experienced remained ever present.

 

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/3x83j3bf0k 00:33:51 Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:34:03 -0000 Chapter 9: Judgment and Revenge <p>At war&rsquo;s end, Vilna&rsquo;s survivors struggle to regain their health, look for missing family members, and search for ways to leave Europe for the United States or Palestine. But a small group join an effort to seek revenge in Nuremberg, where an international tribunal is underway.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> At war&rsquo;s end, Vilna&rsquo;s survivors struggle to regain their health, look for missing family members, and search for ways to leave Europe for the United States or Palestine. But a small group join an effort to seek revenge in Nuremberg, where an international tribunal is underway. &nbsp; At war&rsquo;s end, Vilna&rsquo;s survivors struggle to regain their health, look for missing family members, and search for ways to leave Europe for the United States or Palestine. But a small group join an effort to seek revenge in Nuremberg, where a... Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 9 3 At war’s end, Vilna’s survivors struggle to regain their health, look for missing family members, and search for ways to leave Europe for the United States or Palestine. But a small group join an effort to seek revenge in Nuremberg, where an international tribunal is underway.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/rx93777f6r 00:31:24 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 20:26:38 -0000 Preview: Into the Stacks at the YIVO <p>Join co-producers Nahanni Rous and Eric Marcus on a research trip to the YIVO Institute in preparation for the upcoming season of Those Who Were There that focuses on the city of Vilna&mdash;a once thriving center of Jewish life and culture. Their guide on this exploratory dive into YIVO&rsquo;s archives is Eddy Portnoy, YIVO&rsquo;s Academic Advisor and Director of Exhibitions. Among the documents they&rsquo;re in search of is a rare, typewritten diary of life in the Vilna Ghetto during World War II kept by Herman Kruk. Join Nahanni and Eric on what they found to be a revelatory and moving journey through time.</p> Join co-producers Nahanni Rous and Eric Marcus on a research trip to the YIVO Institute in preparation for the upcoming season of Those Who Were There that focuses on the city of Vilna&mdash;a once thriving center of Jewish life and culture. Their guide on this exploratory dive into YIVO&rsquo;s archives is Eddy Portnoy, YIVO&rsquo;s Academic Advisor and Director of Exhibitions. Among the documents they&rsquo;re in search of is a rare, typewritten diary of life in the Vilna Ghetto during World War II kept by Herman Kruk. Join Nahanni and Eric on what they found to be a revelatory and moving journey through time. Join co-producers Nahanni Rous and Eric Marcus on a research trip to the YIVO Institute in preparation for the upcoming season of Those Who Were There that focuses on the city of Vilna&mdash;a once thriving center of Jewish life and culture. Their guid... Holocaust Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Oral History No full Preview: Into the Stacks at YIVO 3 Join co-producers Nahanni Rous and Eric Marcus on a research trip to the YIVO Institute in preparation for the upcoming season of Those Who Were There that focuses on the city of Vilna—a once thriving center of Jewish life and culture. Their guide on this exploratory dive into YIVO’s archives is Eddy Portnoy, YIVO’s Academic Advisor and Director of Exhibitions. Among the documents they’re in search of is a rare, typewritten diary of life in the Vilna Ghetto during World War II kept by Herman Kruk. Join Nahanni and Eric on a revelatory and moving journey through time.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/639k35nc15 00:22:35 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:30:29 -0000 Chapter 8: Nazi Defeat <p>July 1944. For nearly two weeks, the Nazis and the Soviets fight for every street and block in Vilna. When the smoke clears, Jews hiding in the sewers emerge into daylight while other survivors and Jewish partisans filter back into the devastated city.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> July 1944. For nearly two weeks, the Nazis and the Soviets fight for every street and block in Vilna. When the smoke clears, Jews hiding in the sewers emerge into daylight while other survivors and Jewish partisans filter back into the devastated city. &nbsp; July 1944. For nearly two weeks, the Nazis and the Soviets fight for every street and block in Vilna. When the smoke clears, Jews hiding in the sewers emerge into daylight while other survivors and Jewish partisans filter back into the devastated city.... Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 8 3 July 1944. For nearly two weeks, the Nazis and the Soviets fight for every street and block in Vilna. When the smoke clears, Jews hiding in the sewers emerge into daylight while other survivors and Jewish partisans filter back into the devastated city.

 

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/4f1mg7h29f 00:38:59 Thu, 09 Nov 2023 06:40:45 -0000 Chapter 7: Liquidation <p>When the Nazis liquidate the Vilna ghetto, they send thousands of Jews to their deaths or to forced-labor camps. Others escape to the forest to join the partisans. Very few manage to hide. The Nazis also try to eliminate evidence of their efforts to murder Vilna&rsquo;s Jews.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> When the Nazis liquidate the Vilna ghetto, they send thousands of Jews to their deaths or to forced-labor camps. Others escape to the forest to join the partisans. Very few manage to hide. The Nazis also try to eliminate evidence of their efforts to murder Vilna&rsquo;s Jews. &nbsp; When the Nazis liquidate the Vilna ghetto, they send thousands of Jews to their deaths or to forced-labor camps. Others escape to the forest to join the partisans. Very few manage to hide. The Nazis also try to eliminate evidence of their efforts to mu... Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 7 3 When the Nazis liquidate the Vilna ghetto, they send thousands of Jews to their deaths or to forced-labor camps. Others escape to the forest to join the partisans. Very few manage to hide. The Nazis also try to eliminate evidence of their efforts to murder Vilna’s Jews.

 

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/cr5n874b1w 00:40:12 Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:53:46 -0000 Chapter 6: The Underground <p>Young people in the ghetto organize an underground group with the hope of leading an uprising against the Nazis. They risk their lives to build an arsenal, but when it becomes clear most Jews in the ghetto don&rsquo;t support them, many escape to the surrounding forest to join the partisans.&nbsp;</p> Young people in the ghetto organize an underground group with the hope of leading an uprising against the Nazis. They risk their lives to build an arsenal, but when it becomes clear most Jews in the ghetto don&rsquo;t support them, many escape to the surrounding forest to join the partisans.&nbsp; Young people in the ghetto organize an underground group with the hope of leading an uprising against the Nazis. They risk their lives to build an arsenal, but when it becomes clear most Jews in the ghetto don&rsquo;t support them, many escape to the s... Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 6 3 Young people in the ghetto organize an underground group with the hope of leading an uprising against the Nazis. They risk their lives to build an arsenal, but when it becomes clear most Jews in the ghetto don’t support them, many escape to the surrounding forest to join the partisans.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/j96057f87m 00:28:35 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 12:05:50 -0000 Chapter 5: Ghetto Life <p>Life in the Jewish ghetto demands vigilance and adaptation. Families improvise spaces for hiding. Food is smuggled at the risk of execution. And while young people start to organize a resistance, cultural and sporting events prove to be a much needed diversion.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Life in the Jewish ghetto demands vigilance and adaptation. Families improvise spaces for hiding. Food is smuggled at the risk of execution. And while young people start to organize a resistance, cultural and sporting events prove to be a much needed diversion. &nbsp; Life in the Jewish ghetto demands vigilance and adaptation. Families improvise spaces for hiding. Food is smuggled at the risk of execution. And while young people start to organize a resistance, cultural and sporting events prove to be a much needed d... Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 5 3 Life in the Jewish ghetto demands vigilance and adaptation. Families improvise spaces for hiding. Food is smuggled at the risk of execution. And while young people start to organize a resistance, cultural and sporting events prove to be a much needed diversion.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/pn8x923377 00:30:20 Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:44:53 -0000 Chapter 4: The Ghetto <p>They are given minutes to pack. A suitcase, a sheet-wrapped bundle, whatever they can carry. Thousands of the city&rsquo;s Jews are marched at gunpoint to the newly enclosed Jewish ghettos, where the previous inhabitants have already been murdered.</p> They are given minutes to pack. A suitcase, a sheet-wrapped bundle, whatever they can carry. Thousands of the city&rsquo;s Jews are marched at gunpoint to the newly enclosed Jewish ghettos, where the previous inhabitants have already been murdered. They are given minutes to pack. A suitcase, a sheet-wrapped bundle, whatever they can carry. Thousands of the city&rsquo;s Jews are marched at gunpoint to the newly enclosed Jewish ghettos, where the previous inhabitants have already been murdered. Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 4 3 They are given minutes to pack. A suitcase, a sheet-wrapped bundle, whatever they can carry. Thousands of the city’s Jews are marched at gunpoint to the newly enclosed Jewish ghettos, where the previous inhabitants have already been murdered.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/qj77s7kg0w 00:33:40 Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:52:05 -0000 Chapter 3: Nazi Invasion <p>When Germany attacks the Soviet Union in 1941, the Nazis occupy Vilna and begin imposing their harsh antisemitic rule, banning Jews from sidewalks, requiring the wearing of an identifying yellow star, and worse. &ldquo;Within just a few days,&rdquo; Mira Verbin recalls, &ldquo;they started kidnapping Jews.&rdquo;</p> When Germany attacks the Soviet Union in 1941, the Nazis occupy Vilna and begin imposing their harsh antisemitic rule, banning Jews from sidewalks, requiring the wearing of an identifying yellow star, and worse. &ldquo;Within just a few days,&rdquo; Mira Verbin recalls, &ldquo;they started kidnapping Jews.&rdquo; When Germany attacks the Soviet Union in 1941, the Nazis occupy Vilna and begin imposing their harsh antisemitic rule, banning Jews from sidewalks, requiring the wearing of an identifying yellow star, and worse. &ldquo;Within just a few days,&rdquo; Mi... Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 3 3 When Germany attacks the Soviet Union in 1941, the Nazis occupy Vilna and begin imposing their harsh antisemitic rule, banning Jews from sidewalks, requiring the wearing of an identifying yellow star, and worse. “Within just a few days,” Mira Verbin recalls, “they started kidnapping Jews.”

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/599z03087k 00:25:45 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:30:12 -0000 Chapter 2: In the Shadow of War <p>With the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, the country is split between the Nazi invaders and the Soviet Union. Vilna winds up in the hands of the Soviets, then the Lithuanians, then the Soviets again, who set about seizing property and businesses, and arresting and deporting perceived enemies of the state.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> With the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, the country is split between the Nazi invaders and the Soviet Union. Vilna winds up in the hands of the Soviets, then the Lithuanians, then the Soviets again, who set about seizing property and businesses, and arresting and deporting perceived enemies of the state. &nbsp; With the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, the country is split between the Nazi invaders and the Soviet Union. Vilna winds up in the hands of the Soviets, then the Lithuanians, then the Soviets again, who set about seizing property and b... Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 2 3 With the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, the country is split between the Nazi invaders and the Soviet Union. Vilna winds up in the hands of the Soviets, then the Lithuanians, then the Soviets again, who set about seizing property and businesses, and arresting and deporting perceived enemies of the state.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/4b2x34nx9x 00:29:20 Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:29:16 -0000 Chapter 1: Childhood Memories <p>Recollections of life before 1939 evoke the rich diversity of Vilna&rsquo;s thriving Jewish community, including its multiple synagogues and political and social organizations. The impact on daily life of rising antisemitism foreshadows far darker times to come.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Recollections of life before 1939 evoke the rich diversity of Vilna&rsquo;s thriving Jewish community, including its multiple synagogues and political and social organizations. The impact on daily life of rising antisemitism foreshadows far darker times to come. &nbsp; Recollections of life before 1939 evoke the rich diversity of Vilna&rsquo;s thriving Jewish community, including its multiple synagogues and political and social organizations. The impact on daily life of rising antisemitism foreshadows far darker time... Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 1 3 Recollections of life before 1939 evoke the rich diversity of Vilna’s thriving Jewish community, including its multiple synagogues and political and social organizations. The impact on daily life of rising antisemitism foreshadows far darker times to come.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/jw86h4f320 00:27:11 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 22:05:43 -0000 Introduction: Remembering Vilna <p>&ldquo;Those Who Were There&rdquo; co-producers Nahanni Rous and Eric Marcus introduce a few of the voices that, over the course of 10 episodes, will bring to life the once-vibrant Jewish community of Vilna, Poland (present-day Vilnius, Lithuania) and chronicle its destruction during World War II.</p> &ldquo;Those Who Were There&rdquo; co-producers Nahanni Rous and Eric Marcus introduce a few of the voices that, over the course of 10 episodes, will bring to life the once-vibrant Jewish community of Vilna, Poland (present-day Vilnius, Lithuania) and chronicle its destruction during World War II. &ldquo;Those Who Were There&rdquo; co-producers Nahanni Rous and Eric Marcus introduce a few of the voices that, over the course of 10 episodes, will bring to life the once-vibrant Jewish community of Vilna, Poland (present-day Vilnius, Lithuania) and ... Holocaust Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Oral History No full Introduction: Remembering Vilna 3 “Those Who Were There” co-producers Nahanni Rous and Eric Marcus introduce a few of the voices that, over the course of 10 episodes, will bring to life the once-vibrant Jewish community of Vilna, Poland (present-day Vilnius, Lithuania) and chronicle its destruction during World War II.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/9p2w37n404 00:10:42 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 Episode 10 — Judith Perlaki <p>Teenaged Judith Perlaki recalled cheating death twice after being deported from Hungary to Auschwitz. But most of her family wasn&rsquo;t so fortunate. While assigned to sort the belongings of people sent to the gas chambers, Judith discovered the dresses of her little sister and aunt.</p> Teenaged Judith Perlaki recalled cheating death twice after being deported from Hungary to Auschwitz. But most of her family wasn&rsquo;t so fortunate. While assigned to sort the belongings of people sent to the gas chambers, Judith discovered the dresses of her little sister and aunt. Teenaged Judith Perlaki recalled cheating death twice after being deported from Hungary to Auschwitz. But most of her family wasn&rsquo;t so fortunate. While assigned to sort the belongings of people sent to the gas chambers, Judith discovered the dres... Testimonies, Oral History, Holocaust Studies No full 10 2 Teenaged Judith Perlaki recalled cheating death twice after being deported from Hungary to Auschwitz. But most of her family wasn’t so fortunate. While assigned to sort the belongings of people sent to the gas chambers, Judith discovered the dresses of her little sister and aunt.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/5m6251g354 00:26:57 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 10:19:20 -0000 Episode 9 — Elias Recanati <p>When the Germans took control of the Greek city of Salonika, Elias Racanati&rsquo;s family had one chance to escape&mdash;his mother&rsquo;s family hailed from Spain. But they had to cross German-occupied Europe to get there.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> When the Germans took control of the Greek city of Salonika, Elias Racanati&rsquo;s family had one chance to escape&mdash;his mother&rsquo;s family hailed from Spain. But they had to cross German-occupied Europe to get there.&nbsp;&nbsp; When the Germans took control of the Greek city of Salonika, Elias Racanati&rsquo;s family had one chance to escape&mdash;his mother&rsquo;s family hailed from Spain. But they had to cross German-occupied Europe to get there.&nbsp;&nbsp; Testimonies, Oral History, Holocaust Studies No full 9 2 When the Germans took control of the Greek city of Salonika, Elias Racanati’s family had one chance to escape—his mother’s family hailed from Spain. But they had to cross German-occupied Europe to get there.  

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/vd6nz81c85 00:25:15 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:48:08 -0000 Episode 8 — Malka Baran <p>Malka Baran expressed her love of children by caring for a toddler hidden in the barracks of a concentration camp and teaching first grade at her DP camp. It was the start of her lifelong commitment to early-childhood education.</p> Malka Baran expressed her love of children by caring for a toddler hidden in the barracks of a concentration camp and teaching first grade at her DP camp. It was the start of her lifelong commitment to early-childhood education. Malka Baran expressed her love of children by caring for a toddler hidden in the barracks of a concentration camp and teaching first grade at her DP camp. It was the start of her lifelong commitment to early-childhood education. Testimonies, Oral History, Holocaust Studies No full 8 2 Malka Baran expressed her love of children by caring for a toddler hidden in the barracks of a concentration camp and teaching first grade at her DP camp. It was the start of her lifelong commitment to early-childhood education.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/cz3222rs8s 00:28:45 Thu, 18 Feb 2021 07:42:28 -0000 Episode 7 - Leon Pommers <p>Fleeing Warsaw ahead of the invading Nazis, concert pianist Leon Pommers was propelled into a perilous journey around the world in hopes of reuniting with his sister in America.</p> Fleeing Warsaw ahead of the invading Nazis, concert pianist Leon Pommers was propelled into a perilous journey around the world in hopes of reuniting with his sister in America. Fleeing Warsaw ahead of the invading Nazis, concert pianist Leon Pommers was propelled into a perilous journey around the world in hopes of reuniting with his sister in America. Testimonies, Oral History, Holocaust Studies No full 7 2 Fleeing Warsaw ahead of the invading Nazis, concert pianist Leon Pommers was propelled into a perilous journey around the world in hopes of reuniting with his sister in America.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/f18sb3xg2v 00:29:09 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 09:21:51 -0000 Episode 6 - Esther Schwartzman <p>As Polish Jews fled across the border into Hungary bearing stories of Nazi atrocities, Esther Schwartzman&rsquo;s family and community didn&rsquo;t believe that such things could happen to them. Then in early 1944, everything changed.</p> As Polish Jews fled across the border into Hungary bearing stories of Nazi atrocities, Esther Schwartzman&rsquo;s family and community didn&rsquo;t believe that such things could happen to them. Then in early 1944, everything changed. As Polish Jews fled across the border into Hungary bearing stories of Nazi atrocities, Esther Schwartzman&rsquo;s family and community didn&rsquo;t believe that such things could happen to them. Then in early 1944, everything changed. Testimonies, Oral History, Holocaust Studies No full 6 2 As Polish Jews fled across the border into Hungary bearing stories of Nazi atrocities, Esther Schwartzman’s family and community didn’t believe that such things could happen to them. Then in early 1944, everything changed.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/g15t727x1f 00:27:00 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 08:03:34 -0000 Episode 5 - Abram Merczynski <p>When Abram Merczynski&rsquo;s brother organized an orchestra in the Lodz ghetto, Abram promised himself that if he survived the war, he&rsquo;d learn to play the violin.&nbsp; He lived&mdash;and kept his promise.</p> When Abram Merczynski&rsquo;s brother organized an orchestra in the Lodz ghetto, Abram promised himself that if he survived the war, he&rsquo;d learn to play the violin.&nbsp; He lived&mdash;and kept his promise. When Abram Merczynski&rsquo;s brother organized an orchestra in the Lodz ghetto, Abram promised himself that if he survived the war, he&rsquo;d learn to play the violin.&nbsp; He lived&mdash;and kept his promise. Testimonies, Oral History, Holocaust Studies No full 5 2 When Abram Merczynski’s brother organized an orchestra in the Lodz ghetto, Abram promised himself that if he survived the war, he’d learn to play the violin.  He lived—and kept his promise.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/d50ft8f098 00:24:10 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 07:54:20 -0000 Episode 4 - Helena Jonas <p>Deported to the Plasz&oacute;w concentration camp, Helen Jonas faced almost certain death. Instead, she was chosen by Amon G&ouml;th&mdash;the camp&rsquo;s notorious, brutal commandant&mdash;to be his servant.</p> Deported to the Plasz&oacute;w concentration camp, Helen Jonas faced almost certain death. Instead, she was chosen by Amon G&ouml;th&mdash;the camp&rsquo;s notorious, brutal commandant&mdash;to be his servant. Deported to the Plasz&oacute;w concentration camp, Helen Jonas faced almost certain death. Instead, she was chosen by Amon G&ouml;th&mdash;the camp&rsquo;s notorious, brutal commandant&mdash;to be his servant. Testimonies, Oral History, Holocaust Studies No full 4 2 Deported to the Plaszów concentration camp, Helen Jonas faced almost certain death. Instead, she was chosen by Amon Göth—the camp’s notorious, brutal commandant—to be his servant.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/jw86h4d791 00:29:15 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 07:56:44 -0000 Episode 2 -- Isaac Zieman <p>Isaac Zieman was a passionate young Zionist with plans to make a life in Palestine. Instead, the Nazi invasion of Latvia propelled him on a years-long journey that took him across the Soviet Union and Europe and finally to the United States.</p> Isaac Zieman was a passionate young Zionist with plans to make a life in Palestine. Instead, the Nazi invasion of Latvia propelled him on a years-long journey that took him across the Soviet Union and Europe and finally to the United States. Isaac Zieman was a passionate young Zionist with plans to make a life in Palestine. Instead, the Nazi invasion of Latvia propelled him on a years-long journey that took him across the Soviet Union and Europe and finally to the United States. Testimonies, Oral History, Holocaust Studies No full 2 2 Isaac Zieman was a passionate young Zionist with plans to make a life in Palestine. Instead, the Nazi invasion of Latvia propelled him on a years-long journey that took him across the Soviet Union and Europe and finally to the United States.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/3f4kk94n40 00:32:35 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 08:20:35 -0000 Episode 1 -- Sally Frishberg <p>High school teacher Sally Frishberg used her childhood experience of being hidden for two years with her family in a Polish farmer&rsquo;s attic to create one of the first public high school classes on the history of the Holocaust.</p> High school teacher Sally Frishberg used her childhood experience of being hidden for two years with her family in a Polish farmer&rsquo;s attic to create one of the first public high school classes on the history of the Holocaust. High school teacher Sally Frishberg used her childhood experience of being hidden for two years with her family in a Polish farmer&rsquo;s attic to create one of the first public high school classes on the history of the Holocaust. Holocaust, Testimonies, Oral History No full 1 2 High school teacher Sally Frishberg used her childhood experience of being hidden for two years with her family in a Polish farmer’s attic to create one of the first public high school classes on the history of the Holocaust.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/gm81j97s38 00:30:37 Wed, 09 Sep 2020 10:37:40 -0000 Episode 3 - Annelies Herz <p>Teenage Annelies Herz saw that fellow Jewish forced laborers were disappearing. So to survive in wartime Germany, she and her twin sister went underground: they secured new identities and never stayed in one place for long.</p> Teenage Annelies Herz saw that fellow Jewish forced laborers were disappearing. So to survive in wartime Germany, she and her twin sister went underground: they secured new identities and never stayed in one place for long. Teenage Annelies Herz saw that fellow Jewish forced laborers were disappearing. So to survive in wartime Germany, she and her twin sister went underground: they secured new identities and never stayed in one place for long. Testimonies, Oral History, Holocaust Studies No full 3 2 Teenage Annelies Herz saw that fellow Jewish forced laborers were disappearing. So to survive in wartime Germany, she and her twin sister went underground: they secured new identities and never stayed in one place for long.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/7940r9mj10 00:30:08 Thu, 22 Oct 2020 08:36:17 -0000 Season Two Introduction <p>Hear excerpts from the second season of &ldquo;Those Who Were There,&rdquo; featuring testimonies drawn from the nearly 600 interviews conducted by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in affiliation with the Fortunoff Archive.</p> Hear excerpts from the second season of &ldquo;Those Who Were There,&rdquo; featuring testimonies drawn from the nearly 600 interviews conducted by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in affiliation with the Fortunoff Archive. Hear excerpts from the second season of &ldquo;Those Who Were There,&rdquo; featuring testimonies drawn from the nearly 600 interviews conducted by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in affiliation with the Fortunoff Archive. Holocaust, Testimonies, Oral History No full Introduction 2 Hear excerpts from the second season of “Those Who Were There,” featuring testimonies drawn from the nearly 600 interviews conducted by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in affiliation with the Fortunoff Archive.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/4746q1st15 00:06:21 Wed, 09 Sep 2020 10:27:19 -0000 Episode 10 — Sam Kassow <p>In October 1945, Celia Kassow gave birth to her son Sam in a German displaced persons camp. Seventy-five years later, Sam Kassow reflects on his mother&rsquo;s life and an astonishing journey of discovery to his mother&rsquo;s hometown in Eastern Europe.</p> In October 1945, Celia Kassow gave birth to her son Sam in a German displaced persons camp. Seventy-five years later, Sam Kassow reflects on his mother&rsquo;s life and an astonishing journey of discovery to his mother&rsquo;s hometown in Eastern Europe. In October 1945, Celia Kassow gave birth to her son Sam in a German displaced persons camp. Seventy-five years later, Sam Kassow reflects on his mother&rsquo;s life and an astonishing journey of discovery to his mother&rsquo;s hometown in Eastern Europe. Testimony, Oral History, Judaic Studies No full 10 1 In October 1945, Celia Kassow gave birth to her son Sam in a German displaced persons camp. Seventy-five years later, Sam Kassow reflects on his mother’s life and an astonishing journey of discovery to his mother’s hometown in Eastern Europe.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/f47gq6r976 00:25:23 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 08:47:07 -0000 Episode 9 — Celia Kassow — Part 2 <p>When Nazi troops seized the Polish farm where Celia Kassow was in hiding, she fled once again&mdash;this time into the forest, where she joined the Soviet partisans.</p> When Nazi troops seized the Polish farm where Celia Kassow was in hiding, she fled once again&mdash;this time into the forest, where she joined the Soviet partisans. When Nazi troops seized the Polish farm where Celia Kassow was in hiding, she fled once again&mdash;this time into the forest, where she joined the Soviet partisans. Holocaust Studies, Testimonies, Oral History No full 9 1 When Nazi troops seized the Polish farm where Celia Kassow was in hiding, she fled once again—this time into the forest, where she joined the Soviet partisans.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/vt1gh9br1s 00:21:28 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 07:07:02 -0000 Episode 8 — Celia Kassow — Part 1 <p>When Nazi bombs fell from the sky, Celia Kassow fled her Polish boarding school and sought help from a classmate who lived nearby. The response? &ldquo;Get away from here, you dirty Jew.&rdquo;</p> When Nazi bombs fell from the sky, Celia Kassow fled her Polish boarding school and sought help from a classmate who lived nearby. The response? &ldquo;Get away from here, you dirty Jew.&rdquo; When Nazi bombs fell from the sky, Celia Kassow fled her Polish boarding school and sought help from a classmate who lived nearby. The response? &ldquo;Get away from here, you dirty Jew.&rdquo; Holocaust Studies, Testimonies, Oral History No full 8 1 When Nazi bombs fell from the sky, Celia Kassow fled her Polish boarding school and sought help from a classmate who lived nearby.  The response? “Get away from here, you dirty Jew.”

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/w950g3hg81 00:20:04 Thu, 19 Dec 2019 02:31:43 -0000 Episode 6 — Renee Hartman <p class="MsoNormal">Renee Hartman was just a child when the Nazis swept into Czechoslovakia.&nbsp; Her parents and sister were deaf, so she became her family&rsquo;s ears, alert to the sound of the Gestapo&rsquo;s boots.</p> <p><!--EndFragment--></p> Renee Hartman was just a child when the Nazis swept into Czechoslovakia.&nbsp; Her parents and sister were deaf, so she became her family&rsquo;s ears, alert to the sound of the Gestapo&rsquo;s boots. Renee Hartman was just a child when the Nazis swept into Czechoslovakia.&nbsp; Her parents and sister were deaf, so she became her family&rsquo;s ears, alert to the sound of the Gestapo&rsquo;s boots. Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Testimony, Oral History No full 6 1 Renee Hartman was just a child when the Nazis swept into Czechoslovakia.  Her parents and sister were deaf, so she became her family’s ears, alert to the sound of the Gestapo’s boots.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/fn10p0x178 00:22:57 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 12:30:43 -0000 Episode 7 — Leonard Linton <p>Leonard Linton's story spans half the globe&mdash;from Japan to Germany, France, New York, and back to Germany, where as a 23-year-old U.S. soldier he happened upon a concentration camp called Woebbelin.</p> Leonard Linton's story spans half the globe&mdash;from Japan to Germany, France, New York, and back to Germany, where as a 23-year-old U.S. soldier he happened upon a concentration camp called Woebbelin. Leonard Linton's story spans half the globe&mdash;from Japan to Germany, France, New York, and back to Germany, where as a 23-year-old U.S. soldier he happened upon a concentration camp called Woebbelin. Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Testimony, Oral History No full 7 1 Leonard Linton's story spans half the globe—from Japan to Germany, France, New York, and back to Germany, where as a 23-year-old U.S. soldier he happened upon a concentration camp called Woebbelin.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/8c9r20s14d 00:24:01 Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:22:27 -0000 Episode 5 — Arne Brun Lie <p>Eighteen-year-old Arne Brun Lie answered the patriotic call to join the Norwegian resistance.&nbsp; But instead of fighting for his nation&rsquo;s freedom, he found himself in the hands of the Nazis, fighting for his life.</p> Eighteen-year-old Arne Brun Lie answered the patriotic call to join the Norwegian resistance.&nbsp; But instead of fighting for his nation&rsquo;s freedom, he found himself in the hands of the Nazis, fighting for his life. Eighteen-year-old Arne Brun Lie answered the patriotic call to join the Norwegian resistance.&nbsp; But instead of fighting for his nation&rsquo;s freedom, he found himself in the hands of the Nazis, fighting for his life. Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral History No full Episode 5 1  

Eighteen-year-old Arne Brun Lie answered the patriotic call to join the Norwegian resistance.  But instead of fighting for his nation’s freedom, he found himself in the hands of the Nazis, fighting for his life.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/kh0dv1d16t 00:27:08 Thu, 07 Nov 2019 04:54:28 -0000 Episode 4 — Sally Finkelstein Horwitz <p>After liberation from a slave labor camp, Sally Finkelstein Horwitz and her sister returned to Poland where anti-Jewish pogroms forced them to seek refuge in Germany.</p> After liberation from a slave labor camp, Sally Finkelstein Horwitz and her sister returned to Poland where anti-Jewish pogroms forced them to seek refuge in Germany. After liberation from a slave labor camp, Sally Finkelstein Horwitz and her sister returned to Poland where anti-Jewish pogroms forced them to seek refuge in Germany. Holocaust Studies, History, Testimonies, Oral HIstory No full 4 1 After liberation from a slave labor camp, Sally Finkelstein Horwitz and her sister returned to Poland where anti-Jewish pogroms forced them to seek refuge in Germany.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/5717m0445f 00:16:47 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 10:36:51 -0000 Episode 3 — Heda Kovaly <p>When Heda Kovaly was deported from Prague to the Lodz ghetto, along with thousands of other Jews, she never imagined that of her entire extended family, only she and her husband would return alive.</p> When Heda Kovaly was deported from Prague to the Lodz ghetto, along with thousands of other Jews, she never imagined that of her entire extended family, only she and her husband would return alive. When Heda Kovaly was deported from Prague to the Lodz ghetto, along with thousands of other Jews, she never imagined that of her entire extended family, only she and her husband would return alive. Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral History, Testimony No full 3 1  

When Heda Kovaly was deported from Prague to the Lodz ghetto, along with thousands of other Jews, she never imagined that of her entire extended family, only she and her husband would return alive.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/pn8x921t4m 00:21:10 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 11:08:02 -0000 Episode 2 — Leon Bass <p>&nbsp;</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leon Bass faced racism growing up in Philadelphia, confronted it in the Army, and discovered its &ldquo;ultimate&rdquo; endpoint at a German concentration camp called Buchenwald.</span></p> &nbsp; Leon Bass faced racism growing up in Philadelphia, confronted it in the Army, and discovered its &ldquo;ultimate&rdquo; endpoint at a German concentration camp called Buchenwald. &nbsp; Leon Bass faced racism growing up in Philadelphia, confronted it in the Army, and discovered its &ldquo;ultimate&rdquo; endpoint at a German concentration camp called Buchenwald. Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, Oral HIstory No full 2 1 Leon Bass faced racism growing up in Philadelphia, confronted it in the Army, and discovered its “ultimate” endpoint at a German concentration camp called Buchenwald.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/wh2d795r8m 00:26:03 Thu, 26 Sep 2019 10:40:03 -0000 Episode 1—Martin Schiller <p>As a little boy, Martin Schiller was sent to a slave labor camp in Poland along with his family. Separated from his mother, Martin never lost hope of being reunited with her after liberation.&nbsp; This is his story of survival.</p> As a little boy, Martin Schiller was sent to a slave labor camp in Poland along with his family. Separated from his mother, Martin never lost hope of being reunited with her after liberation.&nbsp; This is his story of survival. As a little boy, Martin Schiller was sent to a slave labor camp in Poland along with his family. Separated from his mother, Martin never lost hope of being reunited with her after liberation.&nbsp; This is his story of survival. Holocaust Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Oral History No full 1 1 As a little boy, Martin Schiller was sent to a slave labor camp in Poland along with his family. Separated from his mother, Martin never lost hope of being reunited with her after liberation. This is his story of survival.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/0r9m32n93v 00:22:10 Thu, 12 Sep 2019 10:34:27 -0000 Series Introduction <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meet host Eleanor Reissa and hear excerpts of upcoming episodes featuring first-hand accounts of the Holocaust&mdash;drawn from the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies at Yale University.</span></p> Meet host Eleanor Reissa and hear excerpts of upcoming episodes featuring first-hand accounts of the Holocaust&mdash;drawn from the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies at Yale University. Meet host Eleanor Reissa and hear excerpts of upcoming episodes featuring first-hand accounts of the Holocaust&mdash;drawn from the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies at Yale University. Holocaust Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Oral History No full Series Introduction 1  

Meet host Eleanor Reissa and hear excerpts of upcoming episodes featuring first-hand accounts of the Holocaust—drawn from the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies at Yale University.

]]> https://fortunoff.aviaryplatform.com/r/6688g8fp2w 00:07:27 Thu, 12 Sep 2019 10:26:51 -0000