Pages:
57 + 10
,
typscript.
Year of publication:
1946-2005
Keywords:
Epstein, P.
;
Joseph, Fritz.
;
Bergen-Belsen (Concentration camp)
;
Hugo Schneider Aktiengesellschaft.
;
Theresienstadt (Concentration camp)
;
Westerbork (Concentration camp)
;
Forced labor
;
Holocaust survivors Personal narratives.
;
World War, 1939-1945.
;
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
;
Autobiographies
;
Biographical sources
;
Memoirs
Abstract:
The memoir was written in German one and a half years after liberation. It has the form of a witness report, written in a clear and objective tone, but nevertheless harrowing. The content: Their is no word on their life in Amsterdam before the deportation. The memoir starts with their arrest in Amsterdam, Westerbork - the place they were deported to at first - is mentioned, but not described. Bergen-Belsen gets more attention, Fritz Joseph describes daily work routine, and living conditions in the camp. Theresienstadt comes next, and the author points out the good features as opposed to his later experiences in Auschwitz. He describes the efforts to make Theresienstadt look prettier, before the International Red Cross delegation arrived. Soon thereafter, the infamous movie documentary about Thersienstadt was shot. Firtz Joseph describes many details of the false set-up. Then he was separated from his wife and deported to Auschwitz. He describes the selection process, and many other components of the horror. He was then transferred to Buchenwald, and had to work as a forced laborer at the HASAG works (former Hugo Schneider AG) at Meuselwitz near Leipzig. In 1945, the camp was evacuated and Fritz Joseph could flee. The war ended and he got treatment for his infected leg. After a few days he could return to Amsterdam where he met his wife - she had survived as well. A 10 page long It can be found in the file as well.
Abstract:
Also included is an English language summary of the memoir by John and Eva Englander (2005).
Note:
German (original) and English (summary)
URL:
http://digital.cjh.org/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=531717&custom_att_2=simple_viewer
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