Witness: Voices From the Holocaust

Since 1976, Holocaust survivors have been recording their memories and experiences in interviews conducted for the Fortunoff Archive. These interviews, which comprise some 10,000 hours from over 4,000 individuals are now housed at Yale University. Witness is a graphic, compelling selection of recollections offered by former concentration camp inmates, POWs, witnesses, and in one case, a former member of a Hitler youth group. The Holocaust survivors recall the gathering storm clouds of anti-Semitism, which began to build over Germany in the 1930s, the tightening noose of terror, brutality, and isolation, the subhuman life in the ghettos, cattle cars, and death camps. Of course, much of the testimony is not for the squeamish. Many of the survivors admit that a certain detachment, even coldness was necessary to survive the camps, and only the strong could withstand the diseases and death marches toward the end of the war. With mixed feelings, the former inmates recall the confusion and joy of liberation, yet wonder whether anything has really been learned since those dark days. While not enjoyable viewing, this video (scheduled for broadcast on PBS) is an important document depicting how a seemingly civilized society can sink to incredible depths of brutality and inhumanity. Recommended for mature high school and college students, as well as public library collections. Aud; H, C, P. (S. Rees)