Oral History

Fritzie Weiss Fritzshall describes deportation in cattle car to Auschwitz

Fritzie's father immigrated to the United States, but by the time he could bring his family over, war had begun and Fritzie's mother feared attacks on transatlantic shipping. Fritzie, her mother, and two brothers were eventually sent to Auschwitz. Her mother and brothers died. Fritzie survived by pretending to be older than her age and thus a stronger worker. On a death march from Auschwitz, Fritzie ran into a forest, where she was later liberated.

Transcript

Critical Thinking Questions

Why are survivor testimonies important in studying the Holocaust?

What other source materials might be helpful to provide more historical context for this eyewitness testimony? What aspects of the history might these other source materials help reveal?

What was the context of the Holocaust and World War II at the time of the events Fritzie describes?


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  • US Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection
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