Oral History

Agate (Agi) Rubin describes events following the German occupation of Hungary

In April 1944, after the German occupation of Hungary, Agi, her mother, six-year-old brother, and aunt were forced into the Munkacs ghetto. Before deportation to Auschwitz, Agi was forced to work in the ghetto's brick factory. At Auschwitz, Agi, then 14 years old, was chosen as part of a Sonderkommando. This forced-labor detachment had to sort the clothing and possessions of inmates and victims at Auschwitz. In January 1945, Agi and other prisoners were forced on a death march from Auschwitz. She was liberated by Soviet forces in April/May 1945.

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Critical Thinking Questions

How do oral histories differ from other primary sources such as artifacts, documents, and photographs? What can we learn from different types of primary sources?

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

What questions does this eyewitness testimony raise for you?

Explore the Museum's website and Collections to learn more about Hungary before and after the German occupation.


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  • US Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection
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