Oral History

Leo Schneiderman describes arrival at Auschwitz, selection, and separation from his family

The Germans invaded Poland in September 1939. Leo and his family were confined to a ghetto in Lodz. Leo was forced to work as a tailor in a uniform factory. The Lodz ghetto was liquidated in 1944, and Leo was deported to Auschwitz. He was then sent to the Gross-Rosen camp system for forced labor. As the Soviet army advanced, the prisoners were transferred to the Ebensee camp in Austria. The Ebensee camp was liberated in 1945.

Transcript

Critical Thinking Questions

Why are survivor testimonies important in studying the Holocaust?

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?

Explore the Museum's website and Collections to learn more about Leo's story.


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  • US Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection
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