Oral History

Lilly Appelbaum Malnik describes death march from Auschwitz to Bergen-Belsen

Germany invaded Belgium in May 1940. After the Germans seized her mother, sister, and brother, Lilly went into hiding. With the help of friends and family, Lilly hid her Jewish identity for two years. But, in 1944, Lilly was denounced by some Belgians and deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau via the Mechelen camp. After a death march from Auschwitz, Lilly was liberated at Bergen-Belsen by British forces.

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Critical Thinking Questions

Why are survivor testimonies important in studying the Holocaust?

What was the context of World War II at the time of the events Lilly describes?

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?


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  • US Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection
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