The document contains the transcript of an interview with 10 questions about the experiences and conditions at the Dachau concentration camp during the Holocaust. In response to the questions, the interviewee describes the extreme deprivation, brutal treatment, constant fear and struggle to survive they faced each day at the camp. They also express their commitment to honoring the memories and voices of those who did not survive, and the importance of remembering the Holocaust so such an atrocity never happens again.
2. Question 1
Q: What were the living conditions at Dachai? Q: What was
A: We were issued one quarter of a loaf of bread, to last three
days. In the morning, we were handed a cup of roasted barley
drink. There was no lunch. At dinnertime, sometimes we got a
watery soup with bits of salt, and a boiled potato. Our prison
clothes were a heavy, coarse denim. They would freeze when
they got wet. We were not issued hats, gloves or underwear.
The first night, about 500 prisoners were stuffed into a room
designed to hold 50 (Believe me, it is possible). Later on, we
were forced to sleep on straw. The guards delighted in making
weak and ill clothed prisoners march or stand at attention in
rain, snow, and ice for hours. As you can imagine, death came
often due to the conditions.
3. Question 2
Q: What was the daily routine for the camp?
A:Three times a day, we were counted. We had
to carry the dead to the square. Each time, we
had to stand at attention in all kinds of weather.
4. Question 3
Q: How did people adjust to Dachau?
A: There were some actors, comedians, and
musicians among us. Sometimes they would
casually perform. One of the musicians got hold
of a violin and played for us. To this day, it
remains a mystery how he got his hands on a
violin.
5. Question 4
Q: Was there ever a time where you wished you
were not Jewish?
A: No, definitely not. I am the way I am. I cannot
change that and I would not change that; even if
I had to relive those days. My hope, my wish and
prayer is for every child to grow up in peace
without hunger and prejudice.
6. Question 5
Q: Did people ever escape successfully?
A: Nobody escaped. Guards would get extra
leave time for killing prisoners who were too
close to the fence.
7. Question 6
Q: How did you accept the fear of Dachau?
A: Due to the constant hunger and extreme cold
weather, one becomes too numb to even think
of fear. A prisoner under these conditions
becomes obsessed with survival; nothing else
matters.
8. Question 7
Q: Would you rather have died or here alive?
A: No, I think it was chance. But I have an
obligation to keep the spirits of the ones who
were less fortunate alive; the silent voices must
be heard. To this day the faces of friends and of
loved ones still haunt me.
9. Question 8
Q: Why do you think the Holocaust should be
remembered?
A: Because it was one of the most dreadful
things that happened and by a nation that
should have known better.
10. Question 9
Q: Do you plan on visiting any Holocaust
museums? Why?
A: Yes. I go once a year on the same date. The
date my parents were taken and killed I go to a
museum to honor them.
11. Question 10
Q: Lastly, what were your emotions on liberation
day?
A:Fear, fear of the unknown, the fear of whats
next. But there was also gladness; it was
gladness and fear all at once.