Henry S. testimony 1983

Henry S. was born in Vienna in 1921. He discusses political problems in the city and an undercurrent of instability. He describes the German occupation of Austria. He discusses his family’s decision to leave Austria. He describes increased anti-Jewish regulations and antisemitism. He recalls his father’s business was expropriated. He discusses being allowed to continue the current school year. Through an uncle in Holland, the family obtained a visa to Panama. He explains how his family lost all of their possessions. He describes taking a train to the Netherlands where they had arranged to stay for six weeks. He discusses his family’s decision to remain in Amsterdam. He describes the German invasion. Henry recalls increased anti-Jewish regulations. He describes how the factory he worked in participated in the February Strike. Henry describes going into hiding after learning German police had come to his home to arrest him. He describes going to Belgium with his parents. He describes being smuggled into France. He describes being found by Germans, who were able to arrest half of their group (including Henry’s parents). He describes receiving a postcard from his parents, who ultimately were taken to Drancy then deported to Auschwitz. He explains that the other half of the group returned to Belgium where the underground helped to hide them. He describes his participation in the underground resistance making goods that they could sell on the black market to raise funds. He describes liberation. He explains how he received Czech papers and was able to travel back to Holland. He describes his marriage and having a son in Amsterdam. He describes immigrating to Vancouver where he had relatives. He discusses his experience in Canada and the community. He discusses how his experiences have influenced how he brought up his children. Henry shows documents and photographs.