Joseph Akerman
Joseph Akerman discusses a Death March he endured near the end of the war, as well as the overall condition of the concentration camps.
Joseph Akerman was born on April 25, 1920 in Sosnowiec, Poland. His father Mendel was a business and also a shoichet. A shoichet undergoes extensive training to be able to slaughter and butcher animals according to Jewish religious laws.
Joseph’s mother Zivia was a homemaker. His siblings included Jacob (born in 1912), Schmuel (born in 1916), Pola (born in 1921) and Chaim (born in 1923). Growing up in Poland, Joseph was active in the Betar youth movement.
Over 30 extended family members of Joseph Akerman’s family were killed in the Holocaust. Joseph survived several concentration and labour camps including Gross Rosen, Blechhammer, Langenstein-Zwieberge, and Buchenwald.
After liberation Joseph lived in the Zeilsheim Displaced Persons’ camp near Frankfurt, in the American-occupied zone in Germany. From there he immigrated to Israel, and in 1995 to Canada where he settled in Toronto.
Joseph AkermanI was afraid to turn my head. I just went forward with the other people.
Testimony to discover
-
Post-War Conditions
Sam Krongold
Sam Krongold discusses the post-war conditions in Poland that made it unsafe for him and his family to return to their home.
Listen -
Death March
Lilly Yunger
Lilly Yunger describes her experiences on a Death March and the dangers she faced.
Listen -
Hiding
Judy Schachter
Judy Schachter describes a dangerous experience while in hiding.
Listen -
Camp
David Newman
David Newman describes his experiences in labour and concentration camps including his involvement with the Jewish underground resistance movement.
Listen
Educators & Students
Educational guides
Check resources