World War, 1939-1945 - Jews

Date: 12 Apr 1998

By: Lynch, Winifred Jane, 1940-; Lynch, Bruce Paul, 1947-; Heller, Elisabeth, 1910-2007

Reference: OHColl-0656/1

Description: Elisabeth (Lisl) Heller was born in St Wolfgang, Austria in 1910. Her father was a hotelier who operated the `White Horse Inn' made famous by the musical. Recalls her childhood days in Austria. Describes studying social work in Vienna where her future husband, Paul Heller, was her lecturer. Mentions that he was trained in law. Describes their marriage in 1932, Lisl Heller's study of law and their emigration from Austria in 1939 because Paul Heller was Jewish. Focuses on her life in Europe. Paul and Lisl Heller worked at Pukeora Sanitorium near Waipukurau before coming to Wellington where Paul Heller became an accountant and a specialist in aviation law; worked in Treasury in Samoa and they retired to Titirangi, Auckland Interviewer(s) - Winifred Lynch Interviewer(s) - Bruce Lynch Accompanying material - Menu and colour photos of Liesl Heller and guests at her 90th birthday party Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 folder(s). 1 interview(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other accompanying material OHA-3859.

Date: 14 and 20 January 2004

From: From memory oral history project

By: Parr, Alison, 1953-; Ward, Judy, active 1980

Reference: OHInt-0981-08

Description: Interview with Judy Ward. The interview describes in detail her pre-war life in an affluent middle class Jewish family; Hitler's rise to power, anti-Semitism and the coming of the war; life in a boarding school in Berlin; her escape via Trieste to Palestine leaving her mother behind; life in Palestine learning Hebrew and changing her name to Jehudit; growth of her political awareness; life in Haifa with her family; joining the British Army in Jersaelm (Jewish Battalion); life in the army; meeting Pat Ward, a New Zealand soldier, on a train in Egypt - he on his way to Lebanon; her marriage to Pat and move to New Zealand; life in rural Wairarapa in very primitive conditions; her adjustments to the new life; her commitment to Israel today. Interviewer(s) - Alison Parr Quantity: 7 C60 cassette(s). Search dates: 14/01/2004 - 20/01/2004

From: Scott, Thomas 1947- :Editorial cartoons. 1 July - 30 September 1992

Reference: H-110-028

Description: Shows a Bosnian man carrying all his possessions, including a chicken in a cage and a cooking pot. On the wall behind him, meeting up with his shadow, is a swastika. Compares the "ethnic cleansing" of Bosnian Muslims by Serbians to Hitler's "final solution" for the Jews. Quantity: 1 cartoon bromide(s).

Date: 1969-1992

By: Bernath, Michael, 1923-

Reference: MSX-3806-3808

Description: Three volumes of writings by Michael Bernath consisting of a family history and autobiography entitled `Christians revenge on the Jews - a Memoir' written in 1969; `Rabbi Jesus', written in 1991 and giving Bernath's interpretation of the life of Jesus and Jewish and Christian history of that period and `Stories in poems through the holocaust', written in 1992. Source of title - supplied title Quantity: 3 volume(s). 0.06 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript (photocopies)

Date: 1938-1947, 1962, 1978, 1986, 1995, 2007, nd

By: Bieder family

Reference: MS-Group-0455

Description: Comprises letters in German by Abraham Bieder, father of Ludwig Bieder, written after he escaped from Vienna in 1939. Some have additional messages by other people. The collection relating to Archie Hull comprises his journal (1938-1940) and letters he wrote to Lois Little (later Bieder) while he was studying at university and training to be a pilot in the RNZAF Futher papers include Lois's diaries from the time of her relationship with Hull, correspondence received, and later reminiscences of her life in Wellington, and travel to India. The collection also contains newspaper clippings and materials relating to Hull's death. An electronic transcript of Lois's diaries and letters from Archie Hull is also available, MSDL-1999. Language - All the letters in the collection are in German but have been translated for Lois Bieder's use in `Escape from Vienna' (1986); A96-134 (MS-Papers-5538) is the translation Source of title - Supplied Other Titles - Escape from Vienna Relationship complexity - `Escape from Vienna' (1986) in Printed collection at 940.53159 The letters form part of Lois Bieder's `Escape from Vienna' (1986) which describes the lives of the Bieder family in Austria, Brussels and NZ; the journal in the form of a letter is Abraham Bieder's reminiscences which were also used in `Escape from Vienna'. Lois Little (later Bieder) had a romantic relationship with Archie Hull while he was a student at Victoria University, and during his training as a pilot in the RNZAF. Hull was killed in a plane crash in 1940. Quantity: 10 folder(s). 1 volume(s). 1 Electronic document(s). 0.11 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph with mss additions (some photocopies) Typescripts Transfers: To Other - To Cartoon Archive, six cartoons by A S Paterson - To Photographic Archive - Fourteen photographs, mostly of Lois and Archie Hull, Reference number PAColl-10072.

Date: 27 Aug 1986

From: New Zealand Administrative Staff College Oral History Project, 1986

By: Schwarz, Kurt, 1913-

Reference: OHInt-0113-02

Description: Kurt Schwarz describes family background, childhood in Vienna, Austria, immigration to New Zealand in 1939, early employment at Amos Softgoods Limited, Wellington in 1939, views on management post World War II in New Zealand, background to formation of Administrative Staff College, relationship between public and private administration, development of the Staff College, early courses, trade unions, course routines, standards, Maori in management, comparison with colleges overseas, personalities of council members, College's social responsibility. Accompanying material - Three pages of typewritten information about life and interests included with printed abstract Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Mr Schwarz's home in Karori, Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001345 - OHC-001347 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 193.

Date: 14 August 1989 - 14 Aug 1989

From: Massey University History Department. Students' Oral History Projects.

By: van Baar, Edith, 1928-

Reference: OHInt-0151/54

Description: Edith van Baar gives details of family background, childhood, education and growing up in Holland before the second World War. Recalls German invasion May 1940; round up of Dutch Jews; shortages of food and fuel; her involvement with underground movement; bombings and American forces. Describes in detail the conditions experienced by Dutch civilians during the war years. Mentions German troop movements and celebrations at the end of the war. Interviewer(s) - Michael Dally Venue - 30 Kennedy Drive, Levin Relationship complexity - partial requirement for 48-393 paper at Massey University Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0370.

Date: 25 May 1993

By: Pressburg, Hanka, 1920-2011; Carlisle, Anita, active 1993-1996

Reference: OHColl-0089/1

Description: Hanka Pressburg was born in Rakovnik, Czechoslovakia on 28 August 1920. Describes family background, childhood, schooling and life before the German occupation. Discusses different religions in Czechoslovakia. Comments the family did not have a kosher home but her father closed the shop for Jewish holidays. Describes what happeneed to Rakovnik's Jewish synagogue. Describes restrictions on Jews and the reaction including that of her non-Jewish friends. Recalls the first incident of anti-Semitism to herself. Recalls 15 March 1939 when the German Army entered Prague. Mentions the Nuremberg Laws. Explains why her family did not leave Czechoslovakia before the war. Talks about her fiance, Frederick Weil, and reasons for their marriage. Describes being sent to Theresienstadt on cattle trucks and from there to Krivoklat. Recalls first impressions and being tattooed with an identification number. Describes layout of the camp, general hygiene and the day to day routine. Explains how they dealt with life in the ghetto. Talks about the groups people formed to survive. Describes sexual behaviour of SS to some inmates including the extermination of children which resulted. Discusses inmates involved in sending people to the gas chambers and their lack of choice. Describes being greeted by music from the Auschwitz Orchestra. Discusses being used to clean up the roads in Hamburg after bombing and working on an oil refinery. Describes being sent to Bergen Belsen concentration camp and staying there until liberation on 15 April 1945. Describes the chaos of liberation and arriving back in Prague. Talks about post-war employment and readjustment including a job dealing with restitutions to victims of the Holocaust. Reflects on what contributed to her survival. Explains the procedure involved to prove her husband's death before marrying Jiri(George). Explains their reasons for emigrating and choosing New Zealand. Describes getting money for a house and their need for security. Talks about working for twenty two years at Golden Kiwi lottery. Comments on some anti-foreigner attitudes. Discusses the importance of education about persecution. Language - English with Czech accent Venue - Wellington : 1993 Interviewer(s) - Anita Carlisle Accompanying material - Transcript from a tape recording made in 1981 describing Hanka's early days in Czechoslovakia and time in concentration camps (bound in to abstract) Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005880-005883 Quantity: 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 1351.

Date: 29 January 1993 - 29 Jan 1993

From: New Zealand Netherlands Foundation oral history project

By: Denee-Sieger, Maria Louise, 1923-

Reference: OHInt-0132/15

Description: Maria Louise Denee-Sieger talks about parents and grandparents. Describes her Amsterdam family home. Recalls people marching in the streets during the 1930s, protesting against hunger and unemployment. Recalls the beginning of 1939 - World War II and describes the chaos of people leaving the country, the beginning of German occupation and its effects on their schooling and education and the harrassment of Jewish people. Discusses her involvement with the Students Christian Movement; World Council of Churches Conference in Strasburg; marriage; birth of twins and emigration to New Zealand, travelling on the `Strathmore'. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Language - English with Dutch words Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Kees Webster Venue - 8/41 Sarawia Street, New Market, Auckland Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005419-005420; OHLC-001362--001363 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1040.

Date: 24 September 1992 - 24 Sep 1972

From: New Zealand Netherlands Foundation oral history project

By: Maas, Elisabeth, active 1930-1992

Reference: OHInt-0132/24

Description: Elisabeth Maas who was born in Delft (Netherlands) gives details of her tertiary education in singing, with reference to famous tutors, Maartje Offers and `de Parel' (The Pearl). Recalls learning to fly (1930) and being first female member of Rotterdam Aero club; meeting first husband, Hans Maas and efforts they made to get out of Holland; life in Bennehom (Holland) during war years, with reference to Jewish family who stayed with them throughtout the war; marrying second husband in 1946. Describes journey, sailing themselves, to New York and continuing by air to New Zealand, arriving Auckland November 1948 and setting in Nelson. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Language - Commences with Dutch, apologies and changes to English Venue - Nelson Interviewer(s) - Yoka McLeod-Saris Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005437-005438; OHLC-001422-001423 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1048.

Date: 24 Aug 1988

From: European refugees to New Zealand - oral history interviews

By: Beaglehole, Ann (Dr), 1948-; Halberstam, Lucie Martha, 1931-

Reference: OHInt-0009/32

Description: Interviewer(s) - Ann Beaglehole Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available.

Date: 1989-2015 - 01 Jan 1989 - 18 May 2015

By: Holocaust Oral History Group; Bruell, Claire, 1947-; Narev, Freda, 1937-; Manskleid, Felix, 1911-2007; Knight, Valda, active 1996; Larnder-Rivlin, Joan, active 1995-1996; Stein, Ilse, 1914-2007; Filler, Ruth, active 1994-1995; Lubetzky, Judi, active 1997-2001; Robinson, Yvonne, active 1993; Schaverein, Jane, active 1995; Levy, Diane, active 1993-2005; Max, Lesley (Dame), 1945-; Narev, Ian, active 1997; Regan, Mike, active 2002

Reference: OHColl-0353

Description: The project consists of interviews with Jewish survivors of the Holocaust who settled in New Zealand during and after World War II. They talk about childhoods spent in Europe, leaving Europe during the 1930s and 1940s, experiences during World War II in Nazi occupied Europe, their families and lives in New Zealand. Interviewer(s) - Claire Bruell, Felix Manskleid, Freda Narev, Valda Knight, Joan Larnder-Rivlin, Ilse Stein, Ruth Filler, Judi Lubetzky, Yvonne Robinson, Jane Schaverein, Diane Levy, Leslie Max, Mike Regan, Ian Narev, Caroline Mackersey, Sarah Nevezie and Stuart Ross. Quantity: 20 videocassette(s). 110 C90 cassette(s). 83 transcript(s). 16 C60 cassette(s). 13 compact disc(s). 3 digital video disc(s). 101 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available. Some abstracts contain photographs of the interviewees

Date: 1982

By: Dronke, Minnie Maria, 1904-1987

Reference: MS-Papers-4592

Description: `And nothing but the truth' is an autobiographical account of Maria Dronke's escape from Germany in 1939. It also describes Dronke's time in England, immigration to New Zealand and her and her family's life in New Zealand. Source of title - Transcribed Quantity: 1 folder(s) (14 pages). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Ms A Mallinson, Wellington, 1992

Date: 1939-1960

By: Bruell, Claire, 1947-

Reference: MS-Papers-4430

Description: Consists of two geneaological tables of the Briess and Berger family, carbon copies of letters written by Alice (Lizzie) and Franzl (Frank) Briess to their families, typed translations of these letters and of letters from Marta Loewy and Adi Briess (Lizzie and Frank's mothers) and Josef Berger (Lizzie's uncle?). Many of the letters written by Lizzie and Frank Briess are written to their families in Czechoslovakia via Frank's sister and her husband (Marianne and Otto) in New York. The majority of the carbon copies are in German. Source of title - supplied title Accompanying material - Accompanied by biographical information supplied by donor. Alice (known as Lizzie) and Frank Briess came to New Zealand in October 1939 as refugees. They came from Czechoslovakia via London. Lizzie Loewy was the daughter of Marta and Isidor Loewy and came from Luntenburg, Moravia where her father was a doctor. On completing school Lizzie went to study medicine in Prague where she met and married Franz Briess in 1937. Franz Briess came from the town of Olomouc, also in Moravia where his family owned and ran a prosperous importing and exporting business. He was the son of Friedl Briess and Rosa Schimmerling. After his mother died his father remarried Adele (Adi). Frank was in the Czech army when Hitler marched into the Sudetenland. He and Lizzie left Olomouc for London a few days later and after several applications got permits to come to New Zealand. They at first farmed and then in 1944 Frank acquired a butcher shop and began his career in the food trade. He started a food export and import company and became an authority on spices, herbs and other food products. Quantity: 3 folder(s). 1 folder(s) folio. Physical Description: Typescript (carbon copies) and Ms, typed translations (photocopies) Provenance: Donor is daughter of Lizzie and Frank Briess

Date: 27 January 1995

From: Dominion Post (Newspaper): Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers

By: Reid, Philip John, 1954-

Reference: EP-Religion-Jewish Faith-01

Description: Original Evening Post caption reads: "Greta Lewis and Gerry Gotlieb at yesterday's service to mark the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz". Photograph taken on 27 January 1995 by Evening Post staff photographer Phil Reid, and published 28 January 1995. Arrangement: Negative at EP/1995/0273-F Auschwitz was liberated by Russian troops on 27th January 1945. Quantity: 1 colour original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Dye coupler print 23.3 x 20.1 cm