An Interview with Curt Herzstark

respect my paternal grandmother above everyone. She was widowed in 1872 and was the daughter of a doctor. In order to support herself she took on the profession of a midwife. I think, that she did have a university degree. She was a woman who knew life with all of its good and bad sides. I was in her care until her death, until I was nine years old... See more

Now comes... the CURTA comes in for the first time, no? I knew how in principle to build a machine for the hand in 1938. Naturally the moment that Hitler came all of this was put aside. First, we were not allowed to build any more calculating machines. Secondly, I said to myself, this is a living for me perhaps if I emigrate or something. Aside fro... See more

hen I will begin in German. I was born in Vienna on the 26th of January in 1902, a child of the parent Samuel Jakob Herzstark and Marie Herzstark. The marriage was a civil marriage, because my father was born a Jew, and my mother was a true Christian. But they were both free spirits. My father left Judaism but he had no affiliation and remained wit... See more

HERZSTARK: The second war... yes, yes. My father had owned, by the way, a movie theater for many years. As

nto the factory? He will die otherwise." "Yes, if it is possible, I will do it. I will report it. What kind of profession does this man have?" "Lawyer." "Yes, what should I do with a lawyer?" "Well maybe you can find a way for him, comrade." So, when I informed the production scheduling department that I have ascertained with my inspections that a ... See more

And then the first World War started, and the difficulties began. Unfortunately after the war began, the production of calculating machines was no longer possible. Many of the personnel had to enlist and the factory had to produce military equipment, specifically Schrapnel ignitors. This type of work requires precision. The ignitor is suspended int... See more

So

and then I was sent to Buchenwald. There, in the very first weeks, I was put in a work unit where I believed I would be buried.

HERZSTARK: It would be too much [and range too far] if I were to tell you all of the details, then I would have to relive the hours until I came to Buchenwald. So, in any case, how I was delivered in Bochum is a really terrible story. I was already spiritually at zero [seelisch am Nullpunckt], and then I came to this so called "small camp". I can s... See more