The summary of ‘2024 First Person with Holocaust Survivor Albert Garih’

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, Bill Benson introduces the “First Person: Conversations with Holocaust Survivors” program, explaining that it features Holocaust survivors sharing their first-hand experiences. In this particular session, survivor Albert Garih is the guest. Albert begins by providing background information about his parents, Benjamin and Claire. Both were born in Istanbul, Turkey, and immigrated to France in 1923 due to political changes after World War I. Albert describes his father as a self-educated man who started working at a young age and eventually became an accountant at a garment factory. He also shares fond memories of playing in the factory. Albert then begins to talk about his mother, noting that she was more formally educated than his father.

00:05:00

In this part of the video, Albert Garih shares details about his family history and early life. He talks about his parents’ education and their marriage in 1928, followed by the birth of his siblings and himself. Albert recounts the difficult economic circumstances his family faced, living modestly in a janitor’s apartment within a garment factory. He discusses the impact of World War II on his family, describing how they fled Paris during the German invasion—a movement he refers to as “The Exodus.” His father remained in Paris to work, while Albert, his mother, and sisters sought refuge in Orléans. During this exodus, Albert’s maternal grandmother was tragically killed by an air attack while attempting to fetch food. Additionally, a bomb strike caused further suffering to his family.

00:10:00

In this part of the video, Bill Benson and Albert Garih discuss the harrowing experiences of Garih’s family during the Nazi invasion of France. Garih explains that his family was forced to return to Paris because they had no other place to go, despite the dangers and the collaborationist government expelling them from their apartment. They had to move into a much smaller, two-room apartment. During this period, large-scale deportations of Jews were happening in Paris. In September 1943, Garih’s father was taken away for forced labor in the Channel Islands, leaving his mother alone with three young children. Additionally, Garih recounts being sent to a farm in the suburbs for safety but accidentally revealing his Jewish identity, which led to his return to Paris. His father advised him never to disclose their Jewish heritage again, a lesson that stayed with him for many years.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, Albert Garih recounts a series of significant events during his father’s time on the island of Alderney. Albert’s father suffered a severe head injury after falling off a cliff, leaving him with lifelong scars. Albert vividly remembers his father’s departure, accompanying him to the metro station along with his crying mother. He even recalls playing with his father’s gas mask at the age of four. Albert’s mother was able to exchange letters with his father, learning about his accident and fearing they might never see him again, but his father’s resilience saw him through. A photograph taken by a professional, sent to his father, holds sentimental value and was dated January 11, 1944. After his father left for forced labor, his mother, alone with three children, feared for their safety. She confided in Madame Galop, who opposed the Nazi occupation. Moved by their plight, Madame Galop’s husband offered them refuge, and the family lived with the Galops for about six months.

00:20:00

In this part of the video, Albert Garih reflects on his time living with the Galop family during the war, describing it as the happiest period despite the ongoing conflict. Albert fondly remembers playing hide and seek with the Galops’ daughters and enjoying toys made by Monsieur Galop. Bill Benson inquires about the impact of the war on Albert’s older sisters, who were more aware of the danger. A notable moment is when Albert’s mother courageously asked Mrs. Galop for help despite the risks involved. Albert discusses the considerable danger the Galop family faced by hiding them, highlighting their bravery and their observance as Protestants. The segment ends with a viewer’s question about Albert’s current connection with any of the people from that time.

00:25:00

In this part of the video, Albert Garih discusses reestablishing contact with Madame Galop around 1990-91, after losing touch following his moves to Africa, Canada, and the States. He describes finding her through a computerized phone book and visiting her in Montpellier, France, which was a wonderful experience.

Albert then recounts his family’s situation after a warning from authorities to leave their home, as his father was in captivity. He describes an early morning visit from police inspectors around D-Day, who warned his mother to flee. His mother quickly took Albert and his sisters to a social worker, who advised them to stay with neighbors temporarily. The neighbors, the Ménétriers and others, kindly hosted them. Albert explains that Robert Ménétrier was also evading the Gestapo due to mandatory labor service in Germany.

00:30:00

In this part of the video, Albert Garih recounts his experience during a dangerous period when his mother had to go into hiding, and he was placed in a boarding school in Montfermeil, a suburb of Paris. He was six years old and separated from his family for the first time. The headmistress of the school took special care of him, serving as a surrogate mother. Conditions were tough, with constant hunger being a significant issue. When Paris was liberated in September 1944, his mother came to see him and was shocked by his poor physical condition. Garih vividly recalls the moment of liberation, seeing Allied troops and encountering Americans for the first time. Upon reuniting with his family, he shares this emotional and impactful period of his childhood.

00:35:00

In this part of the video, Albert Garih recounts his emotional reunion with his mother after Paris and Montfermeil were liberated. His mother found him and his siblings in poor condition and took them home immediately to care for them. He describes a particularly dangerous moment when he and his mother narrowly escaped being caught by the militia because of an identity check, highlighting the constant danger they faced. Additionally, Garih talks about the severe hunger they experienced and the efforts made by his mother to restore their health, which included him consuming cod liver oil and undergoing UV treatment despite the challenging circumstances.

00:40:00

In this part of the video, Albert Garih recounts his family’s experiences during World War II, focusing on his father’s harrowing journey back to their family. When asked whether he reunited with his father, Albert shares that his father was moved with other inmates by the Germans after the Allies landed in Normandy. Eventually, the train transporting them was stopped by partisans in Belgium, leading to their release. Albert’s father then made a 200-mile trek back to Paris, arriving on the morning of Rosh Hashanah. He vividly remembers his father’s arrival and describes the severe physical condition his father was in, including deep scars from a significant injury. Despite the trauma, the nuclear family was reunited, although many extended family members were lost. Albert also touches on the fact that while they might have discussed their wartime experiences initially, they eventually moved on and did not continually relive those memories.

00:45:00

In this part of the video, Albert Garih reflects on his family’s emotional state during and after the war. He recalls his mother’s constant fear and stress, which manifested physically after the war. He also speaks about the relief and return to normalcy once Paris was liberated in August 1944, including his return to school. Garih emphasizes the importance of combating hatred, bigotry, fanaticism, and antisemitism based on his Holocaust experiences. Bill Benson conveys deep appreciation for Garih’s contributions and shares a heartfelt audience comment about the impact of survivor testimonies. The segment concludes with thanks to the program’s donor and an invitation to future programs.