Introduction.

It was at a presentation at the Montreal Holocaust Museum, in May 2009, which prompted this endeavour.

The lecture was given by Paul Bard. He was relating some of his experiences during the holocaust to a group of non Jewish students.


He was only allocated one hour, and it was strongly suggested that he spend 45 minutes talking and allow 15 minutes for questions.

Unquestionably, insufficient time to tell his story.


High school teaches from an impersonal and detached history book. Although, perhaps somewhat controversial, there is a hypothesis that states that the level of a student's comprehension, is based on their ability to relate to the topic , through internalization and identification of the subject matter.



The impact is therefore intensified when one feels the emotion. This became very apparent during Paul's presentations. While he gave a brief outline as to the "why" of the war, he did not have the attention or interest of the students.



Sitting at the back of the room, I could see their heads nodding down, while they were dozing or texting. As the topic of the lecture became more personalized, the atmosphere changed considerably. One could feel the change in air. Their curiosity was aroused. They were watching the protagonist of a real life horror story.



It is with that in mind, that the decision was made to create this blog, an oral history as opposed to a written one.


The hope is, that by listening, the impact will be more powerful and hopefully curiosity aroused.


here is a wealth of information available on the internet about the Holocaust.


Sadly, there are few first hand oral perspectives.





Dedication

This is a tribute to the Jews of Romania and Hungary, especially those of Oradea, who perished during the Holocaust and to a culture and a history which had existed for centuries.

The survivors of the evil and prejudice of those times, migrated not only to Israel but to many western countries, Canada being one of the most fortunate beneficiaries.

I have had the priviledge of knowing two of those suvivors, Paul Bard and his wife of over 60 years Agi Fischer Bard, both from Oradea.

It is to them, the family they lost, and the Jews of Oradea, that this blog is dedicated.

The optimum method of following this blog is to access the oldest post first and continue listening in date recorded order.

Myra Dodick
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
August, 2009

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Montreal Holocaust Museum

The posts below were recorded on Sept 2rd, 2009 at the Montreal Holocaust Museum.  The presentation was made to a group of IDF from Israel and is in Hebrew, one of the 6 languages Paul Bard is fluent in.

http://www.mediafire.com/?eidqzr3oftj
Last minute of the speech given by the tour guide at the museum. 
Part 1:  27 seconds, 217 KB


http://www.mediafire.com/?zon54dommzv
Introduction of Paul by leader to the group of Israeli soldiers. In Hebrew.
Part 2:  5 minutes     2.3 MB



http://www.mediafire.com/?yhldttytntz

September 3rd, 2009  Paul's presentation at Montreal Holocaust Museum, including question and answer period.
Part 3:  50.22 minutes,  23MB
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