Bertha Lautman (Berkovitz) Holocaust Interview

In this powerful testimony, Bertha Lautman (née Berkovitz) recounts her extraordinary story of survival during the Holocaust. Bertha was deported as part of the first transport of 999 young Jewish women from Slovakia to Auschwitz in March 1942—a transport that marked the beginning of the systematic deportation of Jewish women to the camp. Among the many unforgettable memories she shares is the story of an improvised Passover Seder in Block 27, where she and fellow prisoners used a single peach as the centerpiece of their observance. Even in the depths of Auschwitz, they found ways to preserve their faith, dignity, and humanity in defiance of unimaginable suffering. Bertha reflects on life inside Auschwitz-Birkenau, the friendships that helped sustain her, the loss of family and community, and the resilience that ultimately enabled her to survive. Her testimony is both a deeply personal memoir and an irreplaceable historical record. As the generation of Holocaust survivors grows smaller, preserving these firsthand accounts has never been more important. This channel is dedicated to ensuring that Bertha’s voice continues to educate, inspire, and bear witness for future generations.