Turning Family Stories into a Testimony

For descendants of Holocaust survivors, one of the greatest responsibilities we carry is preserving our family’s history. Testimonies ensure that stories of resilience, survival, and loss are not forgotten, so that future generations can learn from them. 

But where do you start?

When I began documenting my grandfather Alex Baldor’s story, I quickly realized the importance of organization. 

Here’s the process that helped me turn his memories into a clear and historically accurate testimony:

Step 1: Collect Materials

Start with what you have, whether it is written accounts, letters, or notes left behind. 

If you are able to, try to collect more. One of the things I did is I sat down with my grandfather to gather oral testimonies (or listen to recorded interviews). If you do not live near your loved one, this can also be done via zoom or other applications, as it can be recorded.

Step 2: Create a Timeline

I made a chart in Google Docs. On the left, I listed the year. On the right, I noted the key events. 

For example:

1933 – Alex Baldor was born (August 10, 1933).

1937 – They live in a house in Brno, Czechoslovakia belonging to a Jewish landlord. Across the street was his parent’s factory. They were in good economic condition.

This structure kept everything chronological and helped me identify missing details, like if there is a year unaccounted for.

Step 3: Add Details & Research

Using my grandfather’s written words as a foundation, I filled in gaps with oral testimony. When something didn’t add up, I left comments with questions to revisit later, either by asking him or by doing historical research.

Additional Tips

• Enrich with Artifacts – Photos, family objects, and letters bring a testimony to life. They connect the personal with the historical.

Alex Baldor, 1945

• Use Archives – If you can’t speak directly with survivors in your family, don’t underestimate the power of research. Sites like Yad Vashem and JewishGen can uncover names, records, and stories connected to your family.

Final Thoughts

The testimony I wrote for my grandfather is both deeply personal and historically grounded. It blends his individual memories with the broader context of what Jewish families endured. Most importantly, it is now organized, preserved, and ready to be shared.

If you are working on your own family’s testimony, remember:

• Stay organized.

• Comment with your questions as you go.

• Combine personal stories with historical context.

Your work ensures that these voices continue to speak, and that remembrance is carried forward with accuracy, care, and love.