Anna Rado’s Story
Rado’s testimony began with her life in a Hungarian small town. The youngest of three children, Rado described how when she was 13-years-old, Germany invaded Hungary on March 19, 1944 and forced all Jews wear a yellow star on their clothing. Her family was moved to two different ghettos, able to take just three, then one suitcase containing their belongings. On June 15, 1944, Rado’s family was taken to the railroad station.
Three days later, Rado’s family arrived at the Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz. Her family was broken apart in minutes. Her father was sent one way, and her mother and the two girls were taken in another direction. Rado’s eyes revealed the sadness of reliving the moment.
“That was the last time I saw my father,” she said.
Her story continued as her mother, sister and herself met Dr. Mengele, German SS Officer and physician, also known as the Angel of Death, for their first selection. Dr. Menegele selected her mother, but not the daughters. Mrs. Rado said her sister, in German, asked Dr. Menegele, “Please, let my sister go with our mother. She is still young.” However, Dr. Menegele denied the request saying “No, she is strong. She can work.” With a bit of relief in her voice, Rado said “That is what saved my life. And that was the last time I saw my mother.”
After being parted from her sister at Auschwitz, Rado worked hard and volunteered for every job demonstrating she was still strong enough to work. She was not picked during selection. When the Russians liberated the Jews, Rado found her way home.
“Because I spoke German…it always helped me.” On her journey back to her home in Hungary, she encountered a neighbor who told her that her brother was home. “My brother was my savior,” she said. “At that moment, when I heard he was home, I felt safe.”
Miraculous Survival
During the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, Rado, married with two children, and her brother’s family escaped Hungary and made their way to San Antonio in 1957, where they were greeted by Rado’s sister. All three siblings miraculously survived. Out of 300 Jews from the small Hungarian town, only 15 survived the Holocaust.
A Life of Resilience
Dr. Westermann closed the class with these thoughts: “This is the lost history and all humanity will suffer when we lose this generation. It is up to you and me to take Anna Rado’s testimony and carry it on to future generations.”
