Study Group: Survivor Testimonies from Sobibor

This study group focuses on analyzing survivor testimonies from Sobibor, one of the most important yet challenging sources for understanding the camp’s operations. We examine accounts from survivors such as Jules Schelvis, Thomas Blatt, and Filip Bialowitz, comparing their recollections and identifying patterns in how survivors processed and communicated their experiences. Each session focuses on a specific testimony or set of testimonies, exploring themes such as daily life, the revolt of October 1943, and the psychological impact of survival. Participants are encouraged to bring their own research questions and share insights from primary and secondary sources. Our goal is to deepen collective understanding while approaching these deeply personal accounts with the care and respect they deserve.