Eichen Family History
David Eichen was born on December 20, 1925 in Zurawno. His parents were Hermann Eichen, born in 1895, and Dora Eidler. He had one sister, Genia Holczak, who was two years younger. His family lived modestly in a two-room house. When he was six years old, he began attending public school. David enjoyed swimming, skiing and playing soccer with his friends.
David was just 15 years old when World War II started. Through a number of fortuitous circumstances, David managed to survive the German occupation, even passing as a Pole and a Russian prisoner at times to escape detection. Eventually he was taken to work in Vienna, Austria, and then to Meyenheim, Germany, where he was liberated by the Americans.
David arrived in Paris in 1945 when he was 20 years old. He met his wife Lea at a society ball organized by former Jewish fighters. They were married in 1949, and had two children, Gerard and Danielle.
David Eichen Oral History
David Eichen was interviewed about his life in Zurawno before and during World War II, and his life after the war. The interviews took place during the summer of 2011 and provide a detailed account of the customs of the time, and the events that changed Zurawno forever. David also recalled the names of many friends and neighbors.
The complete text of the oral history can be found by clicking here.
Interviewer:We will be asking you some questions about your life in Zurawno for this oral history. First, an easy question - can you tell us your full name?
David:My full name is Eichen, David.
Interviewer:Has your name been changed at any time? What other names have you been known by?
David:During the war, well, I took the name of a Polish schoolmate.
Interviewer:« Et quel était ce nom ? » And what was the name?
David:The name was Stanislas Renkasowski.
Interviewer:When were you born?
David:Dec 20.
Interviewer:« Quelle année ? » What year?
David1925.
Interviewer:What were the names of your mother and father?
DavidHermann Eichen, Dora Eidler. More...
Photos: (1) David Eichen, 1945; (2) David and Lea Eichen, Rue Bothu, 1949.
Permission to use the photos on this page granted by David Eichen and Juliet Eichen on October 10, 2011.
