Berthold Erdstein
Name at birth
Berthold Erdstein
Date of birth
06/01/1899
Where did you grow up?
Vienna, Austria
Name of father, occupation
Emanuel Erdstein
Maiden name of mother, occupation
Bertha (Elters) Erdstein
Immediate family (names, birth order)
Brothers Jack and Alexander, Sister Regin
Who survived the Holocaust?
Siblings Alexander and Regina survived. Jack killed in World War 1. Parents murdered at Mali Trostenac killing camp, 1942
After serving in the Austrian Army in World War 1, I was persecuted during the Nazi reign, being arrested after Kristallnacht November 9, 1938 and tortured at Gestapo headquarters in Vienna. When an affidavit sent from an uncle in NYC miraculously arrived shortly thereafter, I was released from prison, but was required to leave the country immediately. Once in New York and able to secure a job, I could then send for my immediate family.
When did you come to the United States?
Emigrated to New York, December 1938
Where did you settle?
Washington Heights, New York City
Occupation after the war
Accountant
When and where were you married?
Married June 28, 1931 in Vienna, Austria
Spouse
Ida Imber
Children
George Erdstein, architect. Evi (Erdstein) Heilbrunn
Grandchildren
Six grandchildren. Brian Erdstein, Rachel Erdstein, Elana (Erdstein) Perry, Kenneth Heilbrunn, Greg Heilbrunn, Peter Heilbrunn
Interviewer:
Questionnaire filled out by son, George Erdstein
Interview date:
04/25/2025
