Eichmann Trial -- Session 71 -- Testimony of G. Ben-Zvi and M. Chen

The tape begins in the middle of Session 71, with testimony from Gedalia Ben-Zvi. Ben-Zvi describes his attempt to get into the commando unit in "Canada" and his duties in that unit. "Canada" was the nickname for the looted property taken from arriving transports, and referred the supposed riches possessed by people who lived in Canada. A portion of the last segment is repeated. Ben-Zvi gives an account of seeing Zyklon B gas, its usage in "Canada" as a disinfectant, and the storage of the gas in a Red Cross truck. The witness goes on to describe the types of clothing received in "Canada" (00:05:39) and the processing of clothes. He also testifies to the stealing of items from "Canada." Ben-Zvi is asked to describe the transport of Jews from Bedzin (00:11:37). The Jews in this transport were well aware of their fate and many of them attempted to escape before arrival at the camp. A portion of the last segment is repeated. The witness continues with his account of the Bedzin transport and compares that transport to others. He also describes the treatment accorded to those suspected of swallowing valuables (00:19:55). A portion of the last segment is repeated. Ben-Zvi describes what he remembers of the arrival of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz, his transfer to the Stutthof camp, and the conditions there. The witness goes on to describe the forced foot march from Stuffhof westward and his escape with another prisoner (00:31:52). Judge Halevi briefly questions the witness about his duties on the night shift and the arrival of trains to Auschwitz. Testimony from Ben-Zvi ends and the witness leaves the stand (00:39:48). Judge Landau calls the witness Mordechai Chen to the stand and the camera focuses on the audience as they wait for Chen. The witness walks down the aisle, takes the stand, and gives his oath (00:41:48). Testimony from Mordechai Chen begins with his experience at Bergen-Belsen following the liberation of the camp. Chen notes that he met a BBC photographer at the camp and subsequently received pictures from this man. Attorney General Hausner questions the witness while holding these photographs. The photos appear onscreen as the witness describes them, detailing the enormous numbers of corpses at the camp. Chen concludes his testimony and leaves the stand (00:54:17). Judge Landau adjourns the session and all stand as the judges exit the courtroom. Eichmann is escorted out. Emil Knebel was a cinematographer known for Andante (2010), Adam (1973), and Wild Is My Love (1963). He was one of the cameramen who recorded daily coverage of the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem (produced by Capital Cities Broadcasting Corp and later held academic positions in Israel and New York teaching filmmaking at universities. Refer to CV in file.