Evidence of Witnesses in Yad Vashem Studies, Volume III

Evidence of Witnesses: its Value and Limitations

Only personal evidence by witnesses relating to the years 1933-1945 should be considered. Judicially, such incidences based on memory, are often unacceptable whereas historically they may be of value provided they are direct and not hearsay. All such evidence should be recorded even if it is suspected of being erroneous. Dates and numbers are not always reliable and often the SS cannot be differentiated from the Gestapo. The material should be classified and published for perusal by historians. Both the passive and the active (resistance) aspects must be studied as well as negative and positive reactions. Corroboration of other witnesses serves to confirm the evidence.