Verbit’s platform uses automatic speech recognition technology for initial transcription, followed by human correction to ensure accuracy. The CEO of Verbit, Yair Amsterdam, emphasizes the importance of transcribing old recordings, especially those with low quality. With the help of technology that cleans background noise, decades-old recordings can be renewed and millions of minutes of testimonies in various languages can be transcribed.
This project is not only a national mission and heritage for the people of Israel but also plays a crucial role in commemorating the Holocaust and preventing such atrocities from happening again. Testimonies collected from multiple archives in Israel and Yale University include that of Gita Sikowitz, a Holocaust survivor who vividly describes her experiences during that dark period. Despite facing unimaginable hardships such as hunger, cold, and discrimination, survivors like Gita bear witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust, providing invaluable insights for future generations.
Greg Schneider, Senior Vice President of the Claims Conference, highlights the sensitivity and importance of preserving Holocaust survivors’ testimonies. As the number of living survivors decreases, accurate transcriptions become crucial for ensuring their stories are not forgotten. Despite technical challenges such as poor audio quality and diverse accents, meticulous transcription is essential for preserving these invaluable historical accounts.
