Object numberM2017/039:046
DescriptionLetter from Adolf and Rosa Abeles to their children, 17 September 1938.
Adolf and Rosa Abeles lived in Brno, Czechoslovakia and had two sons, who both escaped. Bedrich Fritz Albera, was born 27 February 1904 in Brno. He changed his name from Abeles to Albera in 1933, at the suggestion of his mother since his business trading name was Albera. With worsening conditions in Czechoslovakia it was decided that Fritz should leave to find a new home and bring his family later.
A sense of the increasing fear in Czechoslovakia is indicated in the letter, when Rosa says “We are preparing gas masks, and a few clothes, some food lying on top of it, so in case of an attack to escape in the nearby the forest”. She also suggests that anyone able to do so should leave the country; “Maybe the politicians will manage to prevent fears; we do not know it so far. For us old ones, there is no hope, but for the young ones! There are many, who are going overseas”.
Fritz was attempting to get to Palestine to join his brother but was caught by the British and interned in Mauritius for 4 years. He was released when he was given the opportunity to join the South African Army.
Adolf died of natural causes, though with much suffering, on 22 August 1941. Rosa was deported to Terezin on 2 December 1941 and from there to Riga where she was murdered.
Adolf and Rosa Abeles lived in Brno, Czechoslovakia and had two sons, who both escaped. Bedrich Fritz Albera, was born 27 February 1904 in Brno. He changed his name from Abeles to Albera in 1933, at the suggestion of his mother since his business trading name was Albera. With worsening conditions in Czechoslovakia it was decided that Fritz should leave to find a new home and bring his family later.
A sense of the increasing fear in Czechoslovakia is indicated in the letter, when Rosa says “We are preparing gas masks, and a few clothes, some food lying on top of it, so in case of an attack to escape in the nearby the forest”. She also suggests that anyone able to do so should leave the country; “Maybe the politicians will manage to prevent fears; we do not know it so far. For us old ones, there is no hope, but for the young ones! There are many, who are going overseas”.
Fritz was attempting to get to Palestine to join his brother but was caught by the British and interned in Mauritius for 4 years. He was released when he was given the opportunity to join the South African Army.
Adolf died of natural causes, though with much suffering, on 22 August 1941. Rosa was deported to Terezin on 2 December 1941 and from there to Riga where she was murdered.
Production placeBrno, Czech Republic
Production date 1938-09-17 - 1938-09-17
Subjectfamilies, keeping in touch
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- height: 289.00 mm
width: 230.00 mm
Language
- German Adolf Abeles Brno-Brunn, Radnick 10
Brno-Brunn 17th of September 1938
My dear children,
We’re very happy about the last letter from Shfrale and we’re thanking her very much and wish always to hear only good news about the children.
You’re very lucky to have 2 gems, life is easier to bear with all those worries and problems (can’t read the next sentence)
We’ve a very difficult week behind us; you have read in the newspaper how dangerous it was. We’re preparing gas masks and a few clothes, some food living on top of it, so in case of an attack to escape in the nearby…. Forest. The lamps we’ve already blackened out with black covers in our house we prepared.
We’re not sure if it’s possible for the politicians to avoid the worst we don’t know if we’re able to continue work and earn money or not.
There’s not much hope for old people like us, but for the young ones!
Many people are traveling from here to overseas … Lilli Brada’s able to emigrate as well as Mr Eizler is corresponding with America where he has worked years ago and has relatives on top of it.
But I don’t know how much one must give up from his liquid assets if ones emigrating and well Hitler (can’t understand rest of sentence)
Today we were told that Mr Schallinger is in ……. At his daughter and he are well and want to come to … He’s sick again and the doctor has recommended for him change of climate.
We’ve no news from Auntie Olga, if (can’t read rest of sentence) because of the threat of daughter were jumping out of the frying pan unto the fire.
Have you heard any news from Benjamin.
Where is he working?
Where is his girlfriend Natalie?
Enclosed is a picture from Schaefrale which is marvellous as a pretty fresh beautiful girl and (can’t read rest of sentence).
Because of saving postage we’re sending you only one picture soon there’ll be following another one.
Again thank you for your dear letter, health and luck
I’m kissing and hugging you
Mama
My dear ones!
We’re having an exciting time in front of us and I can’t go into details (can’t read the following sentence)
We’re about to make a big decision and hope that everything will turn out well.
Stay healthy regards and kisses to you’
Love your father,
Regards from our relatives.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Vivian Falk