Postcard from Warsaw ghetto
Object numberM2024/026
TitlePostcard from Warsaw ghetto
DescriptionPostcard written in the Warsaw ghetto from Chana Kossower to Yehezkel (Charles) Kossower, Brussels. The postcard is dated to March 3, most likely 1941.
The postcard includes a desperate bid for assistance, mentioning the deterioration of their family's situation since the passing of their father, Shimshon, in 1939. The family were Hassidic and owned a dairy before the war. The fate of the author, Chana, is unknown to her family.
The postcard was sent to Charles in Brussels, where he was residing with his family during the war. He had left his home in Warsaw, Poland for Belgium to escape the oncoming Nazi invasion. Unfortunately many of his family members did not leave in time and were forced into the ghetto.
Charles had two children, Isidoor (b. 1939) and Rywka Kossower (b. 1928). After fleeing to Belgium, the children were sent into hiding in convents. Unfortunately, they were reported to the Gestapo and all Jewish hidden children were transported in July 1943 from Mechelen, Belgium. Charles was later informed of their transportation to Auschwitz.
Charles was able to reunite with his only living relative, his sister, who had travelled to Australia in 1927.
The postcard includes a desperate bid for assistance, mentioning the deterioration of their family's situation since the passing of their father, Shimshon, in 1939. The family were Hassidic and owned a dairy before the war. The fate of the author, Chana, is unknown to her family.
The postcard was sent to Charles in Brussels, where he was residing with his family during the war. He had left his home in Warsaw, Poland for Belgium to escape the oncoming Nazi invasion. Unfortunately many of his family members did not leave in time and were forced into the ghetto.
Charles had two children, Isidoor (b. 1939) and Rywka Kossower (b. 1928). After fleeing to Belgium, the children were sent into hiding in convents. Unfortunately, they were reported to the Gestapo and all Jewish hidden children were transported in July 1943 from Mechelen, Belgium. Charles was later informed of their transportation to Auschwitz.
Charles was able to reunite with his only living relative, his sister, who had travelled to Australia in 1927.
Production placeWarsaw, Poland, Warsaw ghetto
Production date 1940-03-03 - 1942-03-03
Production periodWorld War II (1939-1945)
SubjectWarsaw ghetto, signs of life, desperation, coded message
Object namepostcards
Language
- Yiddish