Object numberM1994/007:001
DescriptionRectangular block of soap with the initials RIF and number 0260 engraved. The soap was given to Elizabeth Weiszman in Bergen-Belsen. Soap bars were distributed to inmates in ghettos and camps. They bore the impressed initials RIF – Reichstelle Industriele Fett. This may have been mistaken for RJF – Rein Juden Fett (Pure Jewish Fat). RIF soap was a poor quality soap that contained no fat, human or otherwise.
Elizabeth was taken to Auschwitz on the 2nd day of Rosh Hashana in 1944. After two days the inmates were taken to Bergen-Belsen. At the end of November she was sent from Bergen-Belsen to Magdeburg where they manufactured ammunition in the Polte Steel factory till liberation on 11 April 1945. The soap was given to her in Bergen-Belsen and she took it with her to Magdeburg. She made the pouch herself in Bergen-Belsen. Elizabeth's husband was sent to Auschwitz. One of her sons was sent to Mauthausen. Her other son, John, went to Boi, Yugoslavia.
Elizabeth was taken to Auschwitz on the 2nd day of Rosh Hashana in 1944. After two days the inmates were taken to Bergen-Belsen. At the end of November she was sent from Bergen-Belsen to Magdeburg where they manufactured ammunition in the Polte Steel factory till liberation on 11 April 1945. The soap was given to her in Bergen-Belsen and she took it with her to Magdeburg. She made the pouch herself in Bergen-Belsen. Elizabeth's husband was sent to Auschwitz. One of her sons was sent to Mauthausen. Her other son, John, went to Boi, Yugoslavia.
Production placeBergen-Belsen concentration camp
SubjectHolocaust, persecution, torment, hygiene
Object namesoap
Dimensions
- width: 56.00 mm
height: 39.00 mm
depth: 15.00 mm
Language
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Elizabeth Weiszman