Object numberM1995/024:003
DescriptionPrepaid folding postcard sent to Dr. Martin Levy and Rosy care of Mrs Hoyle in Merlebank England from her parents, Nathan and Elsbeth Graetz, 1 September 1939. They write that they can’t say that all is well, but they are healthy. They give news about family members. They also write news of the dog Whisky who is "healthy and has a good appetite."
Part of a collection of 31 letters, postcards and Red Cross messages donated by Norbert and Sonja Schweizer.
Norbert’s mother, Rosy Schweizer, born Berlin 1908, died Sydney 1993. Her parents were Nathan and Elsbeth Graetz. Rosy had two brothers - Hans and Alfred. Hans died before the war. Alfred married Bella; their daughter Gitta was born October 1939. Bella died a few days after from birth complications.
Rosy married Martin Levy c. 1938, aged 30. The marriage may have been arranged so that they could get out of Germany as a couple. In 1938 they left Berlin for England, staying with Marion and C. Hoyle, who had helped arrange their visas. They were hoping to arrange visas for Rosy's parents, but, after Kristallnacht, realised it would be almost impossible. Around late 1941, Rosy and Martin seperated. Rosy’s parents were deported to Theresienstadt; she corresponded with them via the Red Cross messaging service until letters started being ‘returned to sender’. Nathan died of a heart attack in Theresienstadt and Elsbeth died of dysentry.
Norbert’s father, Zigmund Schweizer, born Berlin 1912, died Sydney 1987. His parents were Richard and Else. Zigmund had two sisters Bertha and Gisela. Zigmund, politically active, was jailed in 1932-33 at age 21. Shortly after he left Germany and went to Rome, where he worked as a waiter. In 1938 he left for Tangiers where he ran nightclubs. He then went to Gibraltar, and from there to England, but was interned on the Isle of Man from March 1942 until August 1944. From there he went to London where he met Rosy (around 1944-45). Norbert was born in November 1948. In 1949 Martin (Rosy’s first husband) left for Canada but died on the boat, leaving Norbert's parents free to marry (circa 1949).
Zigmund’s health was poor and he was advised to go to a more sunny climate. They arrived in Australia January 1952. Zigmund established a restaurant called Sid’s. Zigmund's mother had committed suicide in 1939 (the S.S. came to her building looking for someone she didn't want to betray so she jumped off the building). Zigmund kept searching for information about his father and sisters up until 1970, when he finally gave up. He never found out what happened to them.
Part of a collection of 31 letters, postcards and Red Cross messages donated by Norbert and Sonja Schweizer.
Norbert’s mother, Rosy Schweizer, born Berlin 1908, died Sydney 1993. Her parents were Nathan and Elsbeth Graetz. Rosy had two brothers - Hans and Alfred. Hans died before the war. Alfred married Bella; their daughter Gitta was born October 1939. Bella died a few days after from birth complications.
Rosy married Martin Levy c. 1938, aged 30. The marriage may have been arranged so that they could get out of Germany as a couple. In 1938 they left Berlin for England, staying with Marion and C. Hoyle, who had helped arrange their visas. They were hoping to arrange visas for Rosy's parents, but, after Kristallnacht, realised it would be almost impossible. Around late 1941, Rosy and Martin seperated. Rosy’s parents were deported to Theresienstadt; she corresponded with them via the Red Cross messaging service until letters started being ‘returned to sender’. Nathan died of a heart attack in Theresienstadt and Elsbeth died of dysentry.
Norbert’s father, Zigmund Schweizer, born Berlin 1912, died Sydney 1987. His parents were Richard and Else. Zigmund had two sisters Bertha and Gisela. Zigmund, politically active, was jailed in 1932-33 at age 21. Shortly after he left Germany and went to Rome, where he worked as a waiter. In 1938 he left for Tangiers where he ran nightclubs. He then went to Gibraltar, and from there to England, but was interned on the Isle of Man from March 1942 until August 1944. From there he went to London where he met Rosy (around 1944-45). Norbert was born in November 1948. In 1949 Martin (Rosy’s first husband) left for Canada but died on the boat, leaving Norbert's parents free to marry (circa 1949).
Zigmund’s health was poor and he was advised to go to a more sunny climate. They arrived in Australia January 1952. Zigmund established a restaurant called Sid’s. Zigmund's mother had committed suicide in 1939 (the S.S. came to her building looking for someone she didn't want to betray so she jumped off the building). Zigmund kept searching for information about his father and sisters up until 1970, when he finally gave up. He never found out what happened to them.
Production placeBerlin, Germany
Production date 1939-09-01
Subjectkeeping in touch, pets, signs of life
Object namepostcards
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 149.00 mm
height: 105.00 mm
Language
- German SIDE 1
Sender POSTCARD with reply card
(prepaid)
Residence, place of delivery, Post office AIRSHELTER
LOTTERY
Street, street number, floor, post box number Ticket 50 Rpf.
Lottery drawn on II September 39
Dear Martin, dear Rosy,
I too can say that all is well with us and Dr...Martin...Levy that we won't worry at all if we don't /o... Mrs...C.E. Hoyle hear from you. Do not stay together all day long but make the best of your time Merlebank, Donnington and chat with others as well. Heartiest regards, your Papa. Newburry Berks Street, street number, floor, post box number
( England)
SIDE 2
1.9.39 V
Dear children,
We have not had any news from you since the 21st, though indirectly we heard that you are well and in good health. That is the most important matter. Weisfeld? had a letter from London today - Hanni had a little baby girl. My tenants are still here till the 10th of Oct. I have rented your room - a lady has moved in - I hope all will work out well. We are healthy. The work keeps me fit. We spent an hour this afternoon with aunt Hedwig.I have
purchased a hat for Mrs. S. and gave it to her as a gift - it was a good buy, very cheap. Diter was nice/sweet? and Bella is alright. Yesterday we sent our regards? to Dr. S., it is a pity but for the time being it is finished ??? Martin are you progressing well with your pronunciation? Whiskey is healthy and has a good appetite. I met - just by chance - Mrs. Horak on the bus but she did not recognise me. She looked better than ever before. I really hope to hear from you, however you should not worry, we can asure you that we are all well. Lots of heartiest regards,
Your Mama.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Norbert and Sonja Schweizer