Object numberM1995/024:014
DescriptionLetter from Nathan and Elsbeth Graetz, Berlin, to their daughter and son-in-law, Rosy and Martin Levy, who had escaped to England. Rosy's sister-in-law Bella died a few days after given birth and the first part of the letter deals with the troubles she experienced. Nathan stayed with Alfred, who was married to Bella) during Shiva and now both parents have moved in with him. The child is doing well. Elsbeth wraps a woollen rug around her body to keep warm while she sleeps, which helps.
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
Subjectdeath customs, families
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 210.00 mm
height: 296.00 mm
Language
- German Translation ofM95/24: 14a by Olga Horak.
2366/14
My dearest ones, it's always joy and happiness when your short letters arrive, that you can
probably well imagine! However we would love to hear more detailed news from you. Maybe
you would be able to take a bit more time to do so next time! Bella had a rather sad and tragic
fate. The labour was normal but the umbilical cord was twisted twice around the neck and the
body of the child, but despite all that, the baby is well, but Bella had to receive stitches because
the cord tore. She was treated for 2 Y2 hours, seated under chloroform, her skin raw from all the
boiling water which was ordered by the obstrician, and then she had to receive some clips to
keep the tearing together. Three days later she complained of lack of oxygen, then she repeatedly
complained daily, each time about something else and finally on the 12th day the doctors
diagnosed Embolia. They kept bringing the baby for feeding and whilst the baby was on the
breast she suffered her first heart attack. Alfred consulted and called a second cardiologist but
he too could not be of much help. Her last words to the nurses were, " Convey my regards to my
husband, to my relatives and friends, and may my husband be a good father to the child at all
times". Alfred stayed with us before, I never left him on his own, whilst in my apartment later
on.
Papa slept in his place and stayed with him during the Shiva days. A childcare home could
never be considered as Bella really hated the idea. Only one thing was left to be considered
about, and that is ; I have taken on the duties now. As I already wrote to you, I had a lot of
upsetting trouble which was caused through the tenancy. Having been deprived of the beautiful
elevator, I lost my total independence and finally had to move to Alfred's. We moved our
bedroom furniture (took it with us) and little Gitta sleeps with us together in our room. We
provide a makeshift bed for alfred, which is in the loungeroom and is made up for him nightly.
PAGE 2
The child gives us lots of pleasure, is good and content, looks a lot like Hans when he was a
small child. I called the pediatrician a few days ago, he is the one who knows the child since the
days in the hospital. He was extremely satisfied, the way I handled everything was to his
approval. The baby gains in weight regularly, as Aunty Lucie rightly says, "..does not miss a
meal." I do not need to tell you that it is not easy for me, but I also want to stress that I do it with
love! If only my back would not cause me trouble! I could also do with more sleep. The baby
only gets four feedings now, however some of the nights are still not peaceful. Soon that too will
be overcome, the priority is the baby's welfare! Otherwise I feel well actually, better than ever
before, maybe because I follow a strict rule - I wrap a woollen rug around my body whilst I
sleep at night. I usually keep myself warm, I really have no shortfalls. Nathan is also quite well,
he is occupied and still performs small jobs. Also his Sunday meal arrangements are as usual.
He enjoys our food very much, the more, the better. Thereis nothing to complain about. Alfred
is still busy, it is hard but at least it's a regular occupation and one could say a good remedy as
well. The 70th birthday is over too, Elsie was also here. As always and in the past Hedwig is not
well at all. She receives her injections on a regular basis, the doctor says that this condition can
be a lenghty one. She came visiting on 2 occasions, that was very difficult for her indeed.
Perhaps our little doll's summer residence is the logic, that is when she arrives early and stays
until late afternoon. This makes it so much easier for me and is a great help.
Translation ofM95/24: 14b by Olga Horak
PAGE 1 (continuation of 14a letter)
My current help is a student who lives here in the house. She leaves me on the 1st April, my
small modest household is too hard for this very delicate person! I could have guessed this
before and I knew it as well, but her parents were nice and attentive to Bella and I felt obliged
to try it with her. I will wait and see, somehow it might be possible to get some help. Whisky
is quite aware of our little one. Whenever she cries he actually cries too. The veterinarian would
like him to be desexed. For the time being the dog stays with us ! When the child is able to sit
in her chair, the dog might be taken to the vet, Fritz would love to have the dog. It is said that
the dog looks like a country bumpkin - unkept and dirty. The deepest snow is not high enough
for him, it is too low for him! We just received your letters, it caused me great pleasure, one in
particular, to hear that you are well makes me happy. The other one upsets us, because of
Marion's diagnosis. We are very sorry and wish her a fast recovery. We conveyed to everyone
your best regards. We heard that her nervous breakdown was to be expected. You were probably
quite busy, nursing is not easy. I hope to hear from you soon, and my dear ones, a detailed letter
please! Best regards from all the family and all your friends.
From me the warmest heartiest regards,
Yours,
Elsbeth.
PAGE 2
My dearest ones, we have been in our new residence for nearly three months now. We
were relatively quick in getting used to all the changes and came to terms with the situation. We
'call it a day' around 10 o'clock at night because Alfred gets up at 6 o'clock in the mornings.
Also Else yearns to go to bed earlier because she feels tired and exhausted after having
performed such hard work. This lifestyle is quite monotonous for us, we do not feel that Id yet,
nevertheless one gets used to things. We gain a lot of pleasure from the child, she is really cute
and well behaved, this helps us to overcome a lot of hardship. There is no complaint regarding
our health. My heartiest wishes go to Marion for a speedy recovery. Her own strong willpower
would be the best contribution. I visit Hedwig almost daily, sometimes she feels better but there
is no hope for a lasting improved state. Now some happy news! Alice will be getting married
on the 7th of April. Have you had any news from Helmut? Maybe next time you will have more
informative news to write about yourselves. Alfred worked very hard before the Easter holidays
He leaves early in the morning and is exhausted when he returns home at night, that is why he
only sends his regards through us. Also from myself, the heartiest greetings, Your Mother.
some help. Whisky
is quite aware of our lit
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Norbert and Sonja Schweizer