Object numberM2006/004
DescriptionPhotocopy of a letter, the original has been lost. This is the last letter written by Dr. Wilhelm Spiegel in Janowska concentration camp, to his wife and daughter Danusia (the donor) in May 1943, 13 days before he was murdered on 30 May 1943. He writes: "If God wanted to choose a victim from our family of three – I am happy that he chose me."
Production placePoland
Production date 1943-05
Subjectsigns of life, concentration camps, death, nazi cruelty, loved ones' contact, loved ones' final contacts
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 150.00 mm
height: 223.00 mm
Language
- Polish My beloved, my dearest,
From 11/3 to 13/5 I was at the place where some time ago was Zygmunt from Zimorowicz street i.e. very seriously ill in hospital.
Physical suffering was nothing in comparison with an unbearable pain which I felt in my heart. All the time I thought about you, saw your faces and realised how much I love both of you and that you are everything for me.
Moments of agony were very often.
The 11/3 was Thursday - _______(?), according to your intention I fasted every Thursday.
A miracle occurred. On 13/5 I moved to engineer _____(?), but illness has not finished. Probably crisis will be day-to-day. I am very calm and I want you to be prepared for the worst. If something happens to me, please remember that millions of people suffer in this war. Be strong – do not cry.
(Denise), I beg you: love and respect you mother. Live together in happiness and be together in temporary tragedy- both of you – you were everything for me – the greatest treasure of my life.
You will manage - Henyk will send you everything I posses.
I beg Dzuinek, Joseph, Lesrek and Lusia to take care of you. God will reward them.
I am the victim of similar accident that Lesrek had, I was not guilty.
At this terrible moment I bless you, apologise for everything, embrace and kiss you.
Yours,
H. Wilek
________, Keep strong. Take care of our Denise. She is our blessing from God and God will help both of you.
If God wanted to choose a victim from our family of three – I am happy that he chose me.
Goodbye my beloved
H. Wilek
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Ms Denise Sten