Object numberM2003/021:126
DescriptionTyped letter, in German with additional notes handwritten in both margins. Dated Istanbul 17.12.1945. This letter concerns Max Loewenstein's learning of Charlotte Ostertag's survival of the war and his desire to be reunited with her.;Part of Lutufmen collection that documents the entire life of Charlotte Lutufmen from before the war in Germany, through survival of the Holocaust, return to Germany, marriage of long-time fiancee Max Lutufmen (nee Lowenstein) who has escaped the Holocaust working in Turkey during the war, migration to Australia etc. This document is significant in the context of repatriation and treatment of Holocaust survivors immediately after WW2 in Germany.
Part of a collection of 168 letters, postcards, documents, photographs and restitution claims belonging to Charlotte Lutufmen (nee Ostertag), born in Hannover, Germany on 3 April 1908 to Alfred and Gertrud Ostertag (nee Callomon). Charlotte was engaged to Max Loewenstein before the war. He moved to Turkey, changed his name to Mahir Lutufmen, converted to Islam, and obtained Turkish citizenship while working for a Dutch tobacco company. Charlotte was unable to obtain a permit to leave Germany and marry her fiancé. In December 1941, age 33, she was deported to Riga Ghetto. In September 1943 she was taken to do forced labour. Then in August 1944, she was deported to Kaiserwald. One month later, she was deported to Stutthof concentration camp and then to Sofienwalde from October 1944 to February 1945. Charlotte lost all her toes to frostbite during the death march back to Germany. After the war, she and Max were reunited. They married in Suelbeck, Germany, in 1947. Charlotte was 39 and Max was 45 years old. She moved to Turkey with him. A few years later they immigrated to Australia where she became an Australian citizen in 1955. Despite her impaired mobility that worsened as she aged, she made something of her life. When she retired in her late 60s she went to TAFE to get the matriculation she was deprived of in Germany and then went on to Macquarie University in her 70s, where she graduated with a BA in her early 80s – the oldest graduate at the time.
Part of a collection of 168 letters, postcards, documents, photographs and restitution claims belonging to Charlotte Lutufmen (nee Ostertag), born in Hannover, Germany on 3 April 1908 to Alfred and Gertrud Ostertag (nee Callomon). Charlotte was engaged to Max Loewenstein before the war. He moved to Turkey, changed his name to Mahir Lutufmen, converted to Islam, and obtained Turkish citizenship while working for a Dutch tobacco company. Charlotte was unable to obtain a permit to leave Germany and marry her fiancé. In December 1941, age 33, she was deported to Riga Ghetto. In September 1943 she was taken to do forced labour. Then in August 1944, she was deported to Kaiserwald. One month later, she was deported to Stutthof concentration camp and then to Sofienwalde from October 1944 to February 1945. Charlotte lost all her toes to frostbite during the death march back to Germany. After the war, she and Max were reunited. They married in Suelbeck, Germany, in 1947. Charlotte was 39 and Max was 45 years old. She moved to Turkey with him. A few years later they immigrated to Australia where she became an Australian citizen in 1955. Despite her impaired mobility that worsened as she aged, she made something of her life. When she retired in her late 60s she went to TAFE to get the matriculation she was deprived of in Germany and then went on to Macquarie University in her 70s, where she graduated with a BA in her early 80s – the oldest graduate at the time.
Production placeIstanbul, Turkey
Production date 1945-12-17
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 217.00 mm
height: 278.00 mm
Language
- German
Istanbul 17th December 1945
Dear Mr. Mark
You can imagine how much I enjoyed your letter and I hasten to answer. I
think you not only for your letter and information regarding my bride but also for
your offer to pass on my words to her. She has suffered a great deal. I am grateful to
you with all my heart that you put yourself at my disposal.
I begin by telling you that I received a telegram from USA 10 days ago
LOTTE ALIVE - It is impossible to describe how this information affected me. I
can only joyfully thank God. At once I telegraphed my Mother in Buenos Aires
who replied with sincere best wishes, which I ask you to pass on, as well as mine, to
my dear bride.
Some days ago I received a letter from Lottes English teacher who advised
me that Lotte has already arrived in Hannover. I then took steps at once to give
instructions to an (?) while friend of mine to do whatever is in his power to supply my
bride with food, clothes and money if necessary. I sincerely hope that it was possible
to help. I need to tell you that if you too could possibly help my bride I sincerely help
you in advance.
I impatiently await information as to Lottes well being. Since you addressed
your mail to me at my present address I am certain that Lotte has met up with
previous friends who will look after her. I notice that there is not as yet word about
her Papa and hope that soon there will be.
As for myself, Im healthy and endured the war without undue hardship. I
never ceased to think of my dear Lotte and look forward everyday to embrace her. In
1943 I was transferred to Istanbul. (the writer of this letter then gives more
information about his job and further address in Turkey)
I have much more to say about dear Lotte. I dont know if you are in contact
with her by letter or in person. Looking forward to meeting with you soon Mr. Mark.
Thank you for everything that you have done and are doing for us.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Annette Brett