Object numberM2007/025:004
DescriptionGerman newsletter published in Tel Aviv 12 March 1941 describing the sinking of the ship "Patria" in Haifa harbour on 25 November 1940 with the loss of approximately 260 lives. Among the dead listed in the newsletter is Gisela Wiesner's sister, Charlotte Wiesner listed as 19-year-old from Kiel. Charlotte had escaped Germany in July 1939 and attempted to immigrate to Palestine, but of course never made it. The Patria was diverted to Mauritius as the 1,770 Jewish refugees from Nazi occupied Europe did not possess entry permits for Palestine. On route to Mauritius, it suffered an explosion which caused it to sink.
This article is part of a collection of documents kept by Gisela, including a series of postcards which were sent to her from her father Joseph and mother Zirel during 1941 and 1942. Gisela Wiesner survived the war in hiding in Italy and Switzerland. She had escaped the Leipzig collection camp where her mother and Selma were confined. By the end of 1942, Gisela had no further signs of life from her parents or sisters. Zirel and Selma were deported to Riga where they were murdered. Joseph was deported from Belgium to Auschwitz. He survived Auschwitz and a death march to Neuengamme concentration camp in Germany, but died there of hunger and exhaustion on 11 May 1945, three days after the war had ended.
This article is part of a collection of documents kept by Gisela, including a series of postcards which were sent to her from her father Joseph and mother Zirel during 1941 and 1942. Gisela Wiesner survived the war in hiding in Italy and Switzerland. She had escaped the Leipzig collection camp where her mother and Selma were confined. By the end of 1942, Gisela had no further signs of life from her parents or sisters. Zirel and Selma were deported to Riga where they were murdered. Joseph was deported from Belgium to Auschwitz. He survived Auschwitz and a death march to Neuengamme concentration camp in Germany, but died there of hunger and exhaustion on 11 May 1945, three days after the war had ended.
Production date 1941
Subjectimmigration, Zionism, Patria
Object namenewsletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
Language
- German
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mr Fritz Adler