Photograph of Egon Forsher
Object numberM2009/018:001
TitlePhotograph of Egon Forsher
DescriptionBlack and white photograph of Egon Forscher (now Forsher), at work with a pitchfork full of hay. This photo was taken during his time participating in an agricultural course organised by the Vocational Advice Department of the Prague Jewish community with the permission of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Public Health. It was intended that the skills gleaned from the course would be utilised in Palestine to forge the Jewish state. This photograph was sent to Egon by his friend Leo. On the reverse side of the photograph there is a note written by Leo, reminiscing about their childhood together and asking after Egon and his family.
Egon Forsher was born on 9 November 1920 in Moravska- Ostrava, Czechoslovakia. With the occupation of Ostrava by German forces on 14 March 1939, Egon was barred from returning to his job where he was working as a salesmen. As a result of these restrictions, Egon attended an agricultural course which was run by the Vocational Advise Department of the Prague Jewish Community. It was intended that the skills gleaned from the course would be utilised in Palestine to forge the Jewish state. During the course, Egon worked on Czech farms until the winter. During the winter he returned to his parents who had relocated to Prague.
In 1941, Egon was transported to Theresienstadt, his parents joined him in 1943. In 1944, Egon was transported to Auschwitz Birkenau. Later the same year, his parents were also sent to Auschwitz, where they were murdered. He was then transported to Kaufering, Germany to an arbeitslager (labour camp). In April 1945 they were taken on a death march to Allach concentration camp, located near Dachau. The camp was liberated a day after his arrival. After the war he returned to Prague and travelled to Brno, Czechoslovakia, were he met his wife Lotte Gottlieb (nee Blum). They were married on 9 September 1946. In 1949, they decided to immigrate to Australia. They settled in Sydney, where they established a thriving business and had two daughters; Jenny and Karen.
Egon Forsher was born on 9 November 1920 in Moravska- Ostrava, Czechoslovakia. With the occupation of Ostrava by German forces on 14 March 1939, Egon was barred from returning to his job where he was working as a salesmen. As a result of these restrictions, Egon attended an agricultural course which was run by the Vocational Advise Department of the Prague Jewish Community. It was intended that the skills gleaned from the course would be utilised in Palestine to forge the Jewish state. During the course, Egon worked on Czech farms until the winter. During the winter he returned to his parents who had relocated to Prague.
In 1941, Egon was transported to Theresienstadt, his parents joined him in 1943. In 1944, Egon was transported to Auschwitz Birkenau. Later the same year, his parents were also sent to Auschwitz, where they were murdered. He was then transported to Kaufering, Germany to an arbeitslager (labour camp). In April 1945 they were taken on a death march to Allach concentration camp, located near Dachau. The camp was liberated a day after his arrival. After the war he returned to Prague and travelled to Brno, Czechoslovakia, were he met his wife Lotte Gottlieb (nee Blum). They were married on 9 September 1946. In 1949, they decided to immigrate to Australia. They settled in Sydney, where they established a thriving business and had two daughters; Jenny and Karen.
Production placePrague, Czech Republic
Production date 1939 - 1941
Subjectclasses
Object namephotographs
Materialphotographic emulsion, paper, paper
Dimensions
- width: 63.00 mm
height: 87.00 mm
Language
- Czech Shalom Egon!
Perhaps this photo will somehow help to make you write a few lines to me?
I think of you very often and the times we spent together and what we experienced during our childhood - this can never be forgotten.
I will be very happy if you write me a letter as I would like to know how you and your family are keeping.
Best regards and wishes from my wife and me to you all.
From, Leo
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Lotte Forsher