Object numberM1992/029:004
DescriptionSmall, narrow piece of parchment with Hebrew script, believed to be part of a Mezzuzah scroll. This Mezzuzah scroll is part of a larger collection of documents, photographs, and postcards donated by Betty Lissing.
Rebecca (Betty) Lissing (née Wynschenk) was born in 1923, in Amsterdam, to Jacob Wijnschenk and Sara (née Beesemer), both Dutch Jews. Betty had two siblings: an older brother, Maurits, and a younger brother, Louis. After completing her formal education, Betty undertook further education in dressmaking and pattern-making. She was also an avid gymnast, and trained with the Dutch national Olympic team.
In August 1940, at the age of 17, Betty met her future husband, Herman Lissing, who worked for the Dutch Underground. The couple were married in a group wedding with 18 other Jewish couples in 1941, after Synagogues had closed in the wake of the Netherlands’ surrender to Germany on 15 May, 1940.
The Lissings initially avoided deportation, having received sperres (reprieves issued to essential workers). They talked of escape, but Betty refused to leave Amsterdam while any of her family remained. In 1942, her parents and both brothers were deported via Westerbork to Auschwitz. Sara and Louis were murdered there in December 1942, Jacob in January 1944 and Maurits, murdered in Flossenburg in March 1945.
In 1943, Betty and Herman escaped the Netherlands via train and bicycle and hid in Brussels. However, Herman was soon captured, followed by Betty, and deported to Malines transit camp and then to Auschwitz. Betty was assigned to a work detail in the Union Munitions factory for 18 months, working seven days a week from 6.30pm to 7.00am. During this period, she was reunited with a cousin, Rebecca, whom she credits with aiding her survival.
In January 1945, Betty and Rebecca were transferred from Auschwitz on a death march, arriving at Gliwice (Gleiwitz) where they were then transported to Ravensbrück concentration camp. She was liberated there by the Russians on 30 April 1945, weighing only 37kg. While recovering at Castle Eerde in Ommen, the Netherlands, Betty was reunited with her husband Herman, who had also managed to survive Auschwitz.
The Lissings, with their first child Martin, emigrated to Australia in 1950.
Rebecca (Betty) Lissing (née Wynschenk) was born in 1923, in Amsterdam, to Jacob Wijnschenk and Sara (née Beesemer), both Dutch Jews. Betty had two siblings: an older brother, Maurits, and a younger brother, Louis. After completing her formal education, Betty undertook further education in dressmaking and pattern-making. She was also an avid gymnast, and trained with the Dutch national Olympic team.
In August 1940, at the age of 17, Betty met her future husband, Herman Lissing, who worked for the Dutch Underground. The couple were married in a group wedding with 18 other Jewish couples in 1941, after Synagogues had closed in the wake of the Netherlands’ surrender to Germany on 15 May, 1940.
The Lissings initially avoided deportation, having received sperres (reprieves issued to essential workers). They talked of escape, but Betty refused to leave Amsterdam while any of her family remained. In 1942, her parents and both brothers were deported via Westerbork to Auschwitz. Sara and Louis were murdered there in December 1942, Jacob in January 1944 and Maurits, murdered in Flossenburg in March 1945.
In 1943, Betty and Herman escaped the Netherlands via train and bicycle and hid in Brussels. However, Herman was soon captured, followed by Betty, and deported to Malines transit camp and then to Auschwitz. Betty was assigned to a work detail in the Union Munitions factory for 18 months, working seven days a week from 6.30pm to 7.00am. During this period, she was reunited with a cousin, Rebecca, whom she credits with aiding her survival.
In January 1945, Betty and Rebecca were transferred from Auschwitz on a death march, arriving at Gliwice (Gleiwitz) where they were then transported to Ravensbrück concentration camp. She was liberated there by the Russians on 30 April 1945, weighing only 37kg. While recovering at Castle Eerde in Ommen, the Netherlands, Betty was reunited with her husband Herman, who had also managed to survive Auschwitz.
The Lissings, with their first child Martin, emigrated to Australia in 1950.
Subjectreligious observance, Judaism
Object nameMezzuzah
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Betty Lissing
Documentation
God cried at Auschwitz300002556
God cried at Auschwitz300002556