Object numberM1992/031:011
DescriptionLetter to Greta Albera (née Pollak) from her Aunt Liesl, Uncle Josef and Grandmother in Vienna. Gretas Grandmother provides an update on her heath and mentioned that they are now playing cards instead of having happy conversations.
Greta Mirjam Albera (née Pollak), was born in Linz, Austria on 9 September 1920. She was the only child of Erna Pollak, born on 15 March 1895, and Isidor Pollak, born on 18 December 1879. Greta successfully emigrated to the United Kingdom in January 1939 where she worked as a governess, a home helper, and later as a nurse until the war ended. During her time in England, she was able to communicate with her parents who remained in Vienna. This contact was made possible through family friends living in Switzerland, who would pass on the messages and later through the Red Cross letter system. Gretas parents Isidor and Erna were transported to the Theresienstadt Ghetto in Terezin, Czechoslovakia on 9 October 1942. Both were murdered there, Erna on 9 May 1944 and Isidor on 16 May 1944. While living in England, Greta married Bedrich Albera, before emigrating to Israel, and later settling in Australian in 1954. She was the only member of her family to survive.
This letter is part of a collection of personal correspondence donated by Greta Mirjam Albera (née Pollak). The correspondence was sent during 1939 - 1942, between Greta and various members of her family.
Greta Mirjam Albera (née Pollak), was born in Linz, Austria on 9 September 1920. She was the only child of Erna Pollak, born on 15 March 1895, and Isidor Pollak, born on 18 December 1879. Greta successfully emigrated to the United Kingdom in January 1939 where she worked as a governess, a home helper, and later as a nurse until the war ended. During her time in England, she was able to communicate with her parents who remained in Vienna. This contact was made possible through family friends living in Switzerland, who would pass on the messages and later through the Red Cross letter system. Gretas parents Isidor and Erna were transported to the Theresienstadt Ghetto in Terezin, Czechoslovakia on 9 October 1942. Both were murdered there, Erna on 9 May 1944 and Isidor on 16 May 1944. While living in England, Greta married Bedrich Albera, before emigrating to Israel, and later settling in Australian in 1954. She was the only member of her family to survive.
This letter is part of a collection of personal correspondence donated by Greta Mirjam Albera (née Pollak). The correspondence was sent during 1939 - 1942, between Greta and various members of her family.
Subjectchildren, Kindertransport, Purim
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 292.00 mm
height: 196.00 mm
Language
- German My beloved Greterl!
With much pleasure did we read in your nice letter, that you are doing fine and that you like your profession. God will help that this will remain as it is.
I'm now here for almost 3 weeks, I noticeably recovered and try to protest against further [illegible], but that is useless as the children think, that they aren't fully satisfied with my progress. They forget that you cannot demand much anymore at the age of 71. Nothing has changed here, but there are more worries, an instead of happy conversations we now play cards, not everybody likes this, Liesl doesn't speak at all. Vlada K. almost died when he repaired the well at home, he fell 23 metres, the water was 8 metres deep. But he was pulled up without major injuries. That's what I call being in luck! Dragan visited us during the holidays; he became a nice, smart guy. Generally, during my absence a new generation grew up here. Saturdays, the young people celebrate Purim, so this is nothing for me. Have you heard from Teri? Her mother hadn’t heard of her for 2 months and is very concerned. Please write her, to write immediately. I would also appreciate to get a few lines, telling me everything regarding herself.
Now, my dear child of gold, I close this letter. Aunt would also like to write you a few lines. Be hugged and kisses, your loving Grandma
My dear Greterl!
We are always looking forward to your letters, but they could come more often. The look and the state of health of Grandma is not yet as I wish it would be, but this will hopefully change when the weather will be better and we can go outside. - What did you do during the Easter holidays, were you invited somewhere? Do you keep contact to Uncle Max? Please write back soon and in detail and be inner mostly hugged and kissed, your Aunt Liesl and Josef.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Greta Albera