Object numberM1992/031:022
DescriptionLetter to Greta Albera (née Pollak) from her parents Isidor and Erna Pollak in Vienna, dated 2 August 1939. Gretas mother enquires about her ongoing job search and encourages her to make use of her seamstress skills. Erna also provides an update on a friend Terry who would soon be travelling to London with some of Gretas belongings. Isidor had written a brief postscript to the letter to inform his daughter that he is now employed at the Vienna Kultus Gemeinde (religious community).
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.
Production placeVienna, Austria
Production date 1939-08-02
SubjectKindertransport
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 215.00 mm
height: 271.00 mm
Language
- German Translated by Sigrid Summers, December 2014
Vienna, 2 August 1939
My dearly beloved darling child!
We read of so much resignation on your part from your card, which we received yesterday. Do not despair, my sweet one, and always think “who knows what purpose this serves” when things don’t work out as one had wished. Hopefully everything will turn out well, for you and for all of us! In any case you have to be clever when you are job hunting, don’t take pretty words too seriously, check things out carefully whether they will turn out well and suitable for you. Find out about your duties and workplace conditions, about your time off and everything beforehand. May the dear God allow that you should again be content and happy and find some peace at last. Doesn’t Dr Kori … know of anyone who could use you as he undoubtedly has a large circle of friends/acquaintances and where you could apply your sewing skills fully? Have you been to the Pamells (Parnells?) and family Kaplan? Perhaps they can help or suggest something or someone. You can be assured that Uncle, if he is able to, will do everything in his power to help you. We are always with you in our thoughts and we care for you. (Miss/Mrs) Terry leaves on 11 August at the latest and is now very busy with making purchases/shopping. Today she finally gained access to her money which makes her very happy. She will bring you your things which you asked for and which you had forgotten here. Write me once more exactly and immediately what you want from here so I can pack it up – and which one of your shoes should I give to her, the brown, blue or black ones? Not the more solid ones? I only fear that size 38 will be too small for you, as you have become taller and more solid, as you wrote. Write about that immediately, so I do not send things that don’t fit and burden her with them. Just imagine, Fritz Eisenstädler married the daughter of construction engineer Stricker in Eretz. The Kafkas and Grabners sent a letter a few days ago with a photo of Susi. She has grown into a very tall and lovely young lady, all done up in the French fashion with a hat. Grabner has passed the rabbinate examination with good grades! Another piece of news. Apparently Fritz Richter got engaged to Lisl Basch in Buenos Aires. I must close for today, so write at once what you wish (me to send). Hopefully there will be a good and positive letter from you tomorrow. May God protect you and give you happiness in your life. I beg for it. Your Mum.
My much beloved little Grete!
Since today I am working at the Vienna K. G. (KultusGemeinde = religious community), not in the …. Department, so I have an occupation/job. With cordial regards and kisses, your loving father.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Greta Albera