Object numberM1992/031:026
DescriptionLetter to Greta Albera (née Pollak) from her parents Isidor and Erna Pollak in Vienna, dated 4 December 1939. Gretas parents encourage her to write more often as they have not received a letter from her recently. They update her on other family members and enquire after her nursing and English language training.
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.
Subjectsigns of life, keeping in touch
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 209.00 mm
height: 268.00 mm
Language
- German 1st page
Addressed to My Very Dear Child
From Father and Mother, undated letter
It is a very long time since we got news from you, nor can Valli tell us anything else. You can imagine how much we would like to know about your activities, every detail about your profession, which, in these difficult times is in great demand and we would be happy to hear about. Girls from High Society are volunteering to look after the sick. Unfortunately we have not yet received the picture. Nothing new to report from this end apart from keeping well. As before, my activity consists of helping mother as much as possible and … (illegible) care for needy people. You requested the registration number, which is 3382 of 25/01/1939 on the (?) waiting list. Have you got news from Hansl or Grabner. You probably heard that Franzi is with us again. Aunty Paula would like to move house to Erich (?) whether she will be ready by then remains to be seen. Eva’s sister-in-law got news from her mother that she and her next-of-kin are well. When is Eva leaving hospital? When do you get into school? Are you advanced enough in language to follow lectures? My dear child, keep well, use your free time to get out into green surrounds, and try in the warm season to get outdoors for swimming. At this time it is still quite cold, but summer will soon be around the corner. Deepest regards and kisses, your loving father. Regards to Mrs Eva and Gertie.
2nd page
It’s so long my dearest child we are missing out on news from you. The last one was 15/04. Hopefully something is underway because our caring thoughts are forever with you. The promised snap (picture) we have not received up to now, if only it hasn’t got lost, this would make us very sad. We got to know through Gertie that one day you went for supper at her people. How nice of them! Gisela wrote that you spoke by phone to uncle Joseph before his departure. He and his family have a very close relationship. Are you corresponding with your cousin Fritzi? Unfortunately she is not supposed to be with Pauli any more as she didn’t want to pay any more and went back to her earlier profession. Perhaps you will find out more. Aunt Fritzi’s daughter Fritzi has had a little baby boy who is only 4 months old. On your behalf I am very sorry that Mrs Eva wants to move away, for me it’s always been a soothing experience to know that she was guiding and caring for you. Her sister Mizzi S. visited here recently. She got married in the meantime. Her husband changed job and is a tram driver in his native city. She will be writing to Mrs Eva herself. Please my darling, write to us as often as possible. May God protect you, keep well and cheerful, hugged by your mother. Write again to uncle Herbert. Mother
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Greta Albera