Object numberM1992/031:027
DescriptionLetter to Greta Albera (née Pollak) from her parents Isidor and Erna Pollak in Vienna. Gretas parents convey the news of her Great-Grandmothers death and encourage her to write to various family members in Vienna to share news of her activities in London.
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
Language
- German
From: Mutti ( Mother)
Date: 10/01….
My Dearest Child,
We were happy to receive your last two letters of the 28th and 22nd together with Gyula’s (…?). At last more news from you. Please keep on being so good because this is very soothing for us, when we always know how you are going. Hopefully you are always cheerful and confident and will at last find luck and satisfaction. My letter today is overshadowed by a sad episode. Our dear great-grandmother, this morning at 9.15 am, has closed her dear eyes forever. What she wished there should be no sadness and she should be happy in her eternal peace which she had wished for. In the last few days it was awful to watch how she suffered, with no food taken for a fortnight. Her sound heart would not let her find peace for such a long time. Keep her forever in deep memory; you were always her favored Great Grandchild, which made her proud. Never will you and I forget her parting words to you: “May God bless you my child, as long as I live I shall never forget what an attractive great grandchild I’ve got”. This blessing should stay with you for ever.
We also accompanied auntie Lina (?) to her grave last week. It’s been a difficult time for all of us, and especially dear Gisela will have to recuperate after years in a state of self sacrifice to being cared for and deserving of a little thought. Today we had a visit from aunt Jenny’s (?) niece Erna. I have passed on her and your regards, which made her very happy. We also had a card from uncle Herbert this week. You too could write to him from time to time, he is so friendly. We are so grateful to uncle Max for being so good and kind to you. Pass on our regards. Hopefully he will keep an eye on you, even if you are not on the spot. We are sorry that you will have to take leave from all the nice people that were so good to you, hopefully you will be lucky and will find a circle of people that you will connect with. You are writing how you will find board and whether you will have enough money. Please write in detail whether you are missing out. Hopefully you will be alright again at last. With a hug and kisses, my only dearest from your Mutti (Mother).
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Greta Albera