Object numberM1992/031:031
DescriptionLetter to Greta Albera (née Pollak) from her parents Isidor and Erna Pollak in Vienna dated 14 February 1940. Gretas parents express concern at her new profession of nursing, Isidor comments that "big demands are made on Nurses. After all, big demands are made on any profession nowadays. Both Erna and Isidor also relay information regarding the movements and travels of various friends and relatives.
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, nurses
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Language
- German
From; Father and Mother.
Date: 14/02/1940
My Dearest Child,
We have received two letters, one from aunt Lisl and one from the sister-in-law
of Mrs. Kafka. We still don’t know since when you have been in your new position. In any case we are now content that you are looked after. How long is the training and what will be the actual job? Mrs. Eva already suggested months ago that you should choose this profession. I know that big demands are made on Nurses. After all, big demands are made on any profession nowadays. We are glad that the eternal moving house is at last complete. Are all your things sorted out? Terri, once again, without justification, has complained about you having left “sans …”? I don’t take her and her mother’s exaggerations seriously any more. Paula and all her fellow residents are suffering enough under the quite abnormal idiosyncrasies of this woman. Luckily Gisela will soon get out of this situation. She should move house in about three weeks’ time. Things are quiet for three days and then commotion again. Ernst has left a nice inheritance to Paula. I congratulate him now for a nice reunion! We have already written you that Jenny’s niece has been here and satisfied your wish. Has Jenny already thanked you for it? Nothing much has happened here. Gisela has taken…? all work…….? moving house. We hope that until now she will let Katte….? Mrs. Eva has advised that her sister-in-law will find out. She and her husband (?) are in deep mood of depression as there is no chance of moving house. Mrs. Eva can’t imagine her joy as unexpectedly Mannie(?)…..? conveyed regards. From their efforts I could glean only a small improvement as they believe that Mr. …….(?) could have helped in good time. Now they have to wait a long time to get the invitation from the Consulate. In the time available it can be very helpful. By the way I shall personally write to Mrs. Eva. With deepest and heartfelt regards and kisses Your ever loving Father. Deep regards to Mrs. Eva.
My Dearest Child
I am happy with your ever so nice soundings news and always want you to feel well and happy. Hopefully you frost bites are well again. You would be aware of the simple treatment that served you well back home. Lime (?) and herbal baths. There is only this much to talk about from here, as we are very busy in the travel preparations of Gisela. With a heavy heart I find everything so distressing. I can’t even think how pitiful and lonely Papa and I will be, left behind. A large part of your Austeiner (?) she will be taking for you to Liesl. I too am giving you now all my porcelain and glass and all the items that back home used to stand in the glass cabinet. May God help that in good time you will enjoy it all with good luck. Why did you part from Terry without saying Good Bye? She had something ….? to say. What was the date of your moving house? We haven’t been told yet. Have you got together with Gertie? We’ll be writing to Mr. Eva. In the meantime deepest regards for her. Thanks for all she is doing for you. Embraced by your mother.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Greta Albera