Object numberM1992/031:032
DescriptionLetter to Greta Albera (née Pollak) from her parents Isidor and Erna Pollak in Vienna. Gretas parents write in praise of Mrs Eva who is looking after her such a capable, lovable and clever lady, offering motherly assistance and friendship. Erna also reminds her daughter to write soon, and to not forget to be out int the fresh air in your spare time, to exercise
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: 205.00 mm
height: 295.00 mm
Language
- German From: M (?)
To ? marked page II, no date.
My Very Dearest Child!
I am so happy that you are in a fixed place, foremost that you benefitting from the motherly assistance provided by the much esteemed Mrs. Eva. Where is her husband? Has he by now finished his studies? As before my activities are the same, some of the time I am in the office and part I am helping Mum. Hans has been asking about you on and on. He and his brother are keeping well, and they are quite satisfied. You will know by now that grandmother has died, grandma will soon move house ?? I have taken on all her arrangements. She will make the best of a bit of quiet. She has carried out a superhuman task over the decade. And now my dear child I am hoping that you will seriously persevere with your studies. I have always been preaching to keep on learning but unfortunately you did not understand. Lots of blessings and kisses from your ever loving father.
Fond regards to Mrs. Eva.
At this moment, when I was about to conclude this letter your long awaited letter arrived so that I can add a few more lines in order to express our pleasure at your staying at a fixed address. How long, since when are you staying there? Don’t forget to tell them your new address at the old address, since you will probably still receive mail there, since we didn’t know when you moved house. Sincere regards to dear Mrs. Eva, to whom we are very grateful too. Shortly I will write to her too. Who would have thought that some time ago I looked after a young lad with a deep mother instinct, and now that she would stand in as a sort of Mother for you. In any case I am happy that such a capable, lovable and clever lady, as she is, will now stand by you as a motherly friend and adviser. You will still have to be exposed, now and again, to a bit of advice. How much did father and I lecture to you in every letter about language? Now it will have to happen at high speed. You would have had enough time. And now another Bussi (a little kiss?) so that the letter does not come across as full of complaints, you know well how good your mother is to you, only wishing that you will be a happy and capable person. Write again soon and don’t forget to be out in the fresh air in your spare time, to exercise.
M (mother)
My Dear Greterl! We are very happy with your news. Keep it up to be a good girl. Have sent you twice already Gerti’s address and now the third time : G.B.(?), Stoneleigh, Norman Lane, Eccles Hill, Bradford, Yorkshire. Heartfelt kisses, Liesl and Josef.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Greta Albera