Object numberM2012/035:016
DescriptionThis is a letter written to John from his mother, grandmother and grandfather dated the 21st April 1939. They all thank him for his last letter. His mother writes that his father is having troubles in Paris (he is there en route to Palestine). He is still waiting for a visa and is running out of money. His mother expresses exasperation at not being able to help him.
In face of imminent invasion of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 John (Hansi) at age of 14 left for England in February to be received by a distant cousin, the Meeks, in Manchester, whose address became available from another cousin in Poland. John's sister managed to leave for Palestine shortly after. His father Theodore, although on the "wanted" list by the Gestapo managed to escape to Palestine, with the help of Czech officials, after the invasion. His mother stayed to care for her sick mother. She did not survive the war.
The content of this correspondence is mainly a mother-to-son personal chitchat, here and there complemented by a note from John’s father Theodor and grandmother. However to the discerning eye it is also a historical reflection of the gradual tragic deterioration of Helena’s and friends’ fate under German occupation leading to the inevitable deportation.
In face of imminent invasion of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 John (Hansi) at age of 14 left for England in February to be received by a distant cousin, the Meeks, in Manchester, whose address became available from another cousin in Poland. John's sister managed to leave for Palestine shortly after. His father Theodore, although on the "wanted" list by the Gestapo managed to escape to Palestine, with the help of Czech officials, after the invasion. His mother stayed to care for her sick mother. She did not survive the war.
The content of this correspondence is mainly a mother-to-son personal chitchat, here and there complemented by a note from John’s father Theodor and grandmother. However to the discerning eye it is also a historical reflection of the gradual tragic deterioration of Helena’s and friends’ fate under German occupation leading to the inevitable deportation.
Production placePrague, Czech Republic
Production date 1939-04-21
Subjectseparation, immigration, Visa Refusal
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 210.00 mm
height: 300.00 mm
Language
- German Dear Hansi, 21/04/1939.
Many thanks for your nice letter of 17/04/1939. Only yesterday I got the letter from Ruth dated 30/03/1939, she is well. Father can’ get away from P. (Paris ?), still waiting for the English V. ( Visa ?). He is writing me a rather depressing letter. A whole day he is just running around, and has to think twice about every phone call or tram journey, as he has no means. How much we would like to help him from here, but it’s just impossible. Hopefully they will keep his position in Ruth’s present stay (meaning Palestine) as it seems they are already waiting for him.
Many thanks to Mr. Meek for so many services on behalf of father. Regards to Meek family and kisses,
Your Mother.
Dear Hansi,
Many thanks for the nice picture you sent. You look so grown up and it is a good snap. Ruth has sent a nice letter which gave us a lot of pleasure. If only father managed soon to get to ..?..we’d be very happy.
Lots of kisses, your grandmother.
Dear Hans,
I too thank you for your letter……I am happy to hear pleasant news about you, stay in good spirits and well, with regards and kisses, your grandfather (Helena’s mother’s second husband.)
your grandfather.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mr John Gruschka