Object numberM2012/035:037
DescriptionThis letter addressed to “Dear Friend” was written by Helena (John’s mother) on 26 November 1939. She thanks the person for news and acknowledges the last letter. She says that she will be joining Father (her husband?) in 3-4 months’ time. Her husbands’ cousins are leaving for there in two days.
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 1939-11-26
SubjectPrague, Czech Republic
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 220.00 mm
height: 280.00 mm
Language
- German Dear Friend! (identity unknown) 26/11/1939.
Many thanks for you kind news! The last news arrived on the 10/11, I am pleased to hear that you are keeping well. Her too all is well. I am hoping to visit father in 3 to 4 months time. Paul and Hugo (John’s father Theodor’s cousins on his mother’s side) are going there in 2 days already.
Many regards to you all, Helly (Helena)
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mr John Gruschka