Object numberM2012/015:010
DescriptionSUMMARY
This letter is dated 20 August 1939. It was written by Regina Nerichow, at the time living in Dortmund, Germany, and is addressed to her daughter Henriette (“Henri”), at the time living in England. Regina expresses her concern regarding Karl Heinz, her son, who having turned 18 may be released or deported from England in accordance with government policy. Regina writes that she has been notified by the "Comitee" [sic] that she must inform them of any relatives or acquaintances living overseas who would be willing to care for Karl Heinz and secure an entrance permit for him. The "Comitee" has informed her that "it can take up to 5 years to get to the USA', while prospects are better for South America or South Africa. Regina implores her daughter to contact the English family with whom Karl Heinz stayed at Easter, and to the "Rebbe" for advice.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Henriette was sent to England aged 13 in 1938 as part of the “Kindertransport” - the informal name of a series of rescue efforts which brought thousands of refugee Jewish children to Great Britain from Nazi Germany between 1938 and 1940. Karl made his way to England in 1939. They both migrated to Australia in 1957.
This letter is dated 20 August 1939. It was written by Regina Nerichow, at the time living in Dortmund, Germany, and is addressed to her daughter Henriette (“Henri”), at the time living in England. Regina expresses her concern regarding Karl Heinz, her son, who having turned 18 may be released or deported from England in accordance with government policy. Regina writes that she has been notified by the "Comitee" [sic] that she must inform them of any relatives or acquaintances living overseas who would be willing to care for Karl Heinz and secure an entrance permit for him. The "Comitee" has informed her that "it can take up to 5 years to get to the USA', while prospects are better for South America or South Africa. Regina implores her daughter to contact the English family with whom Karl Heinz stayed at Easter, and to the "Rebbe" for advice.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Henriette was sent to England aged 13 in 1938 as part of the “Kindertransport” - the informal name of a series of rescue efforts which brought thousands of refugee Jewish children to Great Britain from Nazi Germany between 1938 and 1940. Karl made his way to England in 1939. They both migrated to Australia in 1957.
Production placeDortmund, Germany
Production date 1939-08-20
Subjectloved ones' contact, reunions, Kindertransport
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- a width: 175.00 mm
a height: 290.00 mm
Language
- German Dortmund, 20.08.1939
Dear Henni!
In my mind/imagination I see your surprised face (expression); dear Henni, (asking yourself) what is the matter. Now I am going to tell you and I hope you will not be paralysed with fear as I was. We received today, Sunday, a letter from London, from the “Comitee” [sic] and they drew our attention to the fact that K.H. has turned 18 and that they have committed themselves towards their government to let the children migrate further. And whether we already had firm emigration plans and if we could take the child with us.
Also we are to let them know whether we had relatives or acquaintances overseas, who could care for the child and provide employment and entrance permit etc. And if so to let them have details, address or addresses and to let them know, whether we have contacted them or are in contact with them regarding emigration.
Then they also say that it can take up to 5 years to get to the U.S.A. On the other hand the prospects were better to South America or South Africa. In case we had not attempted anything yet, they would enquire about a further migration for K.H. That was in essence the content of the letter. Now we are speechless and have no words, for we had not anticipated anything of the sort. What now? We suspect that the woman with whom K.H. stayed [or: that K.H. wife] is cause that he is to return and he has no […] family [or: has no family to stay with]. That time, when you two dear ones were in London for Easter the “Rebbe” was going to organise something for you. Perhaps there is something that can be done for K.H. now. Write to the family with whom K.H. stayed at Easter and to the “Rebbe” and ask for advice. Perhaps it is possible that the “Rebbe” might contact us. Dear Henni we are confused/at a loss, for we already have enough worry about ourselves and now the matter about K.H. comes on top of it all. Now we want to hope that everything will turn out well. Tomorrow morning if G_d grants it, I will go to “Kehille” and show them the letter. Now I am giving you the address of this Comitee [sic].
Movement for the Care of Children from Germany Ltd
Room 66, Bloomsbury House
Bloomsbury Street
London W.C. 1
Tel. Museum 2900
Please dear Henni and write to us at once, what you have done/attempted. We have to reply to London, we wait a few days before we reply. Because we hope to get good advice from you. Have you received the things yet? Many cordial greetings and kisses from us,
Your mother
Unfortunately I am unable to enclose a bill/ note/voucher, because it is Sunday today
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Roy and Anne Nerichow