Object numberM2016/036:008
DescriptionThis is a letter sent from Abramek Berkman (donor’s uncle) to Stenia (donor’s mother) on 15/03/1939. In the letter Abramek discusses the difficulty Stenia is having finding and keeping work, and encourages her with examples of other immigrants in America and England who started with nothing but ended up finding their feet. Abramek talks about a friend of his who is moving to Melbourne, how he has a job that pays well but he still sees ‘no future here’. Mietek describes how ‘thousands of people are trying to get out of Poland’ and the difficulties that potential emigrants face, how difficult it is to find work, and mentions Stenia’s mother and youngest sister Fela.
Production date 1939-03-15 - 1939-03-15
Subjectmigration, children, schoolchildren, loved ones' contact, establishing new life, keeping in touch, political activities, religion
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- height: 200.00 mm
width: 120.00 mm
Language
- Polish My Dearest
Today I received your letter with congratulations. What’s all the fuss I’m just a boy who finished high school. With all my heart I am grateful that you do write the truth and the whole family grieves with you that both of you have no work. We are all praying to God for Him to help you.
I became a religious man and I’m praying for you but only for you and not for myself because I am hiding under Mummy’s apron and it will always protect me. I’m reading a lot in the papers about the very rich people in America and England who went there penniless selling papers and in a short time they became millionaires and it will be the same with you. You forget that you were complaining in the beginning but God will not desert you because people like you are so good hearted. People who know you only by sight ask after you also thinking of that sweet little Romeczek.
Today my friend went to Melbourne. I gave him a few photos of myself to look for a woman for me and he promised to do it for me. I am here very well off even all my friends are jealous that I have a permanent position with very good money and I have just got a raise but I see no future here.
Then comes the military. Meanwhile I’m all the time going to the Pale-Dawce(?). When I come there the director comes out and greets(?) me and tells me he would like me to come and work for him. I used to go to all these clubs but I stopped because the crowd is too rough.
My dearest don’t be upset that you left, thousands of people are trying to get out of Poland. The majority want to go to America. People are trying to look for an uncle or any relative, anyone to get out to Australia or America and these dreams cannot be fulfilled.
In Australia a person without work still has hope if not today, tomorrow. But not here. Here you would get knocked over by a car easier than find work. Today if you by in a shop…?
Our beloved mother asks us to write every second day and if we tell our mother we have nothing to write about she says just give regards. Write to us every week.
Felusha reminds you that she is in the 4th grade and she hopes to pass to the 5th.
(translation incomplete).
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Prof Ron Penny AO