Object numberM2018/008:003
DescriptionIn March 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in the “Anschluss”. From May 1938, the racist Nuremberg laws applied in Austria, and Austrian Jews were steadily ostracised from their societies during the process of “Aryanisation.” This tension came to a climax in the Kristallnacht pogrom from 9th-10th November.
In the meantime, Hardy Brothers, a British jewellery-making firm, offer young Leo Steiner from Vienna employment in Sydney, Australia as a jewellery mounter in July 1938. However, the Gestapo threaten to arrest Jews issued with travel documents who do not leave within a short time. Whilst Leo’s Australian landing permit is pending, it is therefore prudent to seek temporary refuge in a third country. Before he is discharged from his erstwhile firm Vienna Art Designs, Leo’s employer Oscar Fastlich writes that his stay in Switzerland is necessary for business. In July, Leo moves to Zurich on a temporary stay visa, leaving his parents, Adolf and Hermine, and brother Paul, behind in Vienna.
This typed letter (in English) officially offers Leo employment at Hardy Bros as a jewellery mounter, provided Leo is willing to relocate to Australia. The letter advises Leo about obtaining the Australian landing permit required for the journey. It is addressed to Jugendherberge Fallanden, a work shelter where Leo is staying under the auspices of the Jewish Cultural Committee.
In the meantime, Hardy Brothers, a British jewellery-making firm, offer young Leo Steiner from Vienna employment in Sydney, Australia as a jewellery mounter in July 1938. However, the Gestapo threaten to arrest Jews issued with travel documents who do not leave within a short time. Whilst Leo’s Australian landing permit is pending, it is therefore prudent to seek temporary refuge in a third country. Before he is discharged from his erstwhile firm Vienna Art Designs, Leo’s employer Oscar Fastlich writes that his stay in Switzerland is necessary for business. In July, Leo moves to Zurich on a temporary stay visa, leaving his parents, Adolf and Hermine, and brother Paul, behind in Vienna.
This typed letter (in English) officially offers Leo employment at Hardy Bros as a jewellery mounter, provided Leo is willing to relocate to Australia. The letter advises Leo about obtaining the Australian landing permit required for the journey. It is addressed to Jugendherberge Fallanden, a work shelter where Leo is staying under the auspices of the Jewish Cultural Committee.
Production placeLondon, England
Production date 1938-07-06 - 1938-07-06
SubjectNazi political activities (1933-1939), Holocaust, refugee experiences in Australia, refugees, refugees
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- letter length: 262.00 mm
letter width: 204.00 mm
envelope length: 131.00 mm
envelope width: 106.00 mm
Language
- English
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pauline Shavit