Object numberM2018/008:009
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.
At this point in Leo’s life, he is still in contact with a wide network of friends and extended family. This letter is from Leo’s cousin, Ilus, addressed to both Leo and Hans Kohn, Ilus’ husband and a friend of Leo’s. During this time, Hans is staying in Zurich along with Leo. Ilus writes that she is hoping to travel to Palestine and hopes Hansi will understand. Addressing herself to Hans, she writes, "Do you still love me? Are you still faithful to me? You must not forget that I am your wife."
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.
At this point in Leo’s life, he is still in contact with a wide network of friends and extended family. This letter is from Leo’s cousin, Ilus, addressed to both Leo and Hans Kohn, Ilus’ husband and a friend of Leo’s. During this time, Hans is staying in Zurich along with Leo. Ilus writes that she is hoping to travel to Palestine and hopes Hansi will understand. Addressing herself to Hans, she writes, "Do you still love me? Are you still faithful to me? You must not forget that I am your wife."
Production placeunknown
Production date 1938-10-22 - 1938-10-22
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- length: 284.00 mm
width: 224.00 mm
Language
- German My dear Jonas and dear Hansi!
Today I was delighted to get your very nice letter. I am hoping to travel to Palestine this week and hope, Hansi, that you will understand. What are you up to? How are you? I hope you are well. Hansi, you said you wanted to play piano, but we don’t have the piano anymore because we sold it. Something else important – you wanted Olga’s new address: Olga Lilien, 670 Magenta Street, Bronx, New York, USA. Hopefully you will both receive your permits soon. I am writing so incoherently at the moment but I know that you will understand me. Is Hansi being good? Say, Hansi, do you still love me? Are you still faithful to me? You must not forget that I am your wife. [Indecipherable sentence]. I’m going to stop here for today. You’ll receive my next letter, God willing, from Palestine. Write to me again soon. Sending my regards and kisses.
Yours,
Ilus
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pauline Shavit