Object numberM2018/008:027
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.
When Leo wrote this draft letter, he had already begun to establish himself in Australia. It is addressed to “Mrs Mayer” from the main Jewish community organisation in Zurich. Leo informs Mrs Mayer that he returned a donation cheque of £50 from the Australian Jewish Welfare Society since he has a good job in Australia that pays well. Since the letter is a draft version, it is unsigned with corrections.
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.
When Leo wrote this draft letter, he had already begun to establish himself in Australia. It is addressed to “Mrs Mayer” from the main Jewish community organisation in Zurich. Leo informs Mrs Mayer that he returned a donation cheque of £50 from the Australian Jewish Welfare Society since he has a good job in Australia that pays well. Since the letter is a draft version, it is unsigned with corrections.
Production placeSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Production date 1939-03-16 - 1939-03-16
SubjectNazi political activities (1933-1939), Holocaust, refugee experiences in Australia, refugee camps, refugees, refugees, Australian Jewish Welfare Society
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- letter length: 252.00 mm
letter width: 199.00 mm
Language
- German Dear Mrs Mayer,
I hope that you will remember me from Fällanden Camp.
On the same day as my arrival here in Sydney on 25.1, I returned a cheque for £50 from the “Australian Jewish Welfare Society”.
As for my current situation, I am working at the largest jewellery firm in Australia, which allows me to live well as I am earning good money.
Conveying once more my warmest thanks to yourself, and the entire Cultural Committee,
Greetings, [unfinished]
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pauline Shavit