Object numberM2018/008:052
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.
Once established in Australia, Leo is still in touch with a wide network of family and friends, many of whom hope to enjoin his help to travel to Australia themselves. Even though Leo was able to secure a job contract for his cousin-in-law Hans Kohn, his sponsor Mr Gilbert wrote that he would be unable to help him receive an Australian landing permit until after the war. This letter is from the Switzerland-Israel Association for the Care of the Poor (Verband Schweiz. Israel. Armenpflege) on behalf of Hans (who is staying in a refugee camp in Unteraegeri, Switzerland), acknowledging that it is near impossible for Leo to obtain an Australian permit for his friend at this time, but informing him nonetheless that occasionally exceptions are made for applicants born in Austria.
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.
Once established in Australia, Leo is still in touch with a wide network of family and friends, many of whom hope to enjoin his help to travel to Australia themselves. Even though Leo was able to secure a job contract for his cousin-in-law Hans Kohn, his sponsor Mr Gilbert wrote that he would be unable to help him receive an Australian landing permit until after the war. This letter is from the Switzerland-Israel Association for the Care of the Poor (Verband Schweiz. Israel. Armenpflege) on behalf of Hans (who is staying in a refugee camp in Unteraegeri, Switzerland), acknowledging that it is near impossible for Leo to obtain an Australian permit for his friend at this time, but informing him nonetheless that occasionally exceptions are made for applicants born in Austria.
Production placeZürich, Switzerland
Production date 1940-01-10 - 1940-01-10
SubjectHolocaust, refugees, refugees, family life, refugee camps, landing permit, refugee experiences in Australia, visa application
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- letter length: 295.00 mm
letter width: 210.00 mm
envelope length: 162.00 mm
envelope width: 114.00 mm
Language
- German Mr Leo Steiner
167 Parramatta Road
Annandale
Sydney
Australia
Re: Hans KOHN, born 18.9.1917
Aegeri Refugee Camp
As you are aware, your friend Mr Hans Kohn has been looked after by us for some time as a refugee. He told us that you are making efforts to facilitate his entry to Australia since an acquaintance of yours has awarded him with a work contract. We are aware that at present it is almost impossible to obtain a permit. We do not know, however, whether you are aware that occasionally exceptions are made for those born in Austria. In your efforts, perhaps you could raise this issue with the local authorities as a priority in order that it still may be possible to obtain a permit for your friend, so that he can travel to Australia to begin work.
In anticipation of further news from you we sign with highest esteem,
Switzerland-Israel Association
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pauline Shavit