Object numberM2018/008:061
Description
In 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 makes various applications to the Australian government for landing permits on behalf of his parents and Paul, all of which are denied. All three family members would eventually perish during WWII.
This postcard was written by both Leo’s brother, Paul, and their Aunt Josefina “Pepi” Steiner. Paul was previously stranded in Kladovo, a remote port in Yugoslavia, with his youth movement on the way to Palestine. Aunt Pepi and Paul are now able to meet up with each other, with Pepi residing in Novi Sad and Paul in Sabac following relocation. Paul reports being very happy and in good health. The following year, however, Paul would be shot along with most of the other men of the Kladovo Transport by fascist insurgents near Zasavica, Macva.
In 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 makes various applications to the Australian government for landing permits on behalf of his parents and Paul, all of which are denied. All three family members would eventually perish during WWII.
This postcard was written by both Leo’s brother, Paul, and their Aunt Josefina “Pepi” Steiner. Paul was previously stranded in Kladovo, a remote port in Yugoslavia, with his youth movement on the way to Palestine. Aunt Pepi and Paul are now able to meet up with each other, with Pepi residing in Novi Sad and Paul in Sabac following relocation. Paul reports being very happy and in good health. The following year, however, Paul would be shot along with most of the other men of the Kladovo Transport by fascist insurgents near Zasavica, Macva.
Production placeSabac, Serbia
Production date 1940-09-09 - 1940-09-09
SubjectHolocaust, refugees, refugees, family life, Kladovo Transport, youth movements, aliyah, Zionism, Hechalutz
Object namepostcards
Dimensions
- length: 139.00 mm
width: 90.00 mm
Language
- German My good Leo,
I am so happy that the dear Pauli is now safe like you are in Sabac, and that I am with him. He was, thank G-d, healthy and in good humour when I found him. We’ll have it better here than in Kladovo. If only your parents were also here, G-d willing. Write soon,
Many kisses from
Pepi
Dear Leo,
I’m healthy and hope to hear the same from you. I am going very well and am together with Aunt Pepi, so you can imagine how happy I must be. She is great. Bebi, Herng and Hugo are working. They are healthy thank G-d and will also visit me occasionally. Tato and Mama are healthy, thank G-d. Aunty is sending them a parcel.
A thousand kisses,
Pauli
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pauline Shavit