Object numberM2018/008:075
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 letter was written by Leo’s mother, Hermine, in 1941, reflecting on her own desperate mental state. She is also financially dependent on her brother Alfred Klinger in Prague. Hermine tells Leo that she has heard that her other son, Paul, and his wife Edith from his internment camp in Sabac, Yugoslavia, have a baby girl. Hermine tells Leo that she wishes to see him and his brother in person in order to tell them what their “Tato” (father) wanted to say to them before he passed away the previous year from pneumonia-related causes. According to the envelope, the letter was sent via Egypt.
Paul Steiner was previously stranded in Kladovo, a remote port in Yugoslavia, with his youth movement on the way to Palestine before being relocated to Sabac. Later in 1941, 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 letter was written by Leo’s mother, Hermine, in 1941, reflecting on her own desperate mental state. She is also financially dependent on her brother Alfred Klinger in Prague. Hermine tells Leo that she has heard that her other son, Paul, and his wife Edith from his internment camp in Sabac, Yugoslavia, have a baby girl. Hermine tells Leo that she wishes to see him and his brother in person in order to tell them what their “Tato” (father) wanted to say to them before he passed away the previous year from pneumonia-related causes. According to the envelope, the letter was sent via Egypt.
Paul Steiner was previously stranded in Kladovo, a remote port in Yugoslavia, with his youth movement on the way to Palestine before being relocated to Sabac. Later in 1941, Paul would be shot along with most of the other men of the Kladovo Transport by fascist insurgents near Zasavica, Macva.
Production placeVienna, Austria
Production date 1941-04-06 - 1941-04-06
SubjectHolocaust, refugees, refugees, family life, Kladovo Transport, youth movements, aliyah, Zionism, Hechalutz, Jews in Vienna, postal restrictions
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- letter length: 296.00 mm
letter width: 207.00 mm
envelope length: 154.00 mm
envelope width: 123.00 mm
Language
- German 6.4
My dearest child,
I received your letter from 10.2 with great pleasure, and am happy just to hear that you are healthy.
I have already had 3 cards from Pauli this week; he doesn’t let me go without letters, though I am very concerned for him. I don’t know what will come of him and whether he will be able to travel onwards.
I have also received nothing from Aunt Pepi for a while. Bebi is married and Hugo engaged. You must know already that Ilush has gotten married; she got herself a very nice-looking chap.
For a week now I have been having work done on my teeth. 3 have already come out and 3 more still need to be pulled. I have really neglected my teeth and now the procedures are costing a lot, but Uncle Alfred is paying for everything, as well as for the gravestone for our good Tato. He is very good, and supports Aunt Anna diligently, plus he constantly asks after you and Pauli.
I just came from the graveyard and am at home all alone so am writing to you. I wrote yesterday to Pauli, but I write to him every other day, and with a reply coupon so that he can respond. I asked our good one up above to pray for Pauli the most, as well as for you my dear, and that you two only keep healthy for me. Dear G-d should also help me that I might see you two again, as it is this hope that keeps me alive. I want to see you two one last time to tell you all about what Tato wanted to say to you. It was his wish too to see you both again, but unfortunately it was not granted to him, which is what hurts me the most.
Have you had mail from Aunt Juli? I haven’t heard from Olga in a long time, though Willy wrote that he had transferred Pauli some money. Pauli will be so happy to receive it. The poor thing is always short of money and unfortunately I can’t send him any, and nor can Uncle Alfred. He got money from Pauli a couple of months ago as well. I worry so much for the dear one; he now has to provide for his wife even though he doesn’t even have enough for himself and no profession underway. You followed my advice, my Leonku, but Tato wanted Pauli to be happy with what he had studied and to not worry.
I think about you two all day and all night. I received a card from Aunt Anna today in which she also asked about you and what you are writing in your letters, as well as Pauli. She sends her regards. Now that the holidays are over Tato’s grave will be fixed up and the stone erected. I spend the whole afternoon there, even during the coldest days of winter, since it relieves my heart of the week’s cares, and I tell him all about what you and Pauli have written. Write to me soon my child, and write often to Olga, and always make sure to date your letters.
7.4
Today I waited for a card from Pauli, but unfortunately none came, and now a woman is telling me that Pauli has a little girl and that she has heard that they have left. Who knows when I will hear from him next; my worries are now unbearable. Asking you again to write soon, and send my greetings to the dear Olga, Willy and Heinzi.
A thousand kisses, keep healthy for me and pass on my regards to your lovely bride,
Your Mama.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pauline Shavit