Object numberM2018/008:080
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.
Whilst in Australia, Leo remains in contact with a wide network of friends and family. This unfinished letter is from Olga Lilien, a family member residing in New York City, to Leo, regretting that she does not have the funds required to bring his mother Hermine to the United States. Aside from general chitchat about people they know, Olga tells Leo that if there is any possibility of having Hermine approved to travel to the US, he could enquire about transferring money to help her.
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.
Whilst in Australia, Leo remains in contact with a wide network of friends and family. This unfinished letter is from Olga Lilien, a family member residing in New York City, to Leo, regretting that she does not have the funds required to bring his mother Hermine to the United States. Aside from general chitchat about people they know, Olga tells Leo that if there is any possibility of having Hermine approved to travel to the US, he could enquire about transferring money to help her.
Production placeNew York, New York, United States
Production date 1941-12-12 - 1941-12-12
SubjectHolocaust, refugees, refugees, family life, Jews in Vienna
Object nameletters
Dimensions
- length: 276.00 mm
width: 213.00 mm
Language
- German My dear Jonas,
I received your letter together with post from your mother. I would have loved to have your mother here, but I don’t have the large amount of money required for this. I don’t know if there’s anything that can possibly be done. In any case, inquire in Sydney if it would be possible to transfer the money from there, given of course that there is any possibility at all of emigration, and Willy will get involved.
Why haven’t you written to me for such a long time? I am happy that you are at least keeping well and hope that you find happiness with your Betty, which I wish you from the bottom of my heart. I wish you the best of happiness for your wedding.
After 9 months I received a letter from Palestine. Micki is stationed with the RAF in Egypt and he’s been promoted. He had to have another operation on his meniscus.
My mother is unfortunately very sick and I hope and pray that our dear G-d will allow her to recover.
Ilus has a lovely husband; they have a butcher’s stall and Papa works with them. My mother has written to me that Ilus is expecting a baby. With G-d’s help we’ll see each other again soon. Micki’s little daughter is absolutely gorgeous. My little Heinzl is very precious and clever.
Write to me about yourself, Jonas, how you are feeling, what you are up to, and everything about yourself. Everything you do is of interest to me, which our poor Schmadl… [rest of letter missing]
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Pauline Shavit