Номер объектаM1992/031:017
ОписаниеLetter to Greta Albera (née Pollak) from her Father, Isidor Pollak in Vienna. Isidor writes of the grief surrounding Grandmothers illness and death. He also expresses worry for his sister-in-law Eva who is in financial trouble.
Greta Mirjam Albera (née Pollak), was born in Linz, Austria on 9 September 1920. She was the only child of Erna Pollak, born on 15 March 1895, and Isidor Pollak, born on 18 December 1879. Greta successfully emigrated to the United Kingdom in January 1939 where she worked as a governess, a home helper, and later as a nurse until the war ended. During her time in England, she was able to communicate with her parents who remained in Vienna. This contact was made possible through family friends living in Switzerland, who would pass on the messages and later through the Red Cross letter system. Gretas parents Isidor and Erna were transported to the Theresienstadt Ghetto in Terezin, Czechoslovakia on 9 October 1942. Both were murdered there, Erna on 9 May 1944 and Isidor on 16 May 1944. While living in England, Greta married Bedrich Albera, before emigrating to Israel, and later settling in Australian in 1954. She was the only member of her family to survive.
This letter is part of a collection of personal correspondence donated by Greta Mirjam Albera (née Pollak). The correspondence was sent during 1939 - 1942, between Greta and various members of her family.
Greta Mirjam Albera (née Pollak), was born in Linz, Austria on 9 September 1920. She was the only child of Erna Pollak, born on 15 March 1895, and Isidor Pollak, born on 18 December 1879. Greta successfully emigrated to the United Kingdom in January 1939 where she worked as a governess, a home helper, and later as a nurse until the war ended. During her time in England, she was able to communicate with her parents who remained in Vienna. This contact was made possible through family friends living in Switzerland, who would pass on the messages and later through the Red Cross letter system. Gretas parents Isidor and Erna were transported to the Theresienstadt Ghetto in Terezin, Czechoslovakia on 9 October 1942. Both were murdered there, Erna on 9 May 1944 and Isidor on 16 May 1944. While living in England, Greta married Bedrich Albera, before emigrating to Israel, and later settling in Australian in 1954. She was the only member of her family to survive.
This letter is part of a collection of personal correspondence donated by Greta Mirjam Albera (née Pollak). The correspondence was sent during 1939 - 1942, between Greta and various members of her family.
Наименованиеletters
Материалpaper
Размерность
- width: 295.00 mm
height: 208.00 mm
Язык
- German [Translated by Sigrid Summers, 30 January 2014]
Letter A
My beloved little Grete!
You can imagine how greatly I have suffered these last 2 months. Grandmother’s illness and death, on top of it my chest infection from which I suffer every year during this especially cold winter. I was already sick when I began the journey to here because I could no longer delay it and (I) hope to recover soon because of the good treatment in these beautifully harmonious circumstances/surroundings. It is wonderfully beautiful and quiet in the “Biedermeier” room, where Lisl has had put up a new bed and cupboard for me. I cannot report anything about my function/occupation/job yet because I am still recuperating, but I don’t like being idle and ai Hope to be able to do something else apart from reading and writing letters. We are all very happy that you have found a suitable job/profession and that you found a good advisor and friend in Mrs Eva, whom I value/respect very much for a long time. May god give/allow that you should persevere and have success and that your health leaves nothing to be desired. You suffered twice from “angina.” Was it a cold or an infection/inflammation? Are you in contact with the relatives and Gertie? Here little has changed in the six years I have been away/not been here, however, thime has left its’ mark, worries have made people (prematurely)older, yet the children who used to be so small have blossomed in to youth/young people. Write often my beloved, give hearty regards to Mrs Eva, Gerta and all who ask after me, warm embraces from Lisl, Josef and your grandma.
Letter B
My much loved child!
We have not heard from you for a long time and I want to hope that you are well. The only news I have (for you) is that Gisela has already moved (on). We are glad to know that she is in a peaceful place. We do not begrudge her the pace and quiet after her trials and tribulations. We have no longer any interest in the constant visit by Paula. She is so preoccupied with her own concerns that she has no time for anything else. In my opinion she has no reason (to be like that) because at present her situation is very favourable. I worry a lot about the sister-in-law of Eva. She had really nothing at all. I now succeeded to alleviate her worries for the next few months. She now receives interest and some money from a good/well-meaning acquaintance with which she will be able to survive the next few months. Of course she pledged to pay it back as soon as possible. While I am writing these words Paula approaches me, she is desperate, shortly after Lisl arrives and we have an unpleasant encounter. Lisl appears to be suffering from persecution mania and turns the whole house into rebellion. I do not intervene, because it is quite pointless. Hysterics are incurable. There is joy for three days and then it is hell again. Ernst has left Paula with a nice inheritance! What would I all give if I knew how you spend your day (at work). Hopefully you enjoy your work. Eva sets a good example, she is not afraid to work and she was always a good example for everybody in this firm. One has to admire her even more now as she has adjusted to different circumstances and is determined to succeed. My day is also quite full, which is lucky, because the weeks and months just fly by. Have you heard from your acquaintances? Please, write to….who was always interested in you and showed you empathy. You have no contact with Nelly anymore? Does Hansi write to you sometimes? Zuchi is supposed to be reunited with his family. They were probably permitted to move to the USA. Farewell my beloved child, hugs and kisses from your father, who loves you dearly.
Cordial Hearty regards to Mrs Eva.
Кредитная линияSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Greta Albera