Letters and Cards 1940-1941
Dad's Note:
Postcards which my grandfather sent me in 1940 and '41. The lst one dated 15.X.41 (German dates are "Day-Month-Year'). The date is exact one month before his 85th birthday and less than two months before Pearl Harbor. Of course after the USA entered the war all communication ceased. I was told by fairly reliable witnesses that he was deported to Theresienstadt an[d] from there to an extermination Camp when he was almost 88 years old.
The "Alicia" is Alice Hamburger, DAUGHTER OF MY GRANDMOTHER'S BROTHER who lived in New York after her immigration in the 1920's--before the Nazis.
Notes:
Dad didn't have the benefit we have now of the "official" documentation of his grandfather's deportation and murder. Also, note that he would have almost 86, not 88, when he was killed.
Not sure what Dad's thought were about saving these and not translating them for posterity. Luckily I found some who could read the writing and transcribe them. I have been content with the Google Translate (except making a few obvious corrections).
The notes following each letter are mine.
Li Ost 3. 1. 40.
Mein lieber Heinz!
Deiner Weisung gemäß habe ich dir nach Neapel geschrieben, ich hoffe daß du meine Karte die am 30/12 abging erhalten hast u. erwarte nun aus Lissabon Nachricht, von den Eltern werde ich dadurch längere Zeit nichts hören; bin daher auf deine Mitteilung sehr gespannt. Wir haben recht starke Kälte des Morgen 14 Grad, dies hindert mich nicht meinen täglichen einstündigen Spaziergang zu machen. Meine sonstige Tätigkeit besteht zum Teil in Skat u. Bridge, Abends Lektüre; erfreue mich Gottlob besten Wolbefinden. Wie gern möchte ich dir etwas schicken; dies betrübt mich sehr. Seit Monaten hatten Rudinski gestern Nachricht von ihrem Enkelsohn, die ganz befriedigend war. Vom Spediteur aus Breslau bekam ich gestern die Abrechnung für die Eltern, darüber schreibe ich dir noch; jedenfalls sehr correkt. Mit herzlichem Gruß an Dr B, Schwester und von mir
Großvati
Absender: Berger, Berlin, Lichterfelde Ost, Langestr. 5/6. Heinz Silbermann, Lissabon, poste restante
January 3, 1940 (to Dad)
Google Translate:
Li Ost[1] 3. 1. 40.
My dear Heinz!
In accordance with your instructions, I wrote to you in Naples[2], I hope that you received my card, which went off on 30/12 now expect news from Lisbon, because of this I will not hear from the parents for a long time; I am therefore very curious about your message. We are very cold in the morning 14 degrees[3], this does not prevent me from going on my daily one-hour walk. My other work consists partly in Skat[4] and Bridge, evening reading; Thank God I am happy in the best of health. How I would like to send you something; this saddened me very much. Rudinski had had news from their grandson for months yesterday which was quite satisfactory. Yesterday I received the statement for the parents from the freight forwarder from Breslau[5], I will write you about that; at least very correct. With warm regards [from] Dr B[6], sister and from me
Grandfather
Sender: Berger, Berlin, Lichterfelde Ost, Langestr. 5/6. Heinz Silbermann, Lisbon, poste restant
Notes:
Lichterfelde Ost--the suburb of Berlin in which the retirement home was.
This one gets me because Dad seems to be in better touch with his grandfather, than with his parents at this point. Obviously, his grandfather wrote to Dad "Poste Restante" in Naples, too, and was able to know that Dad was going on to Lisbon. He wrote this on January 3, and Dad didn't arrive there until February 12. As he was arrested on arrival, Alice must have picked up his mail. According to Wikipedia, under its Poste Restante rules, Portugal keeps mail to the end of the month following the month after it was received.
Apparently January 1940 was coldest Berlin in 110 years.
I heard of Skat, but never knew it was (a) a three-person game, and (b) considered the most popular card game in Germany and Silesia.
Presumably the shipment of goods that I was told never made in to England. Burned in Bremerhaven?
Don't know who Dr. B, or sister, is. Get mentioned below, too.
Lichterfelde 12.8.40
Mein lieber guter Heinz!
Der lang ersehnte Brief kam gestern, ich war sehr beglückt, endlich von dir zu hören, deine Mitteilungen habe ich mit großem Interesse gelesen, ich bin nun beruhigt, daß du sorglos deiner Zukunft entgegen gehst und Freunde gefunden hast die sich deiner annehmen. Von den Eltern hätte ich gern eine direkte Nachricht erwartet, bin aber froh durch dich zu hören daß es ihnen gut geht. Gertrud besucht mich öfter, war gestern hier um mir von Marta die sie besuchte einen selbst gebacken[en] Kuchen zu bringen, ich gab ihr deine Adr[esse] da ich gerad deinen Brief bekam. Von Ilse N. wußte ich nichts, ich war sehr überrascht, Bergers haben mir Nichts mitgeteilt, ich erwähne daher nichts. Heut schreibt mir Else Mendelsohn die schwer erkrankt an einer doppelseit[igen] Lungenentzündung war daß du ihren Brief unbeantwortet ließest. An Toni u. Vally gebe ich deine Nachricht weiter, Martin besucht mich öfter.
Tante Vally gab ich deine Adr[esse]. Ich hoffe du antwortest mir bald, da dies meine einzige Freude ist, von dir und den Eltern zu hören. Dein Porto Etat für [= wird?] dadurch nicht sehr belastet. Willst du Heinrich von mir für sein Interesse für dich danken, ebenfalls bei Willi Rosenthal an die ich vor längerer Zeit geschrieben grüßen. Edith Hoffmann hat große Sorge sie hat ihre Stellung verloren u. muß noch für Tante Emma sorgen. Ernst Hamburgers sind noch in Breslau. Mit Dr B. bin ich nach wie vor oft zusammen, Schwester betreut mich in gleicher Weise, wir haben alle Ursache an Heim recht zufrieden zu sein. An Frl. J. besten Gruß und dir die allerherzlichen Grüße
Großvati
August 12, 1940 (to Dad)
Google Translate:
Lichterfelde 8/12/40
My dear good Heinz!
The long-awaited letter came yesterday[1], I was very happy to finally hear from you, I read your messages with great interest, I am now reassured that you are carefree about your future and that you have found friends who will take care of you. I would have gladly expected a direct message from the parents, but I am glad to hear from you that they are fine. Gertrud visits me more often, was here yesterday to bring me a cake that she baked herself from Marta[2], who was visiting, I gave her your address because I just got your letter. I didn't know anything about Ilse N., I was very surprised, the Bergers didn't tell me anything, so I don't mention anything. Today Else Mendelsohn[3], who was seriously ill with double-sided pneumonia, writes that you left her letter unanswered. To Toni and Vally I pass your message on, Martin visits me more often.
I gave Aunt Vally your address. I hope you answer me soon as this is my only joy in hearing from you and the parents. Your postage budget for [= is?] Is not burdened very much. Would you like to thank Heinrich from me for his interest in you, also from Willi Rosenthal, to whom I wrote my regards a long time ago. Edith Hoffmann is very worried she has lost her job and still has to take care of mom and pop. Ernst Hamburgers are still in Breslau[4]. I am still often with Dr B., Sister looks after me in the same way, we all have reason to be quite satisfied at home. Best regards to Miss J. and warm regards to you
Grandfather
Notes:
I have to assume that Dad had communicated at some point about leaving Lisbon. Note, that this response is sent c/o Dr. Paul Hoefer (see discussion elsewhere).
Not sure who Gertrud is, but I am assuming Marta is their cook from Breslau. Obviously no longer working for the parents, as they have left.
Is Ilse N. the Ilse we know as married to Yogi Meyer (doesn't really make sense)? Not sure which Bergers are alluded to, nor who Else Mendlesohn is.
See pages on Aunts Toni (Martin was her husband) and Vally. [Note, these are Dad's paternal aunts, while this is his maternal grandfather writing, so families were close.] Edith Hoffman was niece of Dad's grandfather; Ernst Hamburger, a cousin on grandmother's side. [An aside: Google Translate turns Breslau into Wroclaw!]
B 561017
Li Ost 6.3.41
Mein lieber Heinz
Recht lange warte ich auf Nachricht von dir, ich hoffe daß die Eltern und du gesund bist. Mir geht es Gottlob gut ich habe mich mit meinen 3 Herren sehr schön eingelebt; wir haben jetzt schönes Wetter ich gehe täglich 1-2 Std. spazieren und hoffe endlich auch von dir Gutes zu hören. Von Herg höre ich wenig, hast du den Sohn K. meines Freundes gesprochen ich würde mich darüber freuen. In baldiger Erwartung deines Briefes grüßt dich rech[t] herzlich
Großvati
Fom: Max Israel Berger, Berlin Lichterfelde Ost, Grabenstr. 12, B 561017
Tp: Henry Silbermann, 304 West 99 th Street, New York City
March 3, 1941 (to Dad)
Google Translate:
3/6/1941 [1}
My dear Heinz
I wait a long time for news from you, I hope that you and your parents are healthy. Thank God I'm fine, I've settled in very nicely with my 3 gentlemen; We have nice weather now, I go for a 1-2 hour walk every day and I finally hope to hear good things from you too. I hear little from Herg, have you spoken to my friend's son K. I would be happy about it. In anticipation of your letter, greet you warmly
Grandfather
Notes:
This six months after the letter above. It is written to Dad's 99th St., address, so there has been communication. But Dad is also in or about to be in active service.
Lichterfelde
Ost 8.5.41
Mein lieber guter Heinz!
Seit drei Monaten bin ich ohne jegliche Nachricht von dir, ich kann mir nicht denken daß du nicht geschrieben hast bitte mir auf schnellstem Wege ein Lebenszeichen zu geben. Mir geht es Gesundheitlich Gottlob gut, ich bin auch mit meinen Zimmergenossen ganz befriedigt. Von den Verwandten werde ich wenig besucht, gestern war Marta Schneider und Dora Hamburger bei mir, Sally Hamb. ist auch öfter hier. Gern möchte ich schon von dir Post haben. Gertrud war seit ihrer Verheiratung nicht hier; auch von Martin höre ich nichts Mein Skat und ebenso Schach spiele ich gern. Ohne Weiteres grüßt Dich herzlich
Großvati
May 8, 1941 (to Dad)
Google Translate:
East 8.5.41
My dear good Heinz!
For three months I have been without any news from you, I can't imagine that you didn't write to give me a sign of life as quickly as possible. My health is good, thank God, I'm also very satisfied with my roommates. My relatives don't visit me very much; yesterday Marta Schneider and Dora Hamburger, Sally Hamb, were with me. is also here more often. I would like to have mail from you. Gertrud has not been here since they were married; I don't hear anything from Martin either. My skat and I also like to play chess. Without further ado, greet you warmly
Grandfather
Li Ost 30. 7. 41.
Mein lieber guter Heinz!
Seit langer Zeit ohne Nachricht will ich dir von meinem guten Befinden mitteilen. Von Gertrud hatte ich dieser Tage Brief sie ist seit einem halben Jahr verheirat[et] hat einen Sohn u. guten Mann. auch Marta geht es gut. Onkel Martin u. Tante besuchten mich vorige Woche sehen gut aus sind auch recht zufrieden. Von Tante Vally habe ich auch gute Berichte. Das schöne Wetter trägt dazu bei daß ich viel im Freien bin und auch in guter Gesellschaft spazieren gehe, ich hoffe nun auch bald von dir über die Eltern Näheres zu erfahren. Schwester u. Dr B grüßen bestens. Ohne Mehr für heut grüßt dich recht herzlich
Großvati
July 30, 1941 (to Dad)
Google Translate:
Li Ost 30. 7. 41.
My dear good Heinz!
For a long time without news[1], I want to tell you about my good health. I had a letter from Gertrud these days. She has been married for half a year. good man. Marta is fine too. Uncle Martin u. Aunt visited me last week looking good are also quite satisfied. I have good reports from Aunt Vally too. The nice weather contributes to the fact that I am outdoors a lot and also go for walks in good company, I hope to learn more about the parents from you soon. Greetings from Sister and Dr B. Without more for today[2], greet you warmly
Grandfather
Notes:
Other than noting the family tradition about the younger generation not communicating quickly with the older generation, I do observe that this is being sent again c/o Dr. Hoefer. Dad must have communicated not to use the 99th St. address anymore.
Unless I find something elsewhere (which I doubt), this is the last letter we have to Dad. The following to letters are to Alice Hamburger, both date after this one.
Lichterfelde
Ost 15. X. 41
Meine liebe[r] gute[r] Heinz Alice!
Vor 4 Tagen erhielt ich den sehnsüchtig erwarteten Brief, ich benutze Karte die du früher erhältst. Dein Nachrichten sind mir so wert, daß ich stets sehr froh mit diesen bin; ich habe nach den schönen Tagen an den ich viel ausging eine Pause da das Wetter sehr herbstlich. Martin und Frau sehe ich öfters, er war leider 3 Wochen krank, ich besuchte ihn in Krankenhaus, nun ist er Gottlob wieder munter. Sally Hamburger ist öfter bei mir es geht ihm leidlich Ich hoffe wie du und die Eltern bald etwas zu hören, von uns kann ich dir Gottlob Gutes berichten. Aus Breslau höre ich sehr wenig. Mit bestem Gruß
Max
From: Max Israel Berger, Berlin Lichterfelde Ost, Grabenstr. 12, KN: B 561017. Luftpost
To: Miss Alice Hamburger 22 West 46 th Street New York City, U.S.A.
October 15, 1941 (to Alice H.)
Google Translate:
Lichterfelde
East 15th X 41st
My dear [r] good [r] [crossed out: Heinz] Alice![1]
4 days ago I received the eagerly awaited letter, I am using the card you received earlier. Your messages are so valuable to me that I am always very happy with them; I have a break after the beautiful days when I went out a lot because the weather is very autumnal. I see Martin and his wife often, unfortunately he was sick for 3 weeks, I visited him in the hospital[2], now thank God he's awake again. Sally Hamburger is often with me, he is okay. I hope, like you and the parents, to hear something soon, I can thank God for good news from us. I hear very little from Breslau[3]. with best regards
Max
Notes:
Am amused that he started to address this to Dad. [At this time, Dad is in Pensacola, Florida.]
As with Dad's memory, his grandfather continued to be in great health and vigor in his 80's.
Not sure who exactly who he would have been looking to hear news from. There is some indication that by September 1941, Jews in Breslau may have been forced to move to a ghetto area. If this is the correct Ernst Hamburger (birth date would seem to be in right period, and his wife's name was Edith, who suffered the same fate), then he was transported from Breslau on November 25, 1941, and killed on November 29 as part of the "Ninth Fort massacres." In addition, Kurt Joseph Berger (a nephew) was transported and killed on those same days, along with his wife (Herta Johanna)and daughter (Marianne). [Nazi "efficiency" has preserved all these names, birth dates, and death dates. Also, why we know that these 5 people were among the "693 Jewish men , 1,155 Jewesses and 152 Jewish children, settlers from Vienna and Breslau" murdered that day. Some photographs of that deporation have shown up--see https://atlas.lastseen.org/en/image/breslau/18 and article in the Guardian.
Lichterfelde 14.11.41
Meine liebe Alice
Dein Brief vom 14/8 langt am 9/10 hier an, ich war riesig erfreut ich wartete sehnsüchtig darauf, deine Schilderung des Besuches im Tempel aus der Jugendzeit und in meiner Wohnung hat mich in wehmütige Stimmung versetzt, daß du der Feiertage gedachtest erfreute mich sehr. Die Nachricht über die liebe Eugen und Grete hat mich ganz besonders erfreut. 18/11
Mein Geburtstag habe ich im Kreise meiner Freunde angenehm verlebt, sie waren recht aufmerksam. Martin und Toni haben mir schriftlich gratuliert, Martin geht es bedeutend besser, kommt in den nächsten Tagen gesund nach Haus. Von Vally erhielt ich auch Glückwunsch mit der Nachricht daß Walter sich mit einem sehr netten hübschen Mädchen verlobte, worüber Vally sehr erfreut ist. Mir geht es Gottlob gut, habe alle Ursache zufrieden zu sein. Hugo schreibt auch befriedigt, ebenfalls Tante Emma u. Edith. Ich werde mich sehr freuen bald von dir zu hören, in dieser Hoffnung grüßt dich herzlich
Max.
Dr B u. Schwester grüßen.
November 14/18, 1941 (to Alice H.)
Google Translate:
Lichterfelde November 14, 1941
My dear Alice
Your letter of August 14th arrives here on October 9th[1], I was delighted, I was waiting longingly for it, your description of the visit to the temple from my youth and in my apartment[2] put me in a sad mood that you thought of the holidays made me happy very. The news about dear Eugen and Grete[3] made me particularly happy.
Nov. 18, 1941[4]
I spent my birthday pleasantly with my friends, they were very attentive. Martin and Toni congratulated me in writing, Martin is much better and will come home healthy in the next few days. I also received congratulations from Vally with the news that Walter had become engaged to a very nice, pretty girl, which Vally is very pleased about.[5] Thank God I'm fine, I have every reason to be satisfied. Hugo also writes satisfied, also Aunt Emma u. Edith[6]. I will be very happy to hear from you soon[7], in this hope I greet you warmly
Max.
Dr B u. Greet sister.
Notes:
Almost 2 months; to me it is amazing that mail made it all.
Presumably Leignitz (outside of Breslau); Dad also had strong memories of their household on Rosh Hoshana.
Don't know what particular news Alice would have had from London about Grandfather and Grandmother.
His 85th birthday was the 16th.
Dad wrote that Walter got married in Theresienstadt. I have to assume that it was the same person as mentioned here.
Hugo Berger. Emma and Edith reference Emma Hoffman and Edith Hoffman. They all were living in Amsterdam and were also deported to Theresienstadt. [Hugo and his wife Hedwig were deported to and killed in the Sobibor extermination camp.]
Obviously don't know whether he got any more communications, but as far as we know this is the last anyone heard from him, as this was just three weeks before Pearl Harbor.