BERNSTEIN, Margit Edith Erna (nee Oppenheimer)

Personal Details

Family

Persecution & Camps

Emigration

Timeline Events

• 31.05.1922
  Born in Stuttgart
  📍 Stuttgart
• 1935
  Sent to Esslinger Waisenhaus
  Jewish orphanage. Educated there, felt at home. After school: Hausmädchen in Neuffen.
  📍 Esslingen
• 1937
  Margit living in Wuppertal
  Before moving to Bad Cannstatt c. 1938. Letter: "we moved from Wuppertal half a year ago."
  📍 Wuppertal
• 1938
  Margit moves from Wuppertal to Bad Cannstatt
  Margit's 1939 letter: 'we moved from Wuppertal half a year ago, and of course I like it much better here than in Wuppertal.'
  📍 bad_cannstatt
• 11.1938
  Kristallnacht at Esslinger Waisenhaus
  Visiting orphanage during Kristallnacht, orphanage attacked. Fled to mother in Stuttgart (mother's 2nd husband Christian).
  📍 Esslingen
• 1939
  Failed plan to follow Änne to Denmark
  Plan failed due to war outbreak. Went to uncle in Hannover, apprentice in Jewish nursery. Returned to Stuttgart, lived at Hospitalstr. 36, worked in Feuerbach nursery. Classified as 'Halbjüdin'.
  📍 Stuttgart
• 04.11.1939
  Letter from Bad Cannstatt seeking affidavit
  Age 17. Wrote to cousin Mina Kaufmann in Baltimore requesting affidavit for America. Living c/o Frau Marie, Geellbergstr. 1, Bad Cannstatt. Plan to follow Änne to Denmark had failed. Mentions Uncle Simon. Josef was at Großbreesen.
  📍 Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart
• 04.11.1939
  Margit writes seeking emigration sponsorship
  Letter to Mina Kaufmann in Baltimore asking for affidavit for America. Plan with Denmark had fallen through. Josef at Großbreesen near Breslau.
  📍 bad_cannstatt
• 17.04.1943
  Deported to Theresienstadt
  Transport Nr. XIII/2 (Gestapo Württemberg-Baden). Camp address: Ws. Logstr. 4/12. Met brother Josef. Worked: disinfection station, then carpentry (coffin lids). Ill: typhus, scarlet fever, encephalitis. Met Siegfried Michelbacher – 'große Liebe'.
  📍 Ghetto Theresienstadt
• 06.1944
  Margit's Theresienstadt postcard routed via Prague
  All camp mail censored and processed through Prague. Postmark: PRAG/PRAHA.
  📍 Prague
• 19.06.1944
  Postcard from Theresienstadt
  Camp address: Ws. Logstr. 4/12. Pre-printed form postcard sent to Karl Maier, Baker, Solnstitting bei Landsberg/Bavaria. Addressed to 'Dear Uncle Karl!' Confirming package receipt. Postcard routed via Prague (German censorship stamp).
  📍 Ghetto Theresienstadt
• 01.10.1944
  Deported to KZ Auschwitz
  Transport Em 1214. Volunteered to follow Siegfried. Encountered Dr. Mengele. Siegfried sent to Dachau, did not survive. Margit volunteered for work transport to Bad Kudowa-Sakisch (near Czech border).
  📍 KZ Auschwitz
• 08.05.1945
  Liberated at Bad Kudowa-Sakisch
  SS handed prisoners to Czechs one day before war's end. Taken to Nachod (Czech town), housed with local families. Returned to Stuttgart, reunited with mother & brother. ITS post-war path: 31 Dec 1945 Belgium; Jan 1946 Stuttgart-Lederberg, Heumadenerstr. 235; then Palestine.
• 08.05.1945
  Margit liberated at Bad Kudowa-Sakisch
  SS handed prisoners to Czechs one day before the war ended. Margit survived Auschwitz and slave labor near the Czech border.
  📍 Bad Kudowa
• 14.07.1946
  Marries Philip Bernstein
  Living in Haifa from 1946. Philip was childhood friend from Esslinger Waisenhaus.
  📍 Kfar Yehezkel, Israel
• 13.02.1952
  Wiedergutmachung proceedings initiated
  ITS Certificate of Incarceration No. 450750 (signed J. Nowey). Category: 'Jüdin', profession: 'Hilfsarbeiterin', last address: Hospitalstr. 36, Stuttgart. Confirms: Theresienstadt (Transport XIII/2), Auschwitz (Transport Em 1214), Bad Kudowa-Sakisch. Remark: 'befreit jetzt Palästina'. ITS sources: Brussels, CLI NY, Stuttgart, AJDC Paris.
• 26.01.2006
  Dies in Israel
  From consequences of camp illnesses
  📍 Israel

Correspondence (11 documents)

Personal data sheet for emigration

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English German Context

Data. Margit Edith Erna Oppenheimer May 31, 1922 Stuttgart Father: Moses Oppenheimer, born March 22, 1894 Gemmingen Mother: Anna Maria [Fuchs crossed out] Kuhn, divorced Oppenheimer nee Fuchs born June 4, 1896 in Leonberg Guardian: Leo Israel Moser Stuttgart Kornbergstr. 45. Address: Margit Oppenheimer c/o Mrs. Marie Bad-Cannstatt Geellbergstr. 1

Daten. Margit Edith Erna Oppenheimer 31. Mai 1922 Stuttgart Vater: Moses Oppenheimer geb. 22. Marz 1894 Gemmingen Mutter: Anna Maria [Fuchs crossed out] Kuhn geschiedene Oppenheimer geborene Fuchs geboren 4. Juni 1896 in Leonberg Vormund: Leo Israel Moser Stuttgart Kornbergstr. 45. Adresse: Margit Oppenheimer bei Frau Marie Bad-Cannstatt Geellbergstr. 1

This personal data sheet was likely prepared for emigration or identification purposes. It provides key genealogical data: Margit's full name was Margit Edith Erna Oppenheimer, mother's name clarified as Anna Maria Ruth Kuhn (nee Fuchs) with birth date June 4, 1896 in Leonberg. Margit had a legal guardian Leo Israel Moser at Kornbergstr. 45 in Stuttgart, indicating she was under guardianship (her father Moses was imprisoned from 1935 and her parents were divorced in 1929). She was living with a 'Frau Marie' in Bad Cannstatt.

Handwritten letter (page 2 / continuation) in German Kurrent script

0007

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English German Context

[Top section:] ...inquiries about [?] regarding the Danube... waiting... endorsement... in the hope... besides needing an affidavit... Switzerland... registration... for grandfather... Greetings to you all! Julius [Second section:] My dear Mina, heartfelt thanks for your dear card, which arrived delayed... I wanted to give you the report from Aunt Margit [who came?] from Hannover... One is constantly being admonished... My library [will come?] — perhaps this time there is hope. No celebrations... Would you still want to [send] something to Bette... [who] should be greeted... letters... to get around the city... means of transportation... Your Thekla

[Top section — continuation:] [?] müsste bei mir Bezüge [?] anfragen wegen Donau [?] für das Warten in Hausfrauli [?] hat [?] Indossement [?] ... [?] ist bis jetzt [?] in der Hoffnung [?] immer [?] und nur [?] die Rampung ... [?] Ausserdem braucht [?] bei ihm ein Affil [?] Lienz [?] ... das [?] fein u. [?] Schweiz [?] ... [?] Dein [?] auf feine Hin u. [?] Schweiz [?] für die Meldung [?] für Grossvater [?] ... Grüsse Euch! Julius [?] [Second section — different handwriting:] Meine liebe Mina, herzlichen Dank für Deine lb. Karte [?] über welcher verschoben kam u. [?] und [?] wollte möchte ich Dir den Bericht der Tante Margit der [?] aus Hannover heraus [?]. Man wird weiter ermahnt und [?] wird werden. Meine Bibliothek kommt [?] eine Hoffnung in vielleicht diesmal. Keine Feierlein [?] gibt sich. Willst du denn Bette etwas noch [?] die soll am [?] Teil empfangen grüssen und [?] Briefe sie Zahl um die Stadt zu bekommen. [?] würde ich [?] für sie [?] einen beiden Bewegungsmitel in Beschlag genug zu Hilfe [?] wohl [?] ... [?] Deine [?] Thekla

This page reveals the multiple threads of concern: emigration paperwork (affidavits, Switzerland as a transit route), family members scattered across Germany (Aunt Margit from Hannover), restricted movement and living conditions, and the effort to maintain family bonds through letters. The mention of "Bibliothek" (library) may refer to attempts to ship personal possessions.

Letter seeking emigration sponsorship

04.11.1939

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English German Context

B[ad] Cannstatt, November 4, 1939. Dear Mina! Today you should receive another personal letter from me, which unfortunately happens rarely enough -- or as you know, in a household there is always something else to do! As you may have already heard from Uncle Simon, my plan with Denmark fell through. I recently have another small glimmer of hope, but very slim, and it is therefore necessary to start something new. It would mean a great deal to me if you could do something for me -- I do not yet have a guarantee [sponsor/affidavit] for America, and my number would soon be up [on the waiting list]. I would be very grateful if you could perhaps find me a household position, or obtain a guarantee/sponsorship. I hope that you are doing well and that you are always in good health. Are you still at your old place? There is not much to report from us; we moved from Wuppertal half a year ago, and of course I like it much better here than in Wuppertal. There is always plenty of work, because we have a much larger apartment here than in Wuppertal. I always hear good news from Burg and Emma. Josef writes particularly well; he has been at an agricultural estate near Breslau for quite some time now. I hope that you will also find a way for me to get to America; I am very grateful to you for that. For today, greetings and kisses from your Margit.

B. Cannstatt, 4.11.39. Liebe Mina! Heute sollst Du mal wieder von mir personlich einen Brief bekommen, was ja leider selten genug vorkommt, oder Du weisst ja ware dass so in einem Haushalt ist immer gibts was anderes zu tun! Hast Du ja schon von Onkel Simon mal Tonite Lese in Dunkelheitein gehort hast ist meine Sache mit Danemark ins Wasser gefallen, das wusst ich habe neuerdings noch einen kleinen Funken Hoffnung, aber so magerweise, und es ist darum notig etwas Neues anzufangen. Es ware mir nun sehr wohl wenn du fur mich etwas tun konntest, ich habe namlich noch keine Burgschaft fur Amerika, meine Nummer ware nun bald an der Reihe. Ich ware Dir sehr dankbar wenn Du mir vielleicht eine Haushaltsstelle empfindlich machen konntest, bezw. eine Burgschaft beschaffen. Ich hoffe, dass es Dir recht gut geht, und dass Du immer gesund bist. Bist Du immer noch an Deiner alten Stelle? Von uns gibt es eigentlich nicht viel zu berichten, wir sind ja mit seit 1/2 Jahren von Wupffen verzogen, naturlich gedollt es mir hier viel besser als in Wupffen. Arbeit gibt es immer genugend, denn wir haben hier eine viel grossere Wohnung als in Wupffen. Von Burg und Emma hore ich immer gute Nachrichten. Besonders Josef schreibt sehr gut, es ist doch schon langere Zeit auf einem Landwirtschaftsgut bei Breslau. Ich hoffe dass Du auch fur mich eine Moglichkeit findest nach Amerika, ich bin Dir sehr dankbar dafur. Fur heute Grusse u. Kusse von Deiner Margit.

Margit Oppenheimer (born May 31, 1922, Stuttgart) wrote this letter at age 17, desperately seeking sponsorship to emigrate to America. Her plan to go to Denmark had fallen through. She was living in Bad Cannstatt, working as a household helper. Her brother Josef was at the Jewish agricultural training farm near Breslau. Tragically, Margit was unable to emigrate and was deported to Theresienstadt on April 2, 1943, and then to Auschwitz. She survived and emigrated to Palestine after the war, marrying Philip Bernstein.

Handwritten letter with multiple notes from different writers

30.07.1940

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English German Context

Munich, July 30, 1940 Dear Mina and dear people! ... [The main letter discusses matters related to Erich, financial matters, mentions the park, professors, friends, and expresses concern about the war situation. Multiple family updates and references to friends and acquaintances.] Julius [Second note:] My dear Mina, dear nephew and nieces — your dear letter pleased me as always. [Glad to hear] that you are healthy and have good news from your loved ones. We are mostly well... From Munich... Margit... [please] give warmest greetings to all dear relatives and acquaintances. Sending intimate greetings and kisses. Your loving Elsa

München, den 30. Juli 19 40 Liebe Mina u. lb. Leute! Stellt Euch! [?] Park für Erich [?] [?] von [?] uns Hauptwaltgeld [?] [?] wieder von uns ist schon [?] und bleiben [?] ... 's aller Professor, ... [?] haben ganz [?] Karten u. Briefe leider [?] unserer Freunde und andere alle lieber euch [?] [?] und den Ehern unserer besten Brüder [?] alles die chemische [?] um den [?] Strauss und Fränkles Park wurde von Freundschaft bis im [?] ... es [?] mieten Zeit muss hofften, es wäre ein [?] Kameraden der selben Kriege bei alle lieben die Leute und [?] möchte [?] und mir der Kriese kommt Lieben bedauerlich die [?] und [?] ... [Second note:] Julius Meine liebe [?] Mina liebe Neffe und Nichten [?] lb. Brief freute u. mir wie immer [?] wie Euch. [?] oben oder Ib. endlich [?] Seite [?] Ihr gesund seid u. von Eurem lieben guten [?] Nachricht habt. Bitte mir sind [?] ganz [?] gesund in [?] hab [?] von Eurem, Semeron [?] Margit [?] v. [?] viele [?] Nachricht [?] Du, Mina es [?] [?] mehr [?] mögen [?] erfahren. Grüsst bitte herzlichst ebenso alle lb. Verwandten u. Bekannten. Briefe schicke innige Grüsse u. Küsse Eure Euch liebende Elsa

Written in the summer of 1940, after the fall of France and during the height of the Battle of Britain. The Munich Jews were increasingly isolated, with emigration routes closing rapidly. The letter reveals the family's efforts to maintain communication and stay informed about scattered relatives.

Typed letter (page 2), continuation from fragment in 0004

1941

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English German Context

2 family (from Ralf, Stadthagen). Dr. B. was formerly a lecturer at the University of Berlin and has now been in the same position at the University of Princeton for about 3 years. His wife is a very good acquaintance of mine; the father of this gentleman was also very well known to me. The in-laws have for their part already written to their son-in-law. He will gladly stand by you not only with advice but also with action. So please take the time to get in touch with him immediately. I am delighted [to hear] and for all that R. has stood by me in the most necessary way, I ask you to convey my best thanks. What are the other relatives in New York doing? And how are Dr. Max and his brothers? From his father, and also from Ida, I have heard nothing despite the greatest effort. Dr. Rosenthal has been in San Francisco since June, where he is currently working as an instructor in military service training. He believes he will eventually find a position there in his field. His address is: Dr. Rosenthal c/o Dr. Hans Aberg, 3147 Mission Street, San Francisco, California, née mother of Mrs. Dr. Seebach. [She] passed away last year and was buried on the farm. If you would send condolences there, that would be very appropriate. From Anna I have heard nothing since last month. Josef is still in Gross-Breesen. Beyond that, I have no further news to report. I would like to close now with the wish that you may stay healthy and that you can have your mother come to stay with you. Stay very well, greet all acquaintances, and receive the warmest greetings and kisses from your uncle Simon

2 Familie (aus Ralf, Stadthagen). Dr. B. war früher Dozent an der Universität Berlin und ist jetzt seit circa 3 Jahren in gleicher Position an der Universität in Princeton. Dir Frau ist eine sehr gute Bekannte von mir, auch der Vater dieses Herrn war mir sehr bekannt. Die Schwiegereltern haben ihrerseits bereits an Ihren Schwiegersohn geschrieben. Derselbe wird Dir gerne nicht nur mit Rat, sondern auch mit Tat zur Seite stehen. Also Dir also bitte so viel Zeit [nehmen] Dich sofort mit demselben in Verbindung. Ich freue mich von [Herzen] und was mir zuvor R. in allernotiger Weise beigestanden hat und bitte ich Dir hiermit meinen besten Dank zu bestellen. Was machen die übrigen Angehörigen in New York? Und wie geht es Dr. Max und seinen Brüdern? Von seinem Vater, ebenso auch von Ida habe ich trotz grösster Mühe nicht gehört. Dr. Rosenthal ist seit Juni schon in San Franzisko, wo er sich augenblicklich als Instrukteur beim Militärdienst zur Ausbildung beschäftigt. Er glaubt dort irgend eine Anstellung in seinem Fach später zu erhalten. Die Adresse von ihm ist: Dr. Rosenthal c/o Dr. Hans Aberg, 3147 Missionstreet, San Francisco / Californien, geb. Mutter von Frau Dr. Seebach. [Sie] ist bereits voriges Jahr verschieden und auf der Farm beigesetzt. Wenn Du dahin kondolieren würdest, wäre dieses sehr angebracht. Von Anna mehr ich seit letzten Monats nichts gehört. Josef ist noch in Gross Breesen. Vielmehr weiss ich auch nicht zu unterrichten. Ich möchte jetzt mit dem Wunsche schliessen, dass Du gesund bleiben mögest und lass Deine Mutter bei Dir sehen kannst. Bleibe recht gesund, grüsse alle Bekannten und empfange die herzlichsten Grüsse und Küsse von Deinem Onkel Simon

This continuation reveals Simon's network of contacts and the scattered state of the family by late 1941. The reference to Dr. Breuer at Princeton University reflects the network of German-Jewish intellectuals who had emigrated to American academia. Dr. Rosenthal working as a military instructor in San Francisco shows Jewish refugees contributing to U.S. military preparedness before America's entry into WWII (December 1941). The mention of "Josef is still in Gross-Breesen" refers to the Gross-Breesen agricultural training farm near Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), a Zionist-inspired agricultural training center that prepared young Jews for emigration through farming skills. Communication was limited to Red Cross messages, and Simon expresses hope that Mina can bring her mother to the United States. Simon's closing wish — that his niece stay healthy and be reunited with her mother — carries poignant weight given his own impending fate.

Typed letter (page 1 of 2) from Simon Israel Oppenheimer III to his niece Min...

08.10.1941

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English German Context

Simon Israel Oppenheimer III. Hannover, Herschelstrasse 31. Hannover, October 8, 1941. My dear niece, dear nephew! Your letter, dear niece, of the 7th of last month was forwarded to me by Uncle Julius. In the meantime, you will have received my letters as well. I can easily understand that with all your work you cannot always write punctually. Hopefully you and all the relatives are well, which is also mostly the case with me. For the [autumn] we do not have such great heat as you do; we still have wonderful weather for this time of the autumn. That you receive regular news from nephew D. Katten is very pleasing; in Hannover, however, it is unfortunately the case that one can [barely get field post through]. Sad, but true. Do try once more through the Joint [Distribution Committee] whether it might be possible to learn the address of O., so that as soon as possible an entry [permit] toward Cuba could be arranged for him, because after all, with these people, for whom the Dollar plays such a big role, it would mean the least [difficulty]. I am very sorry to hear that Mrs. Ottenheimer has passed away. Please give my heartfelt condolences to her children. I have in the past months still had some things to move, and under current orders I had to vacate my apartment into [another] house and am now in quarters that are something quite different from what one is accustomed to. Margit herself still has it somewhat bearable insofar as she now lives entirely in the old [place] and manages. But one has already [adjusted] to this, and one will surely see each other again, just as one will come together again with one's whole family, because the war — you must also see this — will come to an end someday. Dear nephew, are you still employed at your old business? As I [learned] from your wedding day... [several lines difficult to decipher due to typewriter quality]... Please go to Mrs. Gundersheimer, with her I have left a box of [Glanzbilder/collectible cards] for you, with great care. How are Aunt Sophie K. and Sally K.? From Aunt Henny I also received news about 14 days ago through the Red Cross. I was very glad to receive greetings for the holidays as usual... [additional personal greetings, partially illegible]... So once again, warmest greetings from your uncle. Be most warmly greeted and kissed by your uncle Simon

Simon Israel Oppenheimer III. Hannover, Herschelstr. 31. Hannover, den 8. Oktober 1941. Meine liebe Nichte, lieber Neffe! Deinen Brief, lb. Nichte, vom 7. v. Mts. wurde mir von Onkel Julius eingesandt. Inzwischen werdet Ihr wohl meine Briefe auch erhalten haben, mir leicht verständlich, dass Ihr bei Eurer Vielarbeit erst nicht immer pünktlich schreiben könnt. Hoffentlich seid Ihr und alle Verwandten gesund, was auch bei mir zum grössten Teil der Fall ist. Für den [Herbst] zu haben wir nicht solch grosse Hitze wie bei Euch; wir haben zurzeit für den Herbst betrachtet noch ein herrliches Wetter. Dass Ihr vom Neffen D. Katten regelmässig Nachricht habt, ist sehr erfreulich, in Hannover aber ist es leider so, dass man hier Feldpost beigrimmmen kann. Traurig, aber wahr. Versucht doch nochmals durch den Joint, ob nicht von dort die Adresse O. er etwas erfahren werden könnte, dass er sobald als möglich, um ihn eine Einreise-[Erlaubnis] Richtung nach Kuba sorgen können, denn schliesslich spielt doch bei diesem Menschen, die das Wort [?] Dollar bei denen keine solche, alldem grosse Rolle. Dies wäre noch die wenigsten [?]. Dass Frau Ottenheimer verstorben ist, bedauere ich sehr. Sagt bitte Ihren Kindern mein herzliches Beileid. Ich habe bis jetzt in den letzten Monats immer noch etwas Verkleidung nachtragen, und bei jetziger Anordnung meine Wohnung in eigenes Haus räumen müssen und bin jetzt in einem Quartier das doch etwas anderes ist [als] man gewöhnt ist. Margit selbst hat es noch insofern einigermassen [erträglich], weil sie jetzt Vollständig in Altem wohnt und sorgen [?]. Aber man hat sich da schon zu [?], oder man [?] und dort und man sieht sicher wieder, ebenso man wieder mit seinen ganzen Familiengliedern zusammen kommen kann, denn der Krieg, das müsst Ihr ja auch wohl einsehen, wird ja auch mal ein Ende nehmen. Lieber Neffe, bist Du noch in Deinem alten Betrieb beschäftigt? Wie ich damals von Eurem Hochzeitstag mir Eurer Freund[?]. Be danach auch nach langem der Partner frei ist, würde es mich sehr freuen. Du wirst ich das Er darber freut kann und so allein in diesem Milieu verbleiben [?]. Wenn auch die bitte bitte Dir und Deine Mutter in Eurem Haus. Leb wohl jetzt mein Lieber u. lass Mich bitte baldmöglichst über Dich hören. Geh zu Frau Gundersheimer, bei dieser habe ich Dir eine Schachtel von Glanzbilder in Grosser Sorge. Wie geht es Tante Sophie K. und Sally K.? Von Tante Henny Mues ich Dir von ca. 14 Tagen ebenfalls über das Rote Kreuz Nachricht erhalten. Ich habe für zu Grosser Freude auf die Feiertage und wie übliche [?] Grüsse. Auch Nichte, ich schreibe Dir nicht, ob Siegfried Heller und dessen Gattin [?] reguliert habt wie geht es Leutrungen. Anna Kloten von Heimer und Familie Erwin [?] es ihnen. Also nochmals alle herzlichen Grüsse von Euren Onkel. Seid herzlichst gegrüsst und geküsst von Eurem Onkel Simon

This letter, dated October 8, 1941, was written just weeks before the first mass deportation of Jews from Hannover (on December 15, 1941, to Riga). Simon's mention of being forced to vacate his apartment reflects the Nazi policy of "Zusammenlegung" — the compulsory relocation of Jews into designated "Judenhäuser" (Jewish houses), which concentrated Jewish residents into overcrowded shared quarters as a prelude to deportation. His use of the mandatory middle name "Israel" (required since 1939) is visible in the letterhead. Communication was increasingly restricted — Simon notes receiving news only through the Red Cross. His attempts to arrange emigration to Cuba through the Joint Distribution Committee reflect the desperate search for any escape route. The letter reveals a man trying to maintain family connections and a sense of normalcy while living under increasingly dire conditions. Simon Israel Oppenheimer III was deported from Hannover and murdered in the Holocaust.

Typed letter fragment

08.10.1941

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English German Context

[Top of page damaged/torn, text begins mid-sentence] ...unfortunately, God willing, in recent [times] ... changes have also occurred here in our family. Aunt Frieda and Gretel departed last Thursday to an unknown destination, along with many others. Such arrangements are also being prepared here. How long I will remain here, I unfortunately cannot yet say. From your dear mother and all our other relatives, I hear only through the Red Cross. They all write that they are well; unfortunately, from here any help is impossible. Hermann Marx and his wife will probably have already arrived in Cuba as an intermediate stop by now. They firmly promised me to do as much as possible to at least ease the situation of the poorest through financial contributions. Hopefully they will keep their word. Here in Hannover there is nothing new to report. From Munich you will be kept up to date by Uncle Julius. Margit already returned about 6–7 weeks ago to Stuttgart to her mother; all of this was under the old [arrangements]. Please contact, with reference to me, Dr. Breuer in Princeton, N.J., 24 Wilton Street. This gentleman is the son-in-law of a family I am friends with —

[Top of page damaged/torn, text begins mid-sentence] ...leider Gottes wird in jüngster [Zeit] ... Veränderungen auch hier in unserer Familie vorgekommen. Tante Frieda und Gretel sind letzten Donnerstag unbekannt wohin mit noch vielen anderen abgereist. Auch hier sind derartige Anordnungen vorbereitet. Solange mein Bleiben noch hier ist, kann ich leider auch noch nicht sagen. Von Deiner lieben Mutter und allen unseren anderen Angehörigen höre ich nur über das Rote Kreuz. Sie schreiben wohl alle, dass sie gesund sind, leider Gottes ist von hier aus eine Hilfe unmöglich. Hermann Marx und Frau werden wohl bereits jetzt schon in Kuba als Zwischenlandungsort eingetroffen sein. Sie versprachen mir fest, soviel als möglich zu tun, um wenigstens den Ärmsten durch finanzielle Zuwendungen ihre Lage nach Möglichkeit zu erleichtern. Hoffentlich halten sie auch Wort. Hier in Hannover gibt es Neues nicht zu berichten. Von München wirst Du von Onkel Julius laufend unterrichtet. Margit ist schon von circa 6–7 Wochen nach Stuttgart zu ihrer Mutter zurückgefahrt, dies betraf in Altem alles unter D. Nahren. Wende Dich doch unter Bezugnahme auf mich an Herrn Dr. Breuer in Princeton N.J. 24 Wilton Street. Dieser Herr ist der Schwiegersohn einer mir befreundeten

This fragment is of exceptional historical significance. The passage about "Aunt Frieda and Gretel" who "departed last Thursday to an unknown destination, along with many others" is a direct reference to deportation. The phrase "unbekannt wohin" (to an unknown destination) was the common way Jews in Germany described deportations — they did not know where the transports were headed. Simon's ominous statement "Such arrangements are also being prepared here" and "How long I will remain here, I unfortunately cannot yet say" reveals his awareness that deportation from Hannover was imminent. The mention of communication only through the Red Cross, the impossibility of help from Germany, and the reference to Cuba as an "intermediate stop" (Zwischenlandungsort) all reflect the increasingly desperate and isolated situation of Jews remaining in Germany in late 1941. The systematic deportations from Hannover began on December 15, 1941, when approximately 1,001 Jews were deported to Riga.

Handwritten letter

20.11.1941

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English German Context

Munich, November 20, 1941 Dear Mina and [family]! ... [The letter discusses various family matters, mentions America, makes references to relatives including Margit, Betty, and others. Contains ongoing discussion of emigration ("Auswanderung"). Asks Mina to greet all relatives in Baltimore. The tone is increasingly urgent.]

München den 20. Nov. 1941 Liebe Mina u. Leute [?]. In [?] den [?] erinnern [?] ja, die wie [?] Amerikaner menschenlos wunderbares machten wie es längst wollte aus und Lieben [?] nach [?] ihr [?] unsere Mannen [?] Stolz und [?] Gefühliges [?] ... Seite um ein Lieben dorthin [?] aber ganz Los und Lieder u. Herren [?] dass [?] Alles ebenfalls Altes Kalles wechsler erleben. [?] nochmals wir wollen Besuchen. Es Kommunen in habe [?] [?] [?] [?]. Für Freuen Schein Verleiher das Band Reise [?] und [?] und bekam [?] wird u. verschwand [?]. [?] ist [?] gesandt dass [?] [?] uns [?] ... [?] ... Alle [?] und ... Margit die [?] Hammer u. Freden [?] und Ib. [?] Treiben [?]... komme [?] meines [?] Stuken [?] in [?] auf [?] gern [?] frei 10 [?] Hilfe. Von Allein [?] Klose [?] in Betty [?] kamen in [?] bin ich wollte [?] keine Antwort [?] u. [?] ist so schon ein Alter [?] Mina, Dr. [?] oder Ernst D. [?]. Von immer nach Briefe mit der Auswanderung. Grüsst bitte Alle [?] herzl. Seiten... noch [?] trefflich [?] und in Baltimore. G. Mina, hat [?] sie alles gebrochen. Von Welt [?] u. bitte [?] gesagt [?] gefunden u. [?] an [?] Konfidentstellen [?] alle [?] Verwandten viele [?] Grüsse. —

Written on November 20, 1941, this is one of the very last letters that could have been sent from Munich to America. The first mass deportation from Munich took place on November 20, 1941 — the very date of this letter — when approximately 1,000 Jews were deported to Kaunas (Kovno), Lithuania, where most were murdered upon arrival on November 25, 1941. Whether Julius and Elsa were on this transport or a later one requires further research. The United States declared war on Germany on December 11, 1941, ending all direct postal communication. This letter may represent one of the Oppenheimers' final communications with their American relatives.

Theresienstadt camp postcard — message side

19.06.1944

Transcribed Show text

English German Context

Theresienstadt, June 19, 1944. Dear Uncle Karl! I gratefully acknowledge receipt of your package from . . . . . . . . 1944. Margit Oppenheimer Signature. [Pre-printed form number: 215]

Theresienstadt, am 19. 6. 1944. Lieber Onkel Karl! Ich bestatige dankend den Empfang Ihres (Deines) Paketes vom . . . . . . . . 1944. Margit Oppenheimer Unterschrift. [Pre-printed form number: 215]

This is a pre-printed postcard form used in Theresienstadt concentration camp/ghetto. Prisoners were given these standardized cards to confirm receipt of packages from the outside -- one of the few forms of communication permitted. Margit filled in 'Lieber Onkel Karl!' (Dear Uncle Karl!) and signed her name. The recipient was Karl Maier, a baker in Solnstitting near Landsberg, Bavaria. The date is June 19, 1944. Margit had been deported to Theresienstadt on April 2, 1943. She would later be transported to Auschwitz in October 1944. This card is a direct communication from inside Theresienstadt.

Theresienstadt camp postcard — address side

19.06.1944

Transcribed Show text

English German Context

Sender: Margit Oppenheimer Theresienstadt (Protectorate) Ws. Logstr. 4/12 [Postmark: PRAGUE] POSTCARD To: Mr. Karl Maier, Baker Solnstitting / Bavaria near Landsberg / Upper [Bavaria]

Abs: Margit Oppenheimer Theresienstadt (Prot.) Ws. Logstr. 4/12 [Postmark: PRAG / PRAHA] POSTKARTE [Postal zone marking: 11b] Herrn Karl Maier, Backer... Solnstitting / Bayern b. Landsberg / Hoch

This is the address side of the Theresienstadt postcard (front side is file 0003). Key details: Margit's camp address was Theresienstadt, in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (German-occupied Czechoslovakia), with barracks/lodging reference 'Ws. Logstr. 4/12'. The card was routed through Prague (PRAG/PRAHA postmark), as all camp mail was censored and processed through Prague. The recipient Karl Maier was a baker in Solnstitting near Landsberg in Upper Bavaria. He was addressed as 'Onkel Karl' on the front -- likely a family connection through marriage or an honorary uncle who sent food packages to Margit in the camp.

Handwritten letter to cousin — family fate (page 1 of 3)

30.10.1946

Transcribed Show text

English German Context

1) Dear Cousin! Gemmingen, October 30, 1946 I found your address earlier at the town hall in Gemmingen. As I begin this letter -- your dear mother is after all in America. It is a miracle from God to me that you survived the terrible times. But very few of us survived this dreadful catastrophe. My dear father died in KZ Buchenwald concentration camp. My Uncle Julius and Aunt Elsa, Aunt Frieda and their children were deported and never returned. Aunt Klara was together with your dear father at Burkenbrausch [?] and I went to look for many things. Only my sister Margrit [Margit] and I survived the concentration camp period. My sister worked as a gardener and in a wood factory. She emigrated to Palestine half a year ago and is near a settlement that was established in 1939. Now I will report about myself: At the beginning of 1939, I was at the Jewish emigration training estate in Esslingen, then at the Jewish emigration training farm at [continues on page 2]

1) Liebe Cousine! Gemmingen den 30.10.46 Ich habe fruher Deine Adresse auf dem Rathaus in Gemmingen aufgefunden. Als ich mit dem Brief anfange, ich Deine liebe Mutter geht doch bis in Amerika. Es ist mir ein Gotterwunder, dass Du die schwere Zeit uberstanden hast. Doch auf haben sehr wenige von uns diese schreckliche Katastrophe uberlebt. Mein lieber Vater ist in dem K.Z. Buchenwald gestorben. Mein Onkel Julius und Tante Elsa, Tante Frieda und deren Kinder sind verschleppt und sind nicht mehr zuruckgekehrt. Tante Klara war zusammen mit Deinem lieben Vater nach Burkenbrausch [?] und gehe ich habe ich auf vieles [?] war es gespaht. Nur meine Schwester Margrit und ich haben die K.Z. Zeit uberstanden. Meine Schwester war ein Gartnerin und Holzfabrik. Sie ist von einem halben Jahre nach Palastina mit ausgewandert und befindet sich in der Nahe von einer Ortschaft nanntes [?] die 1939 mit zusammengebaut ist. Mein, will ich von mir berichten: Anfang 1939 war ich von den jud. Auswanderunglehrgut in Esslingen auf dem jud. Auswanderungslehrgut

This is the first page of a 3-page handwritten letter from Josef Oppenheimer, written on the same date as the typed letter (October 30, 1946) but apparently a more personal, detailed account. He provides crucial family information: his father Moses Oppenheimer died at KZ Buchenwald, Uncle Julius and Aunt Elsa Oppenheimer were deported and did not return, Aunt Frieda and her children were deported and did not return, Aunt Klara (Kaufmann, nee Oppenheimer) is mentioned in connection with the recipient's father. Only Josef and his sister Margit survived the camps. Margit had emigrated to Palestine about half a year before (around early 1946). Josef had been at Jewish emigration training farms (Hachshara) in Esslingen and then Grossbreesen near Breslau.

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