Bernstein, Margit Edith Erna (née Oppenheimer)

born Oppenheimer

b. 31.05.1922, Stuttgart — d. 26.01.2006, Israel (consequences of camp illnesses)

Holocaust Survivor

Personal Details

Religion

Jewish

Classification

Halbjüdin (classified as 'Jüdin' by Nazi authorities)

Profession

Hilfsarbeiterin, Nursery worker (Feuerbach)

Address

Wuppertal (c. 1937-1938)

Address

c/o Frau Marie, Geellbergstr. 1, Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart (c.1939)

Address

Hospitalstr. 36, Stuttgart (c.1940-1943)

Address

Feuerbach, Stuttgart (c.1940-1942)

Address

Kiryat Haim, Israel (c.1952-1957)

Family

Parents

Moses Oppenheimer, Anna Maria Ruth Kuhn

Spouse

Philip Hans Bernstein

Children

Yael Shacham, Dani Tzor

Siblings

Änne Berger, Josef Oppenheimer

Location Trail

Letter: München (Munich), Germany (0007) → Born: Stuttgart (31.05.1922) → Sent to Esslinger Waisenhaus: Esslingen (1935) → Resided (c. 1937-1938): Wuppertal (1937) → Margit living in Wuppertal: Wuppertal (1937) → Margit moves from Wuppertal to Bad Cannstatt: bad_cannstatt (1938) → Witnesses Kristallnacht at Esslingen Orphanage: Esslingen (09.11.1938) → Resided (c.1939): c/o Frau Marie, Geellbergstr. 1, Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart (1939) → Failed plan to follow Änne to Denmark: Stuttgart (1939) → Margit writes seeking emigration sponsorship: Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart (04.11.1939) → Letter: Bad Cannstatt (04.11.1939) → Letter: New York, New York, USA (17.04.1940) → Resided (c.1940-1943): Hospitalstr. 36, Stuttgart (1940) → Resided (c.1940-1942): Feuerbach, Stuttgart (1940) → Letter: München (Munich), Germany (30.07.1940) → Letter: Bronx, New York, USA (02.1941) → Letter: [Stuttgart, Germany] (04.04.1941) → Letter: Hannover, Germany (1941) → Letter: Munich, Germany (25.10.1941) → Letter: Basel, Switzerland (07.11.1941) → Letter: München (Munich), Germany (20.11.1941) → Interned: Ghetto Theresienstadt (17.04.1943) → Deported to Theresienstadt: Ghetto Theresienstadt (17.04.1943) → Letter: Theresienstadt (19.06.1944) → Interned: KZ Auschwitz (01.10.1944) → Deported to KZ Auschwitz: KZ Auschwitz (01.10.1944) → Transferred to factory camp in Silesia: Bad Kudowa-Sakisch (11.1944) → Interned: Bad Kudowa-Sakisch (12.1944) → Liberated: Bad Kudowa-Sakisch (08.05.1945) → Released and welcomed in Náchod, Czechoslovakia: Náchod (05.1945) → Emigrated to: Haifa, Israel (28.03.1946) → Arrives in Haifa, Palestine: Haifa (28.03.1946) → Marries Philip Bernstein: Kfar Yehezkel, Israel (14.07.1946) → Letter: Gemmingen (30.10.1946) → Resided (c.1952-1957): Kiryat Haim, Israel (1952) → Visits cousin Mina in Baltimore, USA: Baltimore (1957) → Photographed: Israel (1963) → Died: Israel (26.01.2006) → Letter: Bad Cannstatt

Persecution & Camps

Ghetto Theresienstadt 17.04.1943 – 01.10.1944

KZ Auschwitz 01.10.1944 – 12.1944

Bad Kudowa-Sakisch 12.1944 – 08.05.1945

✦ Liberated: 08.05.1945, Bad Kudowa-Sakisch

Emigration

Date

28.03.1946

Destination

Haifa, Israel

Restitution

Case

ES/A 13199

Filed

13.02.1952

Authority

Landesbezirksstelle für die Wiedergutmachung Stuttgart

ITS Certificate

No. 450750

ITS Reference

T/D 258485

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
09.11.1938
Witnesses Kristallnacht at Esslingen Orphanage
Memoir: Was visiting the orphanage. 'The organized herd charged and with a deafening noise broke and crushed everything.' Head of house Theodore Rothschild collapsed — 40 years' life work destroyed in under 2 hours. Rothschild later died in Theresienstadt.
📍 Esslingen
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
Margit writes seeking emigration sponsorship
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
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
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, postmark: PRAG/PRAHA). All camp mail censored and processed through Prague.
📍 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
11.1944
Transferred to factory camp in Silesia
Memoir: From Auschwitz, sent to factory near Czech border (Vereinigte Deutsche Metallwerke). Prisoner number 86092. Produced aircraft engines. 400-500 female prisoners. 12-hour factory shifts. Later assigned to camp garden.
📍 Bad Kudowa-Sakisch
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.
05.1945
Released and welcomed in Náchod, Czechoslovakia
Memoir: 'The SS told us to let us go. It was the day before the end of the war.' Led to Czech border at Náchod. Czech authorities received them. 'In Nachod they welcomed us as winners. Along all the streets people stood and cheered.'
📍 Náchod
28.03.1946
Arrives in Haifa, Palestine
Disembarked in Haifa after journey from Belgium via Jewish Brigade. Found sister Änne already in Israel. Sister's husband had died. Stayed 3 months with sister.
📍 Haifa
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.
1957
Visits cousin Mina in Baltimore, USA
Dr. Wilmersdorfer recommended the trip. Traveled at expense of cousin in Baltimore. Also saw a doctor who suggested leaving the kibbutz.
📍 Baltimore
1963
Writes memoir 'I Accuse'
Wrote autobiographical memoir in Hebrew and English. Covers childhood, Holocaust experiences (Theresienstadt, Auschwitz, Silesia factory camp), liberation, emigration to Israel, and post-war struggles with mental health. Ends with 'I Accuse.'
26.01.2006
Dies in Israel
From consequences of camp illnesses
📍 Israel

Correspondence (16 documents)

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

U.S. Customs Entry Record / Receipt / Missing Documents form (Customs Form 5101)

Handwritten letter with multiple notes from different writers

Typed formal affidavit of support from Mrs. Bertha Katz née Falk (page 1 of 2...

+10 more

Personal data sheet for emigration

Transcribed

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

Transcribed

[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

Transcribed

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.

U.S. Customs Entry Record / Receipt / Missing Documents form (Customs Form 5101)

17.04.1940

Transcribed

None

Customs Form 5101 TREASURY DEPARTMENT Arts. 1169½, 1212, 1268, C. R. 1937; T. D. 49832, 49833. April 1939 ENTRY RECORD Entry No. 8287 RECEIPT MISSING DOCUMENTS Impost No. ________ Miss Mina Kaufmann (Address) (Owner—Declared on entry) same [?] * (Entered in name of) (Date of entry) * [illegible] 4/17/40 (Conveyance) (Date of arrival) H.H. and personal effects (Description of merchandise) (Missing documents) I hereby make application to make entry prior to $_________ (Internal revenue tax) production of missing document(s) named above. $ 14.32 (Duty) (Signature) (See reverse side for instructions) 2—15636

This U.S. Customs form documents the arrival of the Oppenheimers' shipped belongings in New York on April 17, 1940 — just 13 days after Arthur Baer dispatched them from Rotterdam (see 0014). The shipment was declared by Mina Kaufmann as owner and described as "H.H. and personal effects" (household goods and personal effects). A customs duty of $14.32 was assessed, and entry number 8287 was assigned. The form notes "Missing Documents," indicating that some required paperwork (likely the bill of lading or detailed manifest) had not yet been produced at the time of entry. The relatively quick 13-day transit from Rotterdam to New York via the Holland America Line reflects the efficiency of the route — one of the last functioning transatlantic shipping corridors before the German invasion of the Netherlands closed it permanently on May 10, 1940.

Handwritten letter with multiple notes from different writers

30.07.1940

Transcribed

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 formal affidavit of support from Mrs. Bertha Katz née Falk (page 1 of 2...

02.1941

Transcribed

None

Nr. 9831 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, } STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss.: COUNTY OF BRONX, [handwritten: New York] } I, Bertha Katz nee Falk, being duly sworn, depose and say; That I reside at 760 Grand Concourse, Bronx, N.Y., That I have resided in the United States for the last 32 years and that I am a citizen of the United Sta- tes through my first husband, Louis Bauer. Citizenshippapers were issued March 16, 1899 by the Supreme Court at New York. That it is my intention and desire to have the following relatives come and stay with me in the United States: Mr. Julius Israel Oppenheimer born in Gemmingen, Baden, Germany on May 5th, 1882 and his wife Mrs. Else Sarah Oppenheimer born in Gemmingen, Baden, Germany, on February 14, 1891, both residing at Munich, Alfonsstrasse 1, Germany. That I am a first cousin of Mr. Julius Oppenheimer, since my mother Karoline nee Kirchhausen and Mr. Julius Oppenheimer's mother, Mina Oppenheimer nee Kirchhausen, have been sisters. That I am 52 years of age and able to support the prospective immigrants, because nobody is dependent on me for support. That I sponsored the immigration of my brothers Karl and Ferdinand Falk who have become selfsupporting. That I am President of the Farrish Chop House Inc., located at 42 Johnstreet, New York City. That I submit proof for my ownership of Dollars 20,000.00 U.S. Government bonds, the interests of which amounting to Dollars 600= a year, constitute part of my income. That I understand that notwithstanding my most hospitable offers Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer want to stay with another friend of the family, Mr. Samuel Morris, but

This is the most genealogically significant document in the collection. Bertha Katz (née Falk) establishes her blood relationship to Julius Oppenheimer: her mother Karoline (née Kirchhausen) and Julius's mother Mina Oppenheimer (née Kirchhausen) were sisters — making Bertha and Julius first cousins. This confirms the Kirchhausen maiden name of Julius's mother and establishes a key maternal family connection. Bertha's own biography is remarkable: she came to America 32 years earlier (around 1909), gained citizenship through her first husband Louis Bauer in 1899, and by 1941 was President of the Farrish Chop House, Inc. at 42 John Street in lower Manhattan — a successful businesswoman owning $20,000 in U.S. Government bonds (about $430,000 today). She had previously sponsored her brothers Karl and Ferdinand Falk. Note that Elsa's birth year is given here as 1891, whereas the Langerbein affidavit (0021) gives 1894 — a discrepancy that may require further verification. The registration number 9831 matches the Stuttgart consulate's response letter (0029). The detail that the Oppenheimers preferred to stay with Samuel Morris rather than with Bertha adds a human dimension to the bureaucratic paperwork.

Blank reverse of the American Consulate letter from Stuttgart

04.04.1941

Transcribed

None

[Top left corner, handwritten:] 684 — 3394 [Watermarks throughout the page reading "Igestat" — a German paper manufacturer's mark] [Otherwise blank]

The reverse of the Stuttgart consulate letter (0029) is essentially blank except for a handwritten filing notation "684 — 3394" in the top left corner, likely an internal reference number used by either the consulate or the Oppenheimers' file. The "Igestat" watermarks throughout the paper identify it as a product of a German paper manufacturer, consistent with official German-era stationery used by the American consulate in Stuttgart.

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

1941

Transcribed

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

Transcribed

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

Transcribed

[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.

Western Union telegram from Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer in Munich to Mina Kau...

25.10.1941

Transcribed

[From Munich, October 25:] To: DOKTOR KAUFMANN 622 WEST 141 STREET APT 3D, NEW YORK CITY VOCK OFFER SEVENTH AUGUST REACHABLE IF YOU AGREE DEPOSIT HALF PASSAGE THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS ELSE [AND] JULIUS

[WESTERN UNION header] R. B. WHITE, PRESIDENT NEWCOMB CARLTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD J. C. WILLEVER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT The filing time shown in the date line on telegrams and day letters is STANDARD TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is STANDARD TIME at point of destination. D36CC 4A VIA RCA CD MUENCHEN 25 10 NLT RP$3.87 DOKTOR KAUFMANN [handwritten: AW] 622 WEST 141 STREET APT 3D NEWYORKCITY VOCKANGEBOT SIEBTER AUGUST ERREICHBAR WENN DU EINVERSTANDEN EINZAHLET HALBE PASSAGE DREIHUNDERT DOLLARS ELSE JULIUS THE COMPANY WILL APPRECIATE SUGGESTIONS FROM ITS PATRONS CONCERNING ITS SERVICE

This telegram — one of the very few direct communications from Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer themselves in the entire collection — was sent from Munich, likely on October 25, 1941 (based on the routing code "MUENCHEN 25 10"). Julius and Elsa inform Mina ("Doktor Kaufmann") that a travel offer from Reisebüro Vock (a Stuttgart travel agency — see 0037 and 0040) is available, with a departure date reachable by August 7th [likely a reference to a ship sailing]. They ask Mina to deposit $300 — half the passage fare — if she agrees. The telegram was sent to Mina's new address at 622 West 141st Street, Apt. 3D, New York City (c/o Heller, as per the Zaro Tours documents). The fact that Julius and Elsa could still send international telegrams from Munich in late October 1941 indicates they had not yet been deported, but the window was closing rapidly. Deportations of Munich Jews to Kaunas (Lithuania) and Riga (Latvia) began on November 20, 1941. The telegram is signed "ELSE JULIUS" — Elsa's name first — suggesting she may have been the one managing the practical arrangements from the Munich end.

RCA Radiogram (telegram) from Zaro Tours Basel branch to Zaro Tours New York,...

07.11.1941

Transcribed

[Cable from Zaro Tours Basel to Zaro Tours New York:] URGENTLY ARRANGE CUBA VISAS [for] ISAAK OPPENHEIMER BORN GEMMINGEN 5/5/82 [and] ELSA OPPENHEIMER [born] GEMMINGEN 14/2/94 RESIDENT [of] MUNICH GERMAN NATIONALITY STOP COLLECT 415 DOLLARS INCLUDING PREVIOUS EXTRA EXPENSES AS WELL AS 650 DOLLARS DEPOSIT AS WELL AS BANK FEE 41.30 DOLLARS FROM DEPOSITOR MINA KAUFMANN 622 WEST 141 STREET APARTMENT 3D C/O HELLER ZAROHC [Zaro Tours]

[RCA RADIOGRAM header — R.C.A. COMMUNICATIONS, INC.] [A RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA SERVICE] [TO ALL THE WORLD — BETWEEN IMPORTANT U.S. CITIES — TO SHIPS AT SEA] Send the following Radiogram "Via RCA" subject to terms on back hereof, which are hereby agreed to HBELZ SZ1257 November 7, 1941 BASEL 131/120 6 1855 PAHE 1/50 NLT ZAROHC NEWYORK EILBESORGET CUBAVISEN ISAAK OPPENHEIMER GEBOREN GEMMINGEN 5/5/82 ELSA OPPENHEIMER GEMMINGEN 14/2/94 WOHNHAFT MUENCHEN DEUTSCHE STAATSANGEHOERIGKEIT STOP EINZIEHET 415 DOLLAR INCLUSIVE BISHERIGE EXTRASPESEN SOWIE 650 DOLLAR DEPOT SOWIE BANKGEBUEHR 41.30 DOLLARS VON EINZAHLER MINA KAUFMANN 622 WEST 141 STREET APARTMENT 3D C/O HELLER ZAROHC Main Office: 66 Broad Street, New York, N.Y. (Always Open) Phone: HAnover 2-1811 FULL-RATE MESSAGE UNLESS MARKED OTHERWISE Sender's Name and Address (Not to be transmitted) Form 100-38-TA-0840

This radiogram marks a dramatic shift in the rescue strategy. By November 1941, with direct U.S. immigration still blocked by the Stuttgart consulate's travel-proof requirement (see 0029), the plan pivoted to obtaining Cuba visas — a last-resort escape route. The cable was sent from Zaro Tours' Basel, Switzerland branch to their New York office (cable address ZAROHC), urgently requesting Cuba visas for "Isaak" (Julius Israel) Oppenheimer and Elsa Oppenheimer. The financial breakdown totals $1,106.30: $415 for costs and expenses, $650 for a deposit, and $41.30 in bank fees, all to be collected from Mina Kaufmann — now residing at 622 West 141st Street, Apt. 3D, c/o Heller (she had moved from her longtime 145 West 86th Street address). The use of "Isaak" instead of "Julius" likely reflects the forced adoption of the middle name "Israel" imposed on Jewish men by the Nazi regime's August 1938 decree. The date — November 7, 1941, exactly one month before Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) and the subsequent U.S. declaration of war on Germany — places this cable in the final weeks when any transatlantic rescue was theoretically possible. Cuba had been an alternate refuge for Jewish refugees since the famous St. Louis voyage of 1939, though by late 1941, Cuba's own immigration restrictions had tightened considerably.

Handwritten letter

20.11.1941

Transcribed

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

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

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

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.

Photos

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 1 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 2 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 3 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 4 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 5 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 6 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 7 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 8 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 9 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 10 (1963)

Margit Bernstein Memoir (English), Page 11 (1963)

Notes

Sent to Esslinger Waisenhaus (Jewish orphanage) after father's arrest 1935

After school worked as Hausmädchen in Neuffen

During Kristallnacht 1938: visiting orphanage, which was attacked. Fled to mother in Stuttgart.

04.11.1939: Letter from Bad Cannstatt seeking affidavit for America. Plan to follow Änne to Denmark had failed. Mentions Uncle Simon.

Legal guardian c.1939: Leo Israel Moser, Kornbergstr. 45, Stuttgart (from USHMM personal data sheet)

Went to uncle in Hannover, apprentice in Jewish nursery (Ahlem)

Then returned to Stuttgart, Hospitalstr. 36, worked in Feuerbach nursery

19.06.1944: Postcard from Theresienstadt (camp address Ws. Logstr. 4/12) to Karl Maier, Baker, Solnstitting/Bavaria — confirming package receipt. Postcard routed via Prague.

ITS T/D 258485

Worked as Hausmädchen (housemaid) in Neuffen before the war.

Mother of Dani Tzor (1947-2019) and Yael Shacham (née Bernstein)

Memoir (1963): Father arrested March 1935 for Rassenschande. Three children (Änne, Margit, Josef) sent to Aunt Klara in Gemmingen, then to Jewish orphanage in Esslingen.

Memoir: Mother's second husband was a Christian. They lived in Heidelberg. Mother visited orphanage sometimes.

Memoir: Kristallnacht (Nov 9, 1938) — was visiting the orphanage when it was attacked. Head of house Theodore Rothschild collapsed; later died in Theresienstadt.

Memoir: After school, worked as housekeeper for Marx family in Neufahrn (near Esslingen). Then moved to Stuttgart Hospitalstrasse.

Memoir: Met Siegfried Michelbacher at Hospitalstr. 36 (Judenhaus). He worked as a cook. Their love sustained her through the camps.

Memoir: In Theresienstadt, worked agriculture (tomato fields) under supervisor Werner Neutle (German-Czech Jew, later in Shavei Tzion, Israel).

Memoir: Prisoner number at factory camp in Silesia: 86092. Factory produced aircraft engines/compressors.

Memoir: After liberation, learned Siegfried died 14 days before American army reached Dachau, of typhoid.

Memoir: Philip found her name on survivor list. He knew her from Esslingen orphanage. Jewish Brigade soldier.

Memoir: Arrived Haifa March 28, 1946. Found sister Änne already in Israel.

Memoir: 1957 — visited cousin Mina in Baltimore, USA.

Memoir: Written in 1963, ends with 'I Accuse.'

Sources

Oppenheimer/Shacham Family Archive ITS Archives (International Tracing Service) Zeichen der Erinnerung (Stuttgart) Stolpersteine Stuttgart USHMM Kaufmann Family Correspondence Geni.com World Family Tree Margit Bernstein Memoir (קורות חיים) Margit Bernstein Memoir (English Translation)