Oppenheimer, Simon Israel

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.

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United States of America, State of New York County of Kings, I, William Langerbein, being duly sworn, depose and say: That I reside with my wife Mrs. Ottilie Langerbein nee Mayer at 59 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. That I have resided in the United States for the past fifteen (15) years and that I am a citizen of the United States holding Certificate of Naturalization #.237,253 issued by the Southern District Court at New York on December 3, 1930. That I am a—37 years of age. That it is my intention and desire to have the following friends come and stay with my wife and me in the United States: Mr. Julius Israel Oppenheimer born in Gemmingen, Baden, Germany on May 5th, 1882 and his wife Mrs. Elsa Sarah Oppenheimer — born in Gemmingen, Baden, Germany on Febr. 14, 1894 both residing at Munich, Alfonsstr. 1 Germany. That both my wife and myself have known Mr. and Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer for over 30 years, since we lived formerly in Germany in very close contact with our friends. That both Mr. and Mrs. Oppen- heimer consider our friendship as a very close tie between us, even closer than any relationship might be; in proof of which, Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer have taken care of my wife's parents for a long time , acting for them as if they were their children instead of their friends parents. That I promise hereby to give Mr. and Mrs.Julius Oppen- heimer full board and lodging after their arrival in the United States, and to take care of all their expenses — needs; that I do not wish to enumerate everything I am going to do for them, since I feel my obli- gation as a friend very strongly; that being elderly people, I do not expect them to earn their own living, but that I entirely wish to support them. That I am in a position to guarantee that Mr. and Mrs. Julius Oppenheimer will never become a public charge, since I have nobody dependent on me— upon me for support, my wife being self — supporting. That I have a steady income of $36.40 with the Eagle Pencil Company, as proved by the enclosed statement. (Encl. 1) That I have a joint bank account with my wife at the Hamburg Savings —ank, showing a deposit of $3,172.24 (Encl.2)

This affidavit from William Langerbein of Brooklyn is one of the most detailed sponsorship documents in the collection. Langerbein, a naturalized U.S. citizen since 1930 (15 years in the country, age 37), provides key biographical data for both Julius and Elsa Oppenheimer: Julius born May 5, 1882, and Elsa born February 14, 1894, both in Gemmingen, Baden — confirming their birthplace and the 12-year age difference between them. Their Munich address at Alfonsstrasse 1 is consistent with the earlier documents. Langerbein's emotional language — that the friendship was "closer than any relationship" and that the Oppenheimers had "taken care of my wife's parents for a long time, acting for them as if they were their children" — reflects genuine personal obligation. His financial resources included employment at the Eagle Pencil Company ($36.40/week, roughly $40,000/year in today's money) and savings of $3,172.24 at the Hamburg Savings Bank. The document is dated February 1, 1941, over a year after the initial affidavits of November 1939, indicating that the visa process was still unresolved despite multiple sponsors and extensive documentation.

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Copy. New York, Febr. 4. 1941. Ame rican Consulat, Stuttgart, Germany. [Handwritten annotations: illegible] Honorable Consul: I, Mina Kaufmann, residing at 145 West 86 Str. new York herewith state, that I am willing and abl[e] [to gi]ve to my uncle and aunt, Julius Israel Oppenheimer and Elsa Oppenheimer, residing at 1 Alfonsstr. Muenchen Germany $5.— every week for their personal use. I also like to state, that after my mother, this uncle is my closest relative, since he brought me up, my father having been killed in the first world war. That I know, that Mr. Julius Oppenheimer is suffering from varicose veins, and Mrs. Oppenheimer from rheumatism. That never- theless I maintain my affidavit to its full extent, and that I wish to add that I am more anxious than ever that my uncle and aunt should join me in the United States. Mina Kaufmann Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary Public in and before said County this 4th day of Febr. 1941 Irma Lotheim Notary Public

This is perhaps the most personal document in the entire collection. Mina Kaufmann — the central figure coordinating the rescue effort from New York — reveals her own family connection: Julius Oppenheimer is her uncle and closest living relative after her mother. She explains that Julius "brought me up" because her father was killed in the First World War. This biographical detail transforms our understanding of the entire correspondence: Mina's tireless efforts — coordinating multiple sponsors, depositing $1,015 at the bank, paying for affidavit filings, arranging luggage storage — were driven not just by family obligation but by a deep personal debt to the uncle who raised her after she was orphaned by war. Her promise of $5 per week (about $107/week today) for personal expenses supplemented the full board and lodging promised by the Langerbeins and Samuel Morris. Like Morris and Langerbein before her, she explicitly acknowledges the Oppenheimers' health conditions (varicose veins and rheumatism) and maintains her affidavit "nevertheless" — the same formula used to counter the consulate's potential objection to admitting immigrants with medical conditions. The document is dated February 4, 1941 — three days after the Langerbein affidavit — suggesting a coordinated blitz of paperwork aimed at finally securing the visas. Notarized by Irma Lotheim.

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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.

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.

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.

[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.

Airmail envelope front. Addressed to: Luftpost Nordamerika [Airmail North America] Fräulein Dr. Mina Kaufmann c/o Engel Baltimore 4006 Norfolk Avenue Stamps: Two Deutsches Reich postage stamps — a 40 Pfennig stamp (Adolf Hitler portrait) and a 25 Pfennig stamp (Paul von Hindenburg portrait). Blue "MIT LUFTPOST / PAR AVION / BY AIR MAIL" label affixed at lower left. Circular censor mark "Ab" visible. Postmark: Hannover.

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This envelope carried a letter from Simon Israel Oppenheimer III in Hannover to his niece Dr. Mina Kaufmann in Baltimore. The use of the mandatory middle name "Israel" (required for Jewish men by the Nazi decree of August 17, 1938) and the Deutsches Reich stamps with Hitler's portrait reflect the conditions under which German Jews corresponded in 1941. The censorship marks indicate wartime mail inspection.

Envelope back (reverse side). Return address: [O]ppenheimer, Hannover Herschelstr. 31 Censorship strip on the right side reading: "EXAMINED BY 5570" — indicating the letter was opened and inspected by Allied or U.S. censors upon arrival. The envelope has been resealed with tape in an X pattern after inspection.

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[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.