Letters from Emil Schonwetter (sometimes Schoenwetter) sent from Dachau Concentration Camp in the period after Kristallnacht and before his release. Some of what happened after his relaease is kown but not a whole lot. Time to start digging…..
Emil Schönwetter entry on the Holocaust Survivors and Victims Database here. Emil Schönwetter entry at the National Library of Israel here. Some records to review from a MyHeritage search here.
Translation: 12.3.39 Dear Rosa, no news from you since the second of February, I’m afraid of disappointment, but in vain. The power of attorney and passport photos arrived. Why no passport from you? I’m fine and healthy. What’s the news from you? Are you traveling soon? Have you heard from them about anything? They can’t stop the good news. They’re trying to travel as quickly as possible. Dear Rosa, if you already have your permit, then leave as quickly as possible. Please, if you send money again, then by April 10th, possibly a larger amount. If I stay here, which I don’t know yet, best wishes to all of you and greetings, your husband Emil.
Translation: My dears, I’m very worried about your test. I’m overwhelmed and hope the same from all of you. What are you doing, Billi Ernst and Friedl Grosd? Are you keeping my card? What about the apartment? Are you still in the house? Dear Minders, be very good and follow us. We hope to see you again soon. Whoever you write to me, please write exactly and legibly. My birth date, my address, and my address are 27493, Block 128, Room 3. I’ll keep my mail during the delay. Please send me a message.
I wish you all the best. Best regards, your father, Emil Setonvetter.
Emil travelled to Mandate Palestine on the SS Patria which was sunk on 25 November 1940 by the Jewish paramilitary organization Haganah. Three days later he was designated an illegal immigrant and his deportation was ordered. Might this mean he was on the SS Altantic as those on the SS Patria were allowed to stay? Read more about the sinking here.
