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March 17, 1939
Dear Erwin,
Since we can no
longer be selective as to where we would like to go, I must ask
you to please try your best so we can immigrate to Bolivia. I am
a certified electrical engineer in research and development with
specialties in telephone, telegraph and television....
Heinz
September 2,
1939
My dear Parents,
Unfortunately
it's impossible to get out now. No German ships leave now and a
foreign ship will only take foreign currency, which we don't have.
One of these days we will all be reunited. I can't wait for that
day. Even though it's out of the question for us to leave now we
can't give up hope.
Lots of
kisses,
Gerda
October 26,
1939
My dear Children!
We think of you
day and night. Last year was the first time in my life that I could
not congratulate you for your birthday. I hope this letter will
reach you in time and I pray to God, that we will be able to see
each other again. I can see from your letter to Mother how lonely
you are. We are lonely too, but we have to be patient.
Your Father
April 8, 1940
My dear Heinz,
dear Gerda!
I swear by God
the All Mighty that we are not neglecting any possibilities [regarding
your immigration.] There are so many unbelievable circumstances
that you will see in my report which I will send, once you have
your visas. For me there is only one wish; to be able to hug you
[and] the sooner the better. That will be the best day of my entire
life.
Your father
who longs for you with a loving heart
May 14, 1940
My dear Pops!
I know your only
thought is to have us there with you as soon as possible and that
you have been working toward that. Therefore don't despair. We will
see each other soon regardless of all the problems; maybe we will
be in another country and then you will have traveling to look forward
to!!
With love
and faith, wishing you everything good, I remain your loving,
Gerda
May 18, 1940
My dear children,
I don't know what
to say? I made you so many promises but nothing has worked out.
I can't tell you how many tears I have shed and how many sleepless
nights I endured. Not only me, but also dear mother's nerves are
shattered. I am sorry to tell you that the deal with the owner of
the chemical plant did not materialize either. He seems to be a
big crook. We are now trying another deal [to bring 15 Jewish families
here.] Should this not work out then I don't know what to do because
it will be a long time before any regular immigration is possible.
All my best
and kisses,
Father
September 2,
1940
My dear little
Miriam,
Your aunt Gerda
can't give you a present because she is too far away but I will
make up for it when we see each other again. All our cows, horses,
geese and chickens are sending you their best birthday wishes. They
told me that you should not forget them and your Aunt Gerda and
Uncle Heinz too. My dear little doll, all the best for a wonderful
5thbirthday.
A big kiss,
Aunt Gerda
June 13, 1940
My dear children!
It will be one
year tomorrow since we were last together. Those were beautiful,
and at the same time, sorrowful days. It is only a comfort that
I did not know then that you would still be in Germany after one
whole year, otherwise I would not have been able to say goodbye.
I decided to try one more time and will go the President. If that
does not work I see no way out and I will not get over it as long
as I live.
I am your
loving Father
February 2,
1941
My dear good Margot!
I wrote you my
last letter on December 18th and I just noticed you wrote me on
the same day; isn't it funny we both felt the need to talk to each
other on the same day! In the meantime you must have received my
letter that I am expecting a baby. Too bad you are not here, or
rather, that I am not there, you could give me good advice. I got
some baby clothes from acquaintances but not enough so we have to
advertise in the paper for used ones. But I am thrilled to be having
a baby!
With all
my love,
Gerda
September 18,
1941
My dear Margot,
I am a real crazy
mother; so in love with this little boy. He had lots of hair from
the beginning, now the new hair is flour white, silky. He looks
like Heinz did as a child which I always hoped for! I missed all
of you so very much during my delivery and thought of you a lot.
Lots of
love,
Gerda
December 19,
1941
My dear good children,
We went to the
Ministry and after a few minutes, which seemed like hours, I received
the cable for your immigration numbers. I was so excited that everyone
thought I might pass out. But how could it have been otherwise after
the struggle of 1 year, 11 months and 8 days; to finally get it
in the last minute. Now my dears, hurry up and don't overlook anything.
See how quickly you can leave....
A thousand
kisses,
your loving
Father
December 14,
1947
From Germany
Dear Mr. and Mrs.
Deutsch,
Today I want to
go back a few years in order to give you a report about the terrible
year of 1942. At that time it was not possible to send an honest
report. As you know I worked with Heinz in Breslau. In the winter
of 1941-42 Heinz met a man who promised to help all three of them
flee across the border into Switzerland. Everything was worked out
in detail. Gerda and Heinz were convinced their plan would work.
Heinz bought, through an ad in the newspaper, a knapsack that I
picked up for him because he had to wear the yellow star.
Yours,
Gertrud
Leuschner
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