Letters Yad Vashem, Israël IV.
Brief van Ilse Ledermann-Citroen aan haar broer Paul.
My Dearests, 20-1-1943
We are currently very worried about Mother and Tata. At this moment, an operation against the nursing homes is underway. A whole series of them has already been emptied. Last night, an acquaintance of Mother’s came by and, at her request, told us that she had heard that her home would not be cleared today. She was very anxious and did not know what to do. This operation is taking place throughout the entire day. That is why she wanted to leave tomorrow morning and only return in the evening.
After we initially agreed, we nevertheless sent her a letter late in the evening via the messenger, in which we explained our concerns about various matters. We fear that if no one is at home, the door may be forced open and possibly sealed, leaving her with nowhere to go at all. She sent back, with our messenger, a very despondent letter in which she told us that she had heard that those who had been arrested were taken the same day by train to Vught, and from there sent on to Germany and Poland. She no longer knows what to do, but hopes that things will be clearer tomorrow.
This morning, however, it turned out that the action is not directed at the nursing homes, but at people who had been granted postponement due to illness. Everywhere, including in our street, the raid vehicles are pulling up, and elderly and sick people are being taken from their homes, sometimes even carried out. It was a dreadful sight.
In the afternoon, Ille (Ilse) and I went to her house. No one answered the door, however, and an acquaintance told us that they had all left. I then went home, but Ille discovered that Mother and Tata were in fact at home, but had not heard the bell. Ille spoke to them. No one knows what advice to give them. Some recommend staying at home, while others advise leaving during the day. It is said that if one is arrested during the day, nothing can be done, whereas if one is arrested in the evening, one is taken to the Jewish Theatre and may be released again from there with a stamp. Tomorrow there will probably be no action during the day, but the day after tomorrow there likely will be again.
On top of this, she no longer has any staff. Erna has been arrested and is in Westerbork. The other daytime helper, Mrs. Gootschalk, no longer dares to come, just as staff from nursing homes everywhere have fled. You can imagine the situation. Of course, you cannot help either, but we still want to keep you informed.
In the evenings, more and more Jewish personnel of the Wehrmacht are now being arrested. As I am writing this, Mrs. Cygielnik came by to tell us that they too are being arrested and had to leave immediately. This is the third time they have been arrested, apart from the fact that they have already spent six weeks in a prison in Germany, and we fear that this time they will not return. It is a joy to live.
In this spirit,
yours,
Franz
My dear ones! I can hardly go on. Physically and mentally, it is almost too much to bear. I no longer see any hope for Mother. I have packed together with her; everything is ready. … we stayed at home with her and Tata, while all the others had gone away.
Ilse
We are currently very worried about Mother and Tata. At this moment, an operation against the nursing homes is underway. A whole series of them has already been emptied. Last night, an acquaintance of Mother’s came by and, at her request, told us that she had heard that her home would not be cleared today. She was very anxious and did not know what to do. This operation is taking place throughout the entire day. That is why she wanted to leave tomorrow morning and only return in the evening.
After we initially agreed, we nevertheless sent her a letter late in the evening via the messenger, in which we explained our concerns about various matters. We fear that if no one is at home, the door may be forced open and possibly sealed, leaving her with nowhere to go at all. She sent back, with our messenger, a very despondent letter in which she told us that she had heard that those who had been arrested were taken the same day by train to Vught, and from there sent on to Germany and Poland. She no longer knows what to do, but hopes that things will be clearer tomorrow.
This morning, however, it turned out that the action is not directed at the nursing homes, but at people who had been granted postponement due to illness. Everywhere, including in our street, the raid vehicles are pulling up, and elderly and sick people are being taken from their homes, sometimes even carried out. It was a dreadful sight.
In the afternoon, Ille (Ilse) and I went to her house. No one answered the door, however, and an acquaintance told us that they had all left. I then went home, but Ille discovered that Mother and Tata were in fact at home, but had not heard the bell. Ille spoke to them. No one knows what advice to give them. Some recommend staying at home, while others advise leaving during the day. It is said that if one is arrested during the day, nothing can be done, whereas if one is arrested in the evening, one is taken to the Jewish Theatre and may be released again from there with a stamp. Tomorrow there will probably be no action during the day, but the day after tomorrow there likely will be again.
On top of this, she no longer has any staff. Erna has been arrested and is in Westerbork. The other daytime helper, Mrs. Gootschalk, no longer dares to come, just as staff from nursing homes everywhere have fled. You can imagine the situation. Of course, you cannot help either, but we still want to keep you informed.
In the evenings, more and more Jewish personnel of the Wehrmacht are now being arrested. As I am writing this, Mrs. Cygielnik came by to tell us that they too are being arrested and had to leave immediately. This is the third time they have been arrested, apart from the fact that they have already spent six weeks in a prison in Germany, and we fear that this time they will not return. It is a joy to live.
In this spirit,
yours,
Franz
My dear ones! I can hardly go on. Physically and mentally, it is almost too much to bear. I no longer see any hope for Mother. I have packed together with her; everything is ready. … we stayed at home with her and Tata, while all the others had gone away.
Ilse
Brief van Ilse aan haar broer Paul.
Ik neem aan dat dit de Van den Bergh is die Ilse bedoelt, hij werkte voor de Joodse Raad.
Arnold van den Bergh (Oss, 20 January 1886 – Chelsea, 28 October 1950) was a Dutch civil-law notary. During the Second World War, he was a member of the Jewish Council. In January 2022, Van den Bergh posthumously came into the news because a group of researchers identified him as the main suspect who allegedly betrayed the people in hiding in the Secret Annex to the Germans. Several Dutch historians were so critical of the conclusions of the investigation that the book describing the research, including its conclusions about Van den Bergh, was withdrawn from sale by the publisher in March 2022.
Van den Bergh was born in Oss and, as the grandson of Daniël van den Bergh, belonged to the so-called Bergoss branch of the family. His great-uncle Simon van den Bergh was one of the founders of Unilever. In 1908, Arnold van den Bergh passed his state examination in notarial law, and in early 1909 he was appointed as a junior notary in Amsterdam. On 8 June 1920, he married Auguste Kan (1899–1968) in Enschede. On 26 January 1923, Van den Bergh was appointed notary in Amsterdam. In 1938, his notarial office merged with that of notary E. Spier. The office initially remained on the Sarphatistraat, but moved in April 1939 to the Westeinde. Meanwhile, in 1936, Van den Bergh had become secretary of the Netherlands Israelite Poor Relief Board.
After the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Van den Bergh initially retained his position. When Alois Miedl, together with Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, purchased the real estate and art collection of Jacques Goudstikker in July 1940, Van den Bergh acted as the notary for the transaction. Because he was Jewish, he was dismissed from office by the Germans on 21 February 1941. On 13 February, he had become a member of the Jewish Council upon its establishment. Van den Bergh obtained a “Sperre,” which meant his family was exempted from deportation, and he even managed to be “Aryanized” through Hans Calmeyer. However, a fellow notary successfully objected to this, and the Aryanization was revoked. As a result, he was not allowed to remain a notary. On 9 September 1943, De Residentiebode reported that another notary had been appointed to fill his vacancy. That same month, the Jewish Council was dissolved. At the beginning of 1944, a notary was appointed to temporarily manage Van den Bergh’s office.
In 1943, Van den Bergh succeeded in finding hiding places for his daughters: a pair of twins were sheltered in Noord-Scharwoude, and his daughter Annie-Marie in Sprundel. They survived the war. From late 1943 onward, Van den Bergh and his wife went into hiding in Laren.
After the war, Van den Bergh was reinstated as a notary on 23 May 1945. In early June, he resumed his practice, initially on the Keizersgracht. By early August, his office had reunited with that of notary Spier, and they once again worked from their prewar address on the Westeinde. He became chairman of De Joodse Invalide; in 1947, as acting chairman, he transferred the institution’s building to the municipality of Amsterdam. He also served as chairman of the Netherlands Israelite Institution for Social Work, a board member of the Society for the Benefit of Israelites in the Netherlands, and a member of the B'nai B'rith Lodge Hilleel. He was also a well-known figure in non-Jewish circles.
Van den Bergh died at the age of 64 from cancer, leaving behind his wife and three daughters. He was buried on 1 November 1950 at the Jewish cemetery in Muiderberg.
According to a book published in January 2022 about an investigation, Van den Bergh allegedly betrayed the people hiding in the Secret Annex in an attempt to save his own family. Several Dutch historians concluded that this accusation was unfounded. In response to this criticism, the publisher decided in March 2022 to withdraw the book from sale. Two representatives of the Cold Case Team published a rebuttal defending their final conclusion. Source: Wikipedia.
Van den Bergh was born in Oss and, as the grandson of Daniël van den Bergh, belonged to the so-called Bergoss branch of the family. His great-uncle Simon van den Bergh was one of the founders of Unilever. In 1908, Arnold van den Bergh passed his state examination in notarial law, and in early 1909 he was appointed as a junior notary in Amsterdam. On 8 June 1920, he married Auguste Kan (1899–1968) in Enschede. On 26 January 1923, Van den Bergh was appointed notary in Amsterdam. In 1938, his notarial office merged with that of notary E. Spier. The office initially remained on the Sarphatistraat, but moved in April 1939 to the Westeinde. Meanwhile, in 1936, Van den Bergh had become secretary of the Netherlands Israelite Poor Relief Board.
After the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Van den Bergh initially retained his position. When Alois Miedl, together with Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, purchased the real estate and art collection of Jacques Goudstikker in July 1940, Van den Bergh acted as the notary for the transaction. Because he was Jewish, he was dismissed from office by the Germans on 21 February 1941. On 13 February, he had become a member of the Jewish Council upon its establishment. Van den Bergh obtained a “Sperre,” which meant his family was exempted from deportation, and he even managed to be “Aryanized” through Hans Calmeyer. However, a fellow notary successfully objected to this, and the Aryanization was revoked. As a result, he was not allowed to remain a notary. On 9 September 1943, De Residentiebode reported that another notary had been appointed to fill his vacancy. That same month, the Jewish Council was dissolved. At the beginning of 1944, a notary was appointed to temporarily manage Van den Bergh’s office.
In 1943, Van den Bergh succeeded in finding hiding places for his daughters: a pair of twins were sheltered in Noord-Scharwoude, and his daughter Annie-Marie in Sprundel. They survived the war. From late 1943 onward, Van den Bergh and his wife went into hiding in Laren.
After the war, Van den Bergh was reinstated as a notary on 23 May 1945. In early June, he resumed his practice, initially on the Keizersgracht. By early August, his office had reunited with that of notary Spier, and they once again worked from their prewar address on the Westeinde. He became chairman of De Joodse Invalide; in 1947, as acting chairman, he transferred the institution’s building to the municipality of Amsterdam. He also served as chairman of the Netherlands Israelite Institution for Social Work, a board member of the Society for the Benefit of Israelites in the Netherlands, and a member of the B'nai B'rith Lodge Hilleel. He was also a well-known figure in non-Jewish circles.
Van den Bergh died at the age of 64 from cancer, leaving behind his wife and three daughters. He was buried on 1 November 1950 at the Jewish cemetery in Muiderberg.
According to a book published in January 2022 about an investigation, Van den Bergh allegedly betrayed the people hiding in the Secret Annex in an attempt to save his own family. Several Dutch historians concluded that this accusation was unfounded. In response to this criticism, the publisher decided in March 2022 to withdraw the book from sale. Two representatives of the Cold Case Team published a rebuttal defending their final conclusion. Source: Wikipedia.
Mijn loved ones, 28-1-1943
Our letter to Mrs. Van den Bergh was written just in time. Since last night, Mother has been in the (Dutch) Theatre together with all the residents of the nursing home, including Lala. Johan and Lena arrived two minutes after the “blacks” (SS?) had come, at 9 p.m. They then helped until half past eleven packing for all those who were being taken away. The bus arrived late, because due to the darkness they had been unable to find the way. Johan called at about half past nine. We immediately informed Professor Cohen and Mrs. Van den Bergh by telephone.
I was with them early today at the Expo (Deportation department of the Jewish Council?). As soon as she had received the letter, she discussed matters with Sluzer and promised she would help. But today no one has been released yet—nor anyone else. They will remain in the Theatre tonight. They had brought a great deal of food with them and are being very well cared for there.
I sent her a letter to the Theatre, as well as some sweets. Mother replied that she and Tata are now calm; Tata had initially been the only one to lose her composure. However, Tata is still very distressed. I assume that Mother will return. The Cygielniks have also returned. Now everything is a matter of waiting again.
Much worse is that Heinz (Kaempfer) has written to us from the prison in Arnhem. He has been arrested. We know nothing further. He wrote that he was not allowed to take anything with him and asks for certain items such as a toothbrush, shaving kit, and underwear. We have already sent everything. We know nothing about Eva. Oh children, what a life. Lena says Mother is a miracle. She remained so calm and kept saying: I will come back. She helped everyone and reassured them.
Early this morning we received your letter. And the message that Mrs. Van den Bergh, Mrs. De Leeuw, and Miss De Vries have been released. Mother had expected that as well and was already dressed and ready, but at the last moment something intervened—I don’t know what. I was at the Expo; they are working frantically on the case there and hope to get her out today. The main thing is that they will remain in the Theatre until Tuesday. Oh, children!
Heinz is already in Westerbork. Eva is doing well but is suffering from nerves and is not there. We are now doing everything to keep Heinz there.
Children, SHE IS FREE! I have just returned from the Expo, where I was told that Mother, together with the elderly and the sick, had already been taken to the Borneokade to be transported to Westerbork, and that Sluzer had tried in vain to intervene on her behalf, but that they would try again at 6 o’clock. I returned home in despair, where Franz met me with the news: she is free. She herself had called to say that she is in the crèche, opposite the Theatre, and will stay there tonight. We went there immediately.
Yours,
Ilse
Our letter to Mrs. Van den Bergh was written just in time. Since last night, Mother has been in the (Dutch) Theatre together with all the residents of the nursing home, including Lala. Johan and Lena arrived two minutes after the “blacks” (SS?) had come, at 9 p.m. They then helped until half past eleven packing for all those who were being taken away. The bus arrived late, because due to the darkness they had been unable to find the way. Johan called at about half past nine. We immediately informed Professor Cohen and Mrs. Van den Bergh by telephone.
I was with them early today at the Expo (Deportation department of the Jewish Council?). As soon as she had received the letter, she discussed matters with Sluzer and promised she would help. But today no one has been released yet—nor anyone else. They will remain in the Theatre tonight. They had brought a great deal of food with them and are being very well cared for there.
I sent her a letter to the Theatre, as well as some sweets. Mother replied that she and Tata are now calm; Tata had initially been the only one to lose her composure. However, Tata is still very distressed. I assume that Mother will return. The Cygielniks have also returned. Now everything is a matter of waiting again.
Much worse is that Heinz (Kaempfer) has written to us from the prison in Arnhem. He has been arrested. We know nothing further. He wrote that he was not allowed to take anything with him and asks for certain items such as a toothbrush, shaving kit, and underwear. We have already sent everything. We know nothing about Eva. Oh children, what a life. Lena says Mother is a miracle. She remained so calm and kept saying: I will come back. She helped everyone and reassured them.
Early this morning we received your letter. And the message that Mrs. Van den Bergh, Mrs. De Leeuw, and Miss De Vries have been released. Mother had expected that as well and was already dressed and ready, but at the last moment something intervened—I don’t know what. I was at the Expo; they are working frantically on the case there and hope to get her out today. The main thing is that they will remain in the Theatre until Tuesday. Oh, children!
Heinz is already in Westerbork. Eva is doing well but is suffering from nerves and is not there. We are now doing everything to keep Heinz there.
Children, SHE IS FREE! I have just returned from the Expo, where I was told that Mother, together with the elderly and the sick, had already been taken to the Borneokade to be transported to Westerbork, and that Sluzer had tried in vain to intervene on her behalf, but that they would try again at 6 o’clock. I returned home in despair, where Franz met me with the news: she is free. She herself had called to say that she is in the crèche, opposite the Theatre, and will stay there tonight. We went there immediately.
Yours,
Ilse
Brief van Ellen-Citroen-Philippi aan haar zoon Paul Citroen met daaronder een notie van Ilse.
Ellen Citroen-Philippi, alias 'Mutti'.
On Tuesday, 2 February 1943, the 47th transport departed from Westerbork transit camp to the extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. The train consisted of 19 wagons. There were 890 people on board; only one of them returned.
By this time, the Nazis had made significant progress in their goal of making the Netherlands “Judenfrei” (free of Jews). One month after the date of this transport, half of the Dutch Jewish population had been deported, and within a year of the start of the transports on 17 July 1942, this number had risen to more than 70%: 75,000 people.
Sophie and Pauline Philippi were part of this transport and were killed in Auschwitz on 5 February 1943.
By this time, the Nazis had made significant progress in their goal of making the Netherlands “Judenfrei” (free of Jews). One month after the date of this transport, half of the Dutch Jewish population had been deported, and within a year of the start of the transports on 17 July 1942, this number had risen to more than 70%: 75,000 people.
Sophie and Pauline Philippi were part of this transport and were killed in Auschwitz on 5 February 1943.
Dearest children, 1-2-1943
Here I am again, unfortunately without Lala and Tata. That is true—I was faced with the choice: you or them. Ille has just come in to fetch me from the crèche, where I first had to go. My leg and feet were so swollen that it was impossible for me to walk here. Ilse arranged an ambulance, and now I have been at Ledermann’s since yesterday at half past twelve.
So tired and exhausted, with so much pain in all my limbs that I can hardly do anything. It was fortunate that at just the right moment Leen and Jo came and helped with packing and with telephoning everyone… everything then unfolded very differently from what we had imagined. The neighbors also came to help until we were finally all ready to leave, and they waved and called out to us.
And the two other sisters? The thought of them does not leave me. Tata was completely confused and perhaps therefore does not feel it as strongly.
Goodbye, dear little ones! Embraces and much love from Mutti and the Ledermanns.
On 8 February 1943, she (Ellen) briefly went to her home to fetch something; around 5 p.m. she was taken from her house by a raid squad and immediately brought to the Theatre..
Here I am again, unfortunately without Lala and Tata. That is true—I was faced with the choice: you or them. Ille has just come in to fetch me from the crèche, where I first had to go. My leg and feet were so swollen that it was impossible for me to walk here. Ilse arranged an ambulance, and now I have been at Ledermann’s since yesterday at half past twelve.
So tired and exhausted, with so much pain in all my limbs that I can hardly do anything. It was fortunate that at just the right moment Leen and Jo came and helped with packing and with telephoning everyone… everything then unfolded very differently from what we had imagined. The neighbors also came to help until we were finally all ready to leave, and they waved and called out to us.
And the two other sisters? The thought of them does not leave me. Tata was completely confused and perhaps therefore does not feel it as strongly.
Goodbye, dear little ones! Embraces and much love from Mutti and the Ledermanns.
On 8 February 1943, she (Ellen) briefly went to her home to fetch something; around 5 p.m. she was taken from her house by a raid squad and immediately brought to the Theatre..
Dearest Lientje and Paul, 3-2-1943
Of course, you would like to know what has happened here. Today, a week ago, I was expecting Lena and Johan for tea at about nine o’clock. I was preparing everything in the kitchen just as she would have liked it, when the doorbell rang three times. Could they already be here? I opened the small window of the front door and asked, “Who is there?” — “Police!” I opened the door. “We have a summons for Mrs. Schönlicht-Philips.” “That name is not known to me,” I said. “Oh? But she is supposed to live here. Who are you? Show your identity papers!”
“But that’s the same name, Philipps!” — “No,” I said, “you can see here it says Philippi!” “Who else lives here? We must see everyone’s identity papers.” They immediately opened all the room doors and asked everyone whether they were called Schönlicht-Philips. They asked me whether she might have lived here before—it had to be Philippi… living upstairs. They also had a summons for Sophie Neumann Philipps. They were to take everyone with them; I had to make sure everything was ready within three-quarters of an hour. In the meantime, they were to go …
You can imagine that this gave me heart palpitations. It was only five minutes later when the police first encountered Lena, and about ten minutes later Johan. He immediately called Franz and the Expositor and other influential acquaintances of all the other guests. Lena packed all the food she could reach for me, and one of the three Postma sisters, Lala’s caregiver, came to me to say that Lala did not have to go because she could not walk. I went upstairs with Miss Postma to say goodbye to Lala. Mrs. Van Praag, whose daughter has breast cancer, was also, after much trouble, allowed to stay. But when they came again the next day, even the sick were taken and carried away. After that, they decided to take everyone.
Kind neighbors appeared and all helped with packing… finally… we left at half past eleven in a truck in which two people were already sitting, and along the way three more people were picked up, to the Dutch Theatre. We arrived there at midnight, were registered, the larger pieces of luggage were put into storage, while everyone had to keep their many smaller suitcases, backpacks, and bags with them. We looked for places—a long row of nine seats—and spent the first day there, after everyone had been given coffee; there were about 300 people.
My people held themselves bravely, and I myself counted on being released, which kept me in good spirits, and I passed that on in part to the others. Everyone who had a prospect of release or who had a “Sperre” stamp had their identity papers requested the next day—but how great was my disappointment when three of us were released and I was not one of them. My whole being changed; I could no longer bear the fear and the terrible pain of never seeing you all again and having to leave you without saying goodbye.
Those who remained were divided up: the younger ones to Vught, the older ones to Westerbork. We too were sent to the gallery, where the second night had to be spent without any comfort whatsoever. Of course, one eventually fell asleep, only to wake again with stiff limbs. At half past nine, coffee was served again with six slices of bread with jam. At twelve o’clock, the trucks were ready to take us, with our luggage, to the train at the Borneokade, which did not depart for Westerbork until eight in the evening, so that we arrived there at half past one at night.
It was impossible for me to control myself, because my thoughts were with you; despite the many fellow sufferers, I could not hide my tears. After we had been on the train for two hours, I suddenly heard my name. I was taken off the train—and the rest you know.
But the drama was not yet over. Through the Jewish Council we learned that Lala was in barrack number 69 and had asked for a cup and foodstuffs, which we have already sent. We have heard nothing about Tata. And this evening we heard that one of them—and possibly both—has certainly been sent on. How can they endure this? The mere thought is unbearable.
It is now half past midnight; sleep is out of the question. One can now see that they have gone through everything so quickly that their fate has not yet fully reached their consciousness. How sad that one must almost wish for that.
Is it better with you now, Lientje—have you undergone the operation? It comforts me that Johanna is with you. At least then you can recover in peace. Give my warm regards to everyone.
Much love to you and little Paulieneke. Be embraced by Mother.
4 February 1943
Good morning, children. The night has passed—it is 7 a.m. So I did manage to sleep a few hours after all, more than I had expected. The cat is sitting on the table in front of me and is brushing my letter with her little white paw, preferably when the ink has not yet dried, and is now lying comfortably purring on my lap. She is the spoiled darling of the house and a distraction for everyone.
Of course, I am glad to be here, but I must still look for a room of my own, which I hope to find nearby, so as not to put anyone in this house in danger, since I have not yet received a summons. I am only allowed to take from the house what I need for furnishing my future place. However, I can no longer accomplish anything—only help Ilse a little with the household, who is incredibly capable and diligent. Every free moment she has is spent helping others; she no longer takes any rest during the day. And she does everything thoughtfully and calmly.
Franz does not look well; he worries a great deal about everything. Yes, our life is not easy now. Everyone is still asleep, so I will pass on their greetings to you.
With heartfelt kisses from Mother.
Of course, you would like to know what has happened here. Today, a week ago, I was expecting Lena and Johan for tea at about nine o’clock. I was preparing everything in the kitchen just as she would have liked it, when the doorbell rang three times. Could they already be here? I opened the small window of the front door and asked, “Who is there?” — “Police!” I opened the door. “We have a summons for Mrs. Schönlicht-Philips.” “That name is not known to me,” I said. “Oh? But she is supposed to live here. Who are you? Show your identity papers!”
“But that’s the same name, Philipps!” — “No,” I said, “you can see here it says Philippi!” “Who else lives here? We must see everyone’s identity papers.” They immediately opened all the room doors and asked everyone whether they were called Schönlicht-Philips. They asked me whether she might have lived here before—it had to be Philippi… living upstairs. They also had a summons for Sophie Neumann Philipps. They were to take everyone with them; I had to make sure everything was ready within three-quarters of an hour. In the meantime, they were to go …
You can imagine that this gave me heart palpitations. It was only five minutes later when the police first encountered Lena, and about ten minutes later Johan. He immediately called Franz and the Expositor and other influential acquaintances of all the other guests. Lena packed all the food she could reach for me, and one of the three Postma sisters, Lala’s caregiver, came to me to say that Lala did not have to go because she could not walk. I went upstairs with Miss Postma to say goodbye to Lala. Mrs. Van Praag, whose daughter has breast cancer, was also, after much trouble, allowed to stay. But when they came again the next day, even the sick were taken and carried away. After that, they decided to take everyone.
Kind neighbors appeared and all helped with packing… finally… we left at half past eleven in a truck in which two people were already sitting, and along the way three more people were picked up, to the Dutch Theatre. We arrived there at midnight, were registered, the larger pieces of luggage were put into storage, while everyone had to keep their many smaller suitcases, backpacks, and bags with them. We looked for places—a long row of nine seats—and spent the first day there, after everyone had been given coffee; there were about 300 people.
My people held themselves bravely, and I myself counted on being released, which kept me in good spirits, and I passed that on in part to the others. Everyone who had a prospect of release or who had a “Sperre” stamp had their identity papers requested the next day—but how great was my disappointment when three of us were released and I was not one of them. My whole being changed; I could no longer bear the fear and the terrible pain of never seeing you all again and having to leave you without saying goodbye.
Those who remained were divided up: the younger ones to Vught, the older ones to Westerbork. We too were sent to the gallery, where the second night had to be spent without any comfort whatsoever. Of course, one eventually fell asleep, only to wake again with stiff limbs. At half past nine, coffee was served again with six slices of bread with jam. At twelve o’clock, the trucks were ready to take us, with our luggage, to the train at the Borneokade, which did not depart for Westerbork until eight in the evening, so that we arrived there at half past one at night.
It was impossible for me to control myself, because my thoughts were with you; despite the many fellow sufferers, I could not hide my tears. After we had been on the train for two hours, I suddenly heard my name. I was taken off the train—and the rest you know.
But the drama was not yet over. Through the Jewish Council we learned that Lala was in barrack number 69 and had asked for a cup and foodstuffs, which we have already sent. We have heard nothing about Tata. And this evening we heard that one of them—and possibly both—has certainly been sent on. How can they endure this? The mere thought is unbearable.
It is now half past midnight; sleep is out of the question. One can now see that they have gone through everything so quickly that their fate has not yet fully reached their consciousness. How sad that one must almost wish for that.
Is it better with you now, Lientje—have you undergone the operation? It comforts me that Johanna is with you. At least then you can recover in peace. Give my warm regards to everyone.
Much love to you and little Paulieneke. Be embraced by Mother.
4 February 1943
Good morning, children. The night has passed—it is 7 a.m. So I did manage to sleep a few hours after all, more than I had expected. The cat is sitting on the table in front of me and is brushing my letter with her little white paw, preferably when the ink has not yet dried, and is now lying comfortably purring on my lap. She is the spoiled darling of the house and a distraction for everyone.
Of course, I am glad to be here, but I must still look for a room of my own, which I hope to find nearby, so as not to put anyone in this house in danger, since I have not yet received a summons. I am only allowed to take from the house what I need for furnishing my future place. However, I can no longer accomplish anything—only help Ilse a little with the household, who is incredibly capable and diligent. Every free moment she has is spent helping others; she no longer takes any rest during the day. And she does everything thoughtfully and calmly.
Franz does not look well; he worries a great deal about everything. Yes, our life is not easy now. Everyone is still asleep, so I will pass on their greetings to you.
With heartfelt kisses from Mother.
Brief van Ellen Citroen-Philippi aan haar zoon Paul.
WEGGUM.COM
A department of the Jewish Council that served as a liaison office between the Council and the Zentralstelle für jüdische Auswanderung.
The Expositur arranged exemptions from deportation (“Sperre”). Staff members of the “Expo” had access to the Hollandsche Schouwburg. The organization was led by Edwin Slucker.
The Expositur arranged exemptions from deportation (“Sperre”). Staff members of the “Expo” had access to the Hollandsche Schouwburg. The organization was led by Edwin Slucker.
Consultation Hours – J. van Eyckstraat 15
The office of the Jewish Council for Amsterdam, Jan van Eyckstraat 15, announces that Dr. E. Sluzker holds consultation hours exclusively on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The office of the Jewish Council for Amsterdam, Jan van Eyckstraat 15, announces that Dr. E. Sluzker holds consultation hours exclusively on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.