Postcard from Lipot and Olga
Image Slideshow
Lipot and Olga Ornstein wrote a dozen postcards to their son, Frank, while he was in a forced-labour camp in Hungary. This postcard was written by Frank’s mother and father as they were about to be sent into the Jewish ghetto of Szeged, Hungary. A few weeks later, they were deported to a labour camp in Austria. Lipot and Olga were shot to death by SS soldiers in April 1945. Frank survived the Holocaust and immigrated to Canada with his wife in 1957.
Donated to the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre by George Szasz. 2018.018.006
Transcript
[Translated from the original Hungarian.]
[Begins on front of postcard and message continues to the reverse side.]
Dearest Frank, darling, we are at the ready, waiting for the order for our departure – I want to tell you that in this terrible situation your mother has been a hero, encouraging me and working around the clock ... the only thing that keeps us going is that perhaps with some luck we may reunite one day. Be strong, brave and the respectful and honest person that you have always been. Think back of us with love and if you find a new life, remember that we have spent our life in decent, honest work. May God bless you dearest Frank. Your mother is sleeping now and I don't want to wake her up. We trust in the hope that we will see you again... Kisses – dad and mom.
[Message written in smaller script around the other message on the front.]
Dearest Frank, my baby, thank you that you have been such a darling, honest son to us. May God bless you. I will be thinking of you till the last minute. Mother. Turn to uncle Leslie and Gyula if you need money or a parcel.