Dec. 19, 1938. From Kate in Germany to Peter

Written on December 19, 1938 just weeks after Kristallnacht this letter glows with the light of Chanukah and a mother’s plea for her son’s safety in a world unraveling around her. She speaks of the “Rothschild facility,” likely referring to a Jewish orphanage, hospital, or refuge run by the Rothschild Foundation for displaced families, and of “Piedmont,” perhaps the safe haven abroad where her beloved Peter had found shelter. [Translated]

Letter dated December 19, 1938

My beloved Peter,

Now that the Chanukah lights are lit, I want to think of you, my beloved Peter, and ask the Lord to take you all under His gracious protection, to bless you with every good thing, and to preserve you and your dear ones in good health into a long and happy life.

Your dear letters brought me great joy. I was especially touched by little Peter’s letter—it was written so sweetly. How grateful and relieved we are that Piedmont has become your home, and that you, my dearly beloved boy, have been so warmly received there. That makes us truly happy. We think of you constantly.

The people there must be especially kind and good; I know you are in good hands.
Here, Chanukah passes very quietly. Your letter has surely already reached Stockholm.

How sad we were to learn that the girls were sent back from the Rothschild facility in August. You can imagine how we felt. We had all hoped that, under the present circumstances, we might be allowed to stay there together in a camp until our departure. But again, that was a vain hope.

Julien has returned and came by to see me the very next day which was really very kind. Hopefully, my dear Peter, you will have a truly contented birthday. Take a moment then to look back and remember that there are many in Hamburg who love you but none as much as Your old Käte.

My dear Grete,

Many thanks for your lovely, beautifully written letter! For Peter’s birthday I want to congratulate you as well, and tell you how truly proud you may be to have such a good husband.

Warm greetings from
Your Käte.

P.S.
Please let me know whether you received the Chanukah card and birthday package.

Fräulein Holz wrote to me several weeks ago that she wanted to have my picture for your reception, to decorate it with flowers, and that I should enclose both the picture and a letter of welcome.
I did all of that. She asked for the letter to be sent, but to keep the small picture of Reni and me.
I’m writing all this because I don’t have her address.