Objects

A letter from Michał Waks to his daughter, Róża Waks, dated 27 April 1942 (postmark date) – handwritten on a postcard, in Polish.

The front contains the text of the letter. It begins with the words:

“*Dear Rózia, Today I received your letter. Apart from that, I have not received any letters, and I have sent you three cards (…) .” The lower part of the letter was censored.

On the card’s reverse side, along the left edge, there is a purple rectangular, elongated stamp with the word: “Judenrat Reichshof”. Below it is the sender’s address: “Machu Waks | Rzeszów | Słowackiego 16”. Lower down, there is a small rectangular stamp with the number 283, as well as hand-written mathematical calculations in pencil.

In the upper right corner, there is a violet-coloured General Government postage stamp. Over it is a round postal stamp with the inscription: “REICHSHOF | (DISTR KRAKAU) | 27.4.42 […]”

To the left, there is also a round Third Reich seal. On the right side, the recipient’s details appear:

“Madam | Rózia Waks | […]ue de Bondy | Paris X”. Black ink has been spilt obscuring part of the address.

The letter was sent from the Rzeszów ghetto to Paris, where Róża Waks lived.

Compiled by Monika Harchut.