These pages document the histories of hidden Jewish children Manfred Wildmann and Sylvia Birnbaum Wildmann and their families in Germany, France, and Belgium during World War II. Sylvia translated the wartime letters exchanged by Manfred’s family members as they attempted to survive in France. Later, she published her own memoirs about her childhood in Germany, escape to Belgium, and life as a hidden child.
This is the first letter we wrote after my sister Lorle left the Camp of Rivesaltes on November 15, 1941 for Pringy (Haute Savoie), to work in a children’s home, operated by the Swiss Red Cross.
Dear Lorle,[1]
Today I want to write to you also since I have time today because it is Sunday. Last Sunday we went for a walk to Opoul with the Swiss Schwester [2]. That is at a distance of 10 km from here in the mountains. It was very pretty. (more…)
Rivesaltes, 12/28/1941
Dear Lorle,
Now I want to write to you as I have time now. Today I know a lot about the many celebrations. The Chanukah celebration was on Thursday a week ago in barrack 33. It was very nice. Liselotte took part in a play. All the teenagers got a package at the end. In mine there were 2 fig bars, 2 pieces fig bread, 3 crackers and 1 cookie. (more…)