Würzburg During the Holocaust
The Jews of Würzburg 1939-1943
Marta Salmang
Marta was born in Aachen to Meir and Rosa Salmang, in October 1894. She was the director of the Jewish community’s old-age home in Aachen, and later in Wurzburg. On 23 September 1942 Marta was deported from Wurzburg to Theresienstadt. In October 1944 she was deported to Auschwitz where she perished.
Letter sent by Marta Salmang from Würzburg to her cousin Hans Popper in Stockholm, Sweden in 1942.
Würzburg,
Dear Hans,
Yesterday, I received the postcard you sent me in July. Why did you think you weren’t permitted to write to me? I think you misunderstood me. I hope you are alright. I’m sure that loneliness is hard for you, but believe me dear Hans, while fate has not been kind to you, thousands of others are suffering even more.
You know what I envy about you? That you no longer have an elderly mother; that apart from your son, there is no one left who is close to you. I never understood what a welcome guest death could be, even though I was never one of those people who said “yes” to life. It seems that only those whom God loves will be allowed to leave this planet.
I am writing to you from home once more. I sent Lina [Marta’s sister] a letter via the Red Cross, but I don’t know if it will arrive. I wrote to her that I sold [?] in an auction in Trieste, but I managed to keep all my clothes and personal items. I wrote to her that the money to be paid to the camp for all these things has already been paid in advance for a long period. It’s good that you know that. I have no illusions that I will see Lina again, but you are another story. There is hope that you will once again be reunited with your son, and so your fate will be bearable.
I wish you a future in which everything will be good, with none of the darkness we dread now.
Marta
Yad Vashem, Document Archive O.75/368
Marta Salmang perished in Auschwitz.
Letter sent by Marta Salmang from Terezin to her cousin Hans Popper in Stockholm, Sweden in 1944
Theresienstadt, 14 April, 1944
Dear Hans,
I happily take this opportunity to send you greetings. I am alright. I am together with a friend.
I hear from mother often, and would be glad to receive a sign of life from you too.
You probably know that the mail from you to us works well.
I have a job that is suitable for my strength.
I hope that you are well and happy.
Do not forget your cousin.
Marta
Yad Vashem, Document Archive O.75/368
Marta Salmang perished in Auschwitz.
Page of Testimony in memory of Marta Salmang submitted by her nephew