NYPL, Letters To Sala

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Introduction Sala’s Europe, 1939-1945 Prewar Jewish Life and Deportation Nazi Slave Labor Camps The Judenrat Geppersdorf Nazi Postal System Ala Gertner Sala's Labor Camps Jewish Holidays Harry Haubenstock Schatzlar Liberation In America

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Postcard to Sala Garncarz, in German, Sosnowitz, Poland, August 15, 1941

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Raizel Garncarz and Ala Gertner
Postcard to Sala Garncarz, in German, Sosnowitz, Poland, August 15, 1941
NYPL, Dorot Jewish Division, Sala Garncarz Kischner Collection

In August 1941, Ala Gertner obtained a leave to return to Sosnowitz. While there, she visited the Garncarz family, who were overjoyed to hear news of Sala. Excitedly, Raizel writes, “Imagine, while I am writing this, I am sitting with your true friend, Ala. I can see why she is so dear to you.” Ala writes, “I was at your house for an hour. Your parents were very happy.” Ala goes on to recommend that Sala get a certificate from the Council of Elders at Geppersdorf, confirming how long she has worked in the camp. Such a certificate was required before a prisoner was granted a leave. After almost a year in the camp, Sala was granted a leave from Geppersdorf to Sosnowitz for a “vacation.” Ala accompanied Ala to Sosnowitz, where she secured a job with the local Judenrat, extending her leave indefinitely.