N.Y., Nov. 22, 1938
Dear Puppiken: - Mail has been arriving more scarcely than usual. The last I had from you was a postcard dated November 7. You wrote that you had to run around so much that you did not have time to write a letter. I hope that there is no other reason, and that’s why I will not complain. I hope you are doing well--At least under the circumstances. What have you heard from [your] parents and siblings? Or are they even back yet? On the one hand I very much hope so for you. On the other hand, I don’t know. You read so much in the papers here and cannot even get a clear picture of what is going on. Should you be unable to see them before your departure, you will have to accept that. At least, your parents and we all are young, and one day, we will all see each other again. Whatever you do, don’t do anything stupid! Day and night, I think about whether you will actually receive your visa now and you will not face more obstacles. Things have changed so fundamentally in the last few weeks that you don’t know what is going on.
Should you have difficulties just because of your linen and clothing and other things, you should just abandon those items rather than putting off your departure for even one more day. We will just have to see how we get by. So many people have to do this, and we will be able to as well. On the other hand, I cannot imagine that the government would cause you any trouble because of your few possessions, especially today after the situation for Jews has become so critical. A man I know recently went to Leipzig. But I did not hear this until it was too late for me to get ahold of him even though I tried. On the other hand, I would only have been able to send my love, because I have nothing else to tell you from this distance that I could not also put in writing. Once you are here, I will have lots to tell you (and will you have lots to tell me as well?). I am so looking forward to this! Do you look tired because of all the excitement and stress recently? Needless to say, you will not need to work right away after arriving here. You will have at least two months of vacation! Have you heard from the Schiffs? I wrote Walter at the same time. It does not look good for him.
Things are progressing very slowly for him, to say the least. Even once I have everything together for him, it won’t really help. I don’t want to diminish their little bit of courage that remains for them. They will need it so badly. Alice wrote to me in such despair. I am doing what I can. Can you tell me who is now the owner of the Urisches Warenhaus? Is Miss J. still there? There must’ve been coffee and cake at the anniversary celebration. Give my regards to Miss Kerk. and tell her I will have a meeting regarding her case next week. I will let her know about the results. When will you be going to Nieheim? You will have to tell me in detail what it looks like over there. Be sure to get as much information as possible from Grete! Well, my dear, I will close for today. I hope to be able to hold you in my arms again soon. Much love and kisses
from your Fritz
