A letter sent from the Auschwitz camp by a Polish prisoner in March 1944

A letter sent from the Auschwitz camp by a Polish prisoner in March 1944

A letter sent from the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) concentration and extermination camp, By the prisoner Kazimir (Kark) Ozeluy on March 5, 1944. In German.

Sender: Kazimir Ozeluy, born March 17, 1922.

Prisoner number: 92238. Classification: Schutzhäftling (political prisoner). Location in the camp: Auschwitz II (Birkenau), Sector B.II.e (the Gypsy Family Camp – although the name appears Polish), Block 20. Recipient: Mrs. Irene Ozeluy, residing in Rabka-Zdrój, near Krakow.

The letter is written in the forced tone characteristic of correspondence that passed through Nazi censorship, in which prisoners were required to state that they were doing well.

Text of the letter:

״Auschwitz, March 5, 1944

Dearest Mother and beloved Sisters!

I am healthy as a fish and in good spirits. I received the recent parcels with the sausage and eggs in excellent condition, as well as those from Władek. I must tell you that you absolutely do not need to send me any money, please also inform Władek of this. I saw the picture of little Irka; she’s actually not so little anymore and looks very clever. It’s just a pity I can’t play with that sweet little creature myself. I always remember how she used to come into my room every morning to wake me up. I’ve been waiting a long time for a letter from you, I haven’t received anything in quite a while. I understand things are hard for you now, but as long as you stay healthy and full of hope, everything can still get better. Especially to you, my dear Mother, I want to one day repay all that you’ve done for us. Write and tell me what’s been happening in your lives lately. I kiss your dear hands and hug you all a thousand times. Heartfelt kisses to faithful Władek, Doniek, Ronika, Aunt Nela, Uncle Staszek, and all our acquaintances.

Yours,

Karek״

The phrase “healthy as a fish” (Gesund wie ein Fisch) was an almost mandatory expression in prisoners’ letters to their families. The Nazis did not permit inmates to write about the true conditions, hunger, disease, or suffering. Location (B.II.e): This sector of Birkenau was known as the “Gypsy Family Camp, ” though it was also used for other purposes. The fact that he provides a prisoner number and the classification “Schutzhäftling” (protective custody) suggests he was likely a Polish prisoner detained for political reasons or as part of resistance activity. Rabka: The town to which the letter was sent, Rabka, was infamous for an S.S. school that operated there, but it was also a resort town inhabited by many Poles. The letter bears a red “Geprüft” (“Checked”) stamp, indicating it was examined by censors. Next to the German stamp, the word “Generalgouvernement” is written diagonally-this was the name given by the Nazis to the part of occupied Poland that was not annexed directly into Germany.

Very good condition.