Holocaust Victim

Oppenheimer, Simon Israel

b. 10.07.1876, Gemmingen — d. 12.1941, Ghetto Riga, Latvia

100% documented

Personal Details

Religion Jewish

Address (c. 1941) Hannover

Address (c. 1941) Herschelstrasse 31, Hannover

Events

08.10.1941

Simon writes from Hannover about deportations

Simon Israel Oppenheimer III writes from forced quarters in Hannover, reporting Aunt Frieda and Gretel were "deported to an unknown destination." Warns: "Such arrangements are being prepared here." Mentions Josef at Gross-Breesen and attempts to arrange emigration to Cuba.

Hannover

15.12.1941

Mass deportation from Hannover to Riga

Approximately 1,001 Jews deported from Hannover to Riga. Simon Israel Oppenheimer III was among those deported and murdered.

Hannover

Notes

Moses's relative

Correspondence c.1941

Margit's 1939 letter: 'Uncle Simon also says hello' — confirms family relationship

Used mandatory middle name 'Israel' per Nazi decree of August 17, 1938. Corresponded with niece Dr. Mina Kaufmann in Baltimore.

In late 1941, witnessed deportation of Aunt Frieda and Gretel "to an unknown destination." Wrote: "Such arrangements are also being prepared here." Forced to vacate apartment into Judenhaus.

Confirmed Josef was "still in Gross-Breesen" (agricultural training farm) in late 1941.

Oct 1941 letter reveals network: Dr. Breuer at Princeton, Dr. Rosenthal in San Francisco, Hermann Marx emigrating to Cuba, Aunt Henny contacted via Red Cross.

Used Joint Distribution Committee channels. Tried to arrange emigration to Cuba via financial contacts.

Left personal belongings (box of collectible cards) with Mrs. Gundersheimer for Mina.