Moghilev, 12/12/1941
Dear all,
I’m taking a good opportunity to drop you a line. We’ve already confirmed your last letter with a postmarked postcard. We received the 1071000, 5 of which were given to Poldi; thank you so much for them. I can’t write that much just now. You can expect a more detailed letter from us soon. These days we have nothing to eat at all, as everything is so expensive here (e.g. a small loaf of bread 300–400 lei, an egg up to 15–20 lei, etc.) The ruble is going to be exchanged on 25/12/41, so 20 rubles = 1 reichsmark. After 25/12/41, the ruble will no longer be in circulation. We’ve heard here that a selection committee is coming to Moghilev to deport a number of Jewish families to their homeland. You can find more about this in our postmarked postcard. Maybe you’ll look into it further and ask around the Jewish community or other circles.
If it were possible for you to send us food, that would very much help us, otherwise we’ll perish. I really am very sorry to have to send you such “sniveling” letters, but when I see Fani and the children in front of me, my heart breaks. As for me, I’m skin and bones. You wouldn’t recognize me. I will say nothing of Fani, as there simply aren’t words. Otherwise we are well; we just need a bit more “food”. Lots and lots of love, your Emanuel
Dear Berta! Please be so good and think of us too. We are in the same state as Mendi. Lots of love to everyone, Meli