These letters were written by someone in Zabludow with the family name Nurzec to his brother-in-law in Chicago Isadore Punya. Isadore Punya became known as Isadore Becker in Chicago, and he was active in the Chicago Zabludover Verein Landsmanshaftn organization. These letters are of great historical significance, as they are written less than one week before the German/Soviet invasion of Poland and the outbreak of WW II on September 1, 1939. These letters convey the sense of desperation and fear that was felt by the Jews of Zabludow at that pivotal time. These letters appear to refer to the many Jews being taken away for service in the Polish army. A copy of the English translation of these letters that were originally written in Yiddish was provided to me by the grandaughter of Isadore Becker, Ricky Roth. The photo of the postcard and the Nurzec family photos were provided by Larry Norton.
My Dear Brother,
With a trembling hand I take pen now to write you a letter, living through the heart-rending experiences that occurred this morning in our "shtetl", and who knows maybe more will come. My beloved brother, please excuse me for this "introduction" to this letter, but I could not have begun in any other way.
For the past several days it seems as if the whole world is cooking as inside a pot. (about his I must not write to you). Today I woke up at 6:00 A.M. What had happened? On the street there are "wagons", people are gathered together standing here and there. It seems to be a different kind of morning. Yes, it carries with itself the "good" news. I do not want to express it with an entire statement. In short, by the first "auto" at 7:00 A.M. both Jews and Christians went to say good-bye to the deportees. Beloved brother "Shmulkeh", if you would be here today, you would also have been taken away. Those who served together with you have gone away. We would also have been together with those who were by the "auto" banging their heads on the walls. They took young fathers away from their children. The crying reached the heavens. Among them: Moshe Becker, Soria, Myshke of Rezise, Segalowich the writer (author), and many, many more, but these are the best known to you. By the second "auto" 8:30 A.M. was the same thing. Civilian passengers were not allowed to travel. By the 10:00 A.M. "auto", still the same. There occurred such pictures (scenes) that are difficult to articulate in writing. Now it is noon. The streets are not empty yet, for soon will arrive an "auto" with a full car of farmers, Christians from the villages, who must travel through.
My dear, I cannot write you more, because before my eyes stand the mothers, wives, and children who are taking leave for who knows how long. And by us at home? What do we have? We sit and wait. For what? Who knows? Nobody wants to show money, and know one is working. And here suddenly and entirely unexpectedly I am standing in the street and the mailman brings me a letter from you containing an inquiry about the pass from Warsaw and a ticket to Podotek. Everyone surrounded me thinking who knows what! But I myself saw nothing, only your letter, and with one leap I ran into the house, and imagine our joy upon receiving word that you had sent us money. In the meantime, the money is not yet here.
We have cried out all our tears. While I am writing these words I am shedding tears. I do not know if they are tears of joy or of- who knows what. Better not to mention it. I had to interrupt my writing for a minute, I looked outside at the street, grandmother called me to look out. The streets are still full, but no children or carriages have remained. The gentiles are drunk and are all over the streets. My dear brother, I must conclude, for I have a great headache. But, in one word, it is horrible. As the situation will change I will write later. Be well, and the next letter should be a better one. And send regards to the entire family
August 28, 1939
Dear Brother,
The money we received today, and I am writing you immediately because I know that you are concerned. Today is Friday. The day passed uneventfully, but things aren’t good. Today an order was issued that electricity should not be used, and no light should be lit outside. We live in pain and oppression, and we must always be cautious. Dear Brother! How the money arrived to us is beyond your imagination! The entire mail system has been discontinued. We cannot thank you enough. Shmulkeh of Sokoli was also taken away yesterday. Have I written you before about everything? For I must write in haste as it is already nightfall. Stay Well! Regards to the entire family. Answer soon.
Photo of Nurzec family 1936 just prior to Attached is a picture of my Father's (Nurzec) family just prior to his departure from Poland. Everyone in the photo with the exception of my Father was murdered. Note the picture of the neighbor peeking over the fence in the background. My Grandfather was Lazar Nurzec (with his arms around the young boy) and was the town butcher. My Uncle Ralph (Rachmiel) left in the late 1920's and my Father in 1936. They had to go to Mexico as they couldn't get a U.S. visa. They immigrated to the U.S. in 1939. My Father served in the Polish Army and after immigrating to the U.S. served almost four years in the U.S. Army.
Larry Norton
Read more about September, 1939 from the Zabludow Memorial Book Click here to see Nurzec family photo taken in Zabludow Cemetery, 1933 Web: 2003 Tilford Bartman
