Kehilat Middlesbrough Newsletter No 19 January 2004 page 5 (of 5)
Letters
Would you please note that neither my sister Betti (A"H) nor I were ever connected with the Kindertransport but were brought out of Germany by my mother (A"H) as a result of my uncle Louis (Z"L) having travelled to Germany to arrange the visas at the British Consulate (in Dresden I think). In point of fact we did not have the necessary papers for Betti and myself to leave Germany (since we were stateless according to the Germans while our mother was still Polish) and we only escaped by a miracle as the Germans failed to come to check our papers on the train though they checked everyone elses'. This was New Year's Eve 1938/9. Maybe they were drunk.
We stayed at uncle Louis's shop (in the flat above the shop which had been specially prepared for us) at 276 Linthorpe Road. I trust that you will correct the error, especially as it otherwise detracts considerably from the great efforts that uncle Louis made on behalf of his sister and her family.
You could also spell our name right, or at least consistently. Theodor Opatowski [email protected]
[Ed note: Thank you for pointing out the errors in the Kindertransport Page of our website. Apologies for the incorrect spelling of your name]
I attach the invitation [Ed note: for those without broadband, this is a large pdf file 417 KB] to my recent exhibition at the Sternberg Center. I made two pieces called "Tribute to a Litvak Tailor". It has a painted pinstripe jacket over a short collar torn in mourning, a tzizit under the shirt and a list of the professions of the time with Smollan listed as pawnbroker from your Page of occupations.
Many people stopped to look and talk about Middlesbrough - it was quite amazing. The show was very well received and it may go on to New York.
I hope you can see what it looks like from the invitation
I notice our family details are not updated: Tanya Smollan married Oren Kaplan 24 March 2001: Ariella Erica Kaplan born 21/ 9 /03 Andrea Smollan married Emil Jackson 01 August 1999: Elaina Shlomit Jackson born 12/11/ 02 Daniel Smollan MSC in digital aimation 2003 Carole Smollan married Aron Rudick 13 July 2003 Carole Smollan Rudick