Link to Family Tree to understand family relationships.
In the September 25 post, we read about the situation of the refugees in Istanbul. At the same time, today we see that one of Vitali’s relatives was working to facilitate Helene’s reunion with her children in San Francisco. As a prisoner, I don’t know how she could have managed it on her own.
Istanbul, 26 September 1945
Very dear Mrs. Helena,
I have the pleasure of telling you that the local Consulate of the USA just advised me that the documents for your visa have arrived here. Since those at the Consulate are very busy for the next few days, I was asked to wait 8 days to visit the Consulate about this matter.
I am very happy to give you this good news. In three or four days I will contact the American Consulate to find out on which day you will be able to present yourself.
In case you need to tell me something, please write to me, because I am very busy these days and do not have time to go to Moda.
I am sending you 50 pounds via the person delivering this letter; I assume this will be welcome for you.
Hoping to see you again within a week, I greet you warmly
Yomtov Cohen
Earlier in the year, we saw several letters from Yomtov Kohen – I believe he was one of Vitali’s nephews. He was a successful businessman, working for the Turkish division of Gislaved, a Swedish company that produced rubber goods. I found a Turkish site which is selling a copy of Yomtov’s business card.
We saw other letters from Yomtov in the June 22, July 20, January 14, January 26, and April 17 posts (listed in the order they were sent during 1945 and 1946). What a comfort it must have been for Helene to have his emotional and financial support, as well as a connection to her beloved Vitali. Fortunately, Helene was still in Moda when Yomtov wrote this letter, since we learned in the September 25 post that the Joint was planning to move the refugees to less expensive lodging. After they moved the refugees, it became difficult for Vitali’s relatives to find and visit Helene. I do not know what 50 Turkish pounds were worth, but it must have felt like a windfall!