Typed Document Signed about Hiding Persecuted Jews

A typed document signed by Gertrud and Paul Rosenthal, two German Jews, declaring their thanks to the family of violinist Florizel von Reuter for assisting in protecting them from persecution during World War II in Berlin. The document describes how the Rosenthals turned to the family of von Reuter and were provided with accommodation with the von Polentz family in the town of Damm, where they were able to remain hidden and safe. The Rosenthals ask other Jews to "stand by and be helpful" to the von Reuter and von Polentz families, likely during post-war years in Berlin when the von Reuter family was suffering financial hardships. Complete translation below. Heavy toning, partial splits at folds, and tape remnants, mounted to another sheet; overall good. 8.25 x 11.5 inches (20.8 x 27.8 cm).

Translated from the German, in full:
"To all who are concerned and interested!
We, the undersigned, wish to make known the following:

At the time of the great persecution of the Jews in Berlin, my wife and I turned to the American family of von Reuter, slight acquaintances of ours who at that time lived at Blumenthalstrasse 18, Berlin West, and asked them if they could, if possible, make known to us a place and an address in the country where we could keep ourselves hidden.

Professor Florizel von Reuter had been described to us as a great artist by a Jewish man named Fuchs, to whom the mother of Professor von Reuter had given English lessons in an accommodating manner.  Since Mr. Fuchs had an Aryan wife to support, he had, at least temporarily, escaped the worst of the persecution. Professor von Reuter took care of us in the most friendly way and arranged accommodation for us with his acquaintances in Damm (near Friesack), the family of Polentz. We spent several months in their house, and it is to be emphasized at this point that we have only Professor von Reuter and his mother and their friend, Mrs. Polentz (German nationals who were always anti-Hitler), to thank that we are still alive.

Therefore, we ask all those others of our race, to stand by and be helpful to the two families of von Reuter and von Polentz; because in helping us, they took on a considerable risk, and would have faced severe punishment if their support had been discovered.

An English translation of this document will be attached. Signed, Getrud Rosenthal, Paul Rosenthal."

Florizel von Reuter was an American-born violinist and composer, a child prodigy who went on to an adult career, mainly in Germany, as distinguished soloist and teacher of violin. He was also a psychic and medium and the author of several books on his alleged mediumistic communications with deceased musicians. (16281)

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