DER ZEITZEUGE HERR OTTO DEUTSCH ERINNERT SICH IN EINEM BRIEF AN DEN BESUCH AN UNSERER SCHULE

Herr Otto Deutsch hat im Mai des letzten Schuljahres unsere Schule als Zeitzeuge besucht und den SchülerInnen der 7.Klassen von seinem Leben, insbesondere während der Zeit des Zweiten Weltkrieges, erzählt. Er hat bei unserer Jugend einen großen Eindruck hinterlassen und das habe ich ihm in einem Brief auch mitgeteilt. Herr Deutsch lebt seit seinem 11. Lebensjahr in England und hat daher seine Antwort auf meinen Brief in Englisch verfasst. Lesen Sie hier seine Worte:

Dear Gabriele Varga, 22nd August 2007

I was absolutely delighted to receive your letter. I very much remember my visit to Eisenstadt, and in particular my lecture to the students of the Bundesgymnasium. I was most impressed with the friendly way I was received and the great interest shown by the students. As I said at the time, despite the terrible experiences I had in my youth, I still have a great love for the country where I was born. It is always a great joy for me, every time I visit Austria. By the way, I had never been in Burgenland before and hope that one day I may visit Eisenstadt again. Perhaps you will convey my most sincere greetings to Madam Mayer, who was kind enough to receive us in the Council Chambers.

In a few days, our good friend Hansi Kirchknopf will be departing from London, having completed a full year excellent service at the London Jewish Cultural Center. We will miss him very much. I believe he was a student at your college. There is to be a special Farewell Party next Thursday, when we will say Goodbye to Hansi and welcome the next “Gedenkdienst” candidate.

I understand that there was once a jewish community in Eisenstadt. Are there still any jewish people in Burgenland? I have two very good friends in the Province, but I understand that Güssing where they live is rather a long way from Eisenstadt.

Finally, please convey to all members of the staff as well as the students, my most sincere wishes. Meinen kurzen Aufenthalt in der schönen Stadt Eisenstadt werde ich nie vergessen.

Yours most sincerely
Und ein baldiges Wiedersehn
Otto Deutsch