Daniels-Ulmer family. Collection
Extent and Medium
7 digitised images (5 documents)
Creator(s)
- Andrea Daniels Arifi
Biographical History
Max Daniels was born in 1869, and his wife, Hedwig Johanna Ulmer, was born in 1877. The couple lived in Germany, where they raised their two children: Hilde Rosenstern-Daniels (born 1900) and Heinz Daniels (born 1902). In 1933, after the Nazi Party rose to power in Germany, their son Heinz emigrated to London. From that point on, communication between Heinz and his parents took place primarily through letters. Their daughter Hilde also left Germany, emigrating with her husband and children to the United States at the beginning of World War II. Following the escalation of anti-Jewish persecution, particularly after the November Pogrom (Kristallnacht) in November 1938, Max and Hedwig Daniels decided to flee Germany. With the support of family, friends, and acquaintances, they managed to emigrate to Brussels, Belgium. Initially, Brussels provided them with a degree of safety. However, after the German invasion of Belgium in May 1940, the situation deteriorated rapidly for Jewish refugees. The possibility of fleeing to England or the United States became impossible. In 1942, the deportation of Jews from Belgium began. Initially, "work orders" were issued, instructing Jews to report to the Dossin barracks in Mechelen for "labor in the East." Those who complied were sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. When voluntary compliance declined, mass round-ups (razzias) were organized. Max and Hedwig Daniels were not apprehended during these early round-ups, nor did they respond to the call for "work assignments." However, on 27 November 1942, they were arrested in their apartment in the Brussels district of Forest. Following their arrest, they were transported to the Dossin barracks in Mechelen. Letters dated 17, 21/23, and 26 December 1942, confirm their presence in the camp. On 15 January 1943, Max and Hedwig Daniels were deported from the Dossin barracks to Auschwitz-Birkenau on Transport XVIII. It is presumed that Max and Hedwig Daniels were murdered shortly after their arrival.
Archival History
In January 2025, Andrea Daniels Arifi permitted Kazerne Dossin to digitize 5 documents in this collection.
Acquisition
Andrea Daniels Arifi, 2025
Scope and Content
This collection consists of five handwritten letters and parcel requests sent by Max Daniels and Hedwig Ulmer during their internment at the Dossin Barracks in Mechelen, Belgium, between December 1942 and January 1943. The documents primarily address urgent pleas for assistance with food, clothing, and medical supplies. The letters provide insight into their deteriorating living conditions and reveal their dependence on external support to survive. Specific requests include items such as black tea for pain relief, soap, warm clothing, preserved food, games for relaxation, and medical supplies. The letters also reflect the emotional distress and desperation of the authors, as well as their gratitude for any support provided by family and acquaintances outside the camp. The documents were addressed to Jewish council representatives and close contacts, showing attempts to maintain human dignity and survival in the face of persecution.
Accruals
No further accruals are to be expected.
Existence and Location of Originals
Private collection Andrea Daniels Arifi
Existence and Location of Copies
Digital copy available as collection KD_01042 at Kazerne Dossin.
Subjects
- Transit camps
- Judenrat
- Deportees
- Belgium
Places
- Kazerne Dossin, Mechelen