DOE Lesson Plan - American History: A Professor's Plea

Worksheet: The American Response to the Holocaust

Franz: A Professor’s Plea 
 

Penpals Marianne and Jane
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum


Jewish professor Dr. Franz Goldberger was desperate to escape Nazi persecution in Vienna, Austria, in the late 1930s. He wrote letters to strangers in the United States, searching for someone to serve as his sponsor for immigration.  

Graphic of Marianne and Jane for link below

           View his story.


QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  • Where did Dr. Goldberger live? When did he begin to experience challenges to his safety and life? What were those changes?
  • Using the Holocaust Chronology or Timeline, what else was happening that affected him?
  • Who were the American helpers in this story? What challenges did they face?
  • Were they successful? Why or why not?
  • What did you learn about the Holocaust from this story? What did you learn about the American response?

READ: What did Refugees Need to Obtain a US Visa in the 1930s? 


REVIEW

  • What were the 7 steps required to obtain a US Visa?
  • What were difficulties people might face in obtaining the documents required for a US Visa?
  • What was happening in the United States in the 1930s that would make it very difficult to find a financial sponsor?
  • What were the obstacles to getting a ship ticket?
  • How many quota spots were available in 1938? Go back to the first step. What number is on the document for the waiting list? What does that tell you about chances for immigration in 1938?
Chart showing numbers of Germans who were on waiting list to receive visas to leave the country

 

ARTIFACT STUDY

Document From Anthony Acevedo's Collection

Artifact: Franz Goldberger letter

Document | Accession Number: 2013.509.1

The letter and resume are addressed to Benjamin Davis at Walton High School in Bronx, New York, from Franz Goldberger in Vienna, Austria; dated January 13, 1940. Franz wrote to Benjamin asking for assistance in receiving an affidavit of support from either the recipient or anyone else who may be of assistance, in order to emigrate from Austria. The resume includes Franz's photograph and states that he was born in Saaz, Germany on August 6, 1899.

View Dr. Goldberg's Letter


QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  • In images 1 and 2, what do you see on the envelope that reflects the time and history?
  • In what language is the letter written? Does this surprise you? Why?
  • What is Dr. Goldberger requesting? From whom? Why do you suppose he sent the letter to this person?
  • When was this letter written? What has happened in Austria that has affected Dr. Goldberger?
  • Given his education and experience, what is Dr. Goldberger willing to do if he can come to the United States? What does this indicate to you?