"I am alive! It is a miracle from G'd"
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Mina
Markus
Jakob and Frieda
Oskar
Salo
Leon
 Leon, Oskar, Frieda and Jakob with their parents Mina and Markus in the apartment, Munich 1938. The photographs in the background are from Jakob and Friedl's wedding%2C Wolf Schaffer (Mina's father) and Markus' family. Leon Blechner at the age of 21. This picture was taken in the apartment in Klenzestrasse before his emigration. Gina, 6th February 1939. Jakob and Frieda Blechner. Oskar Blechner at the age of 28 on board the SS St. Louis
Receipt for the plane tickets to Switzerland for Jakob and Friedl.
The SS St. Louis, a luxury cruise liner on the Hamburg-Amerika line (HAPAG). Oskar emigrated on board.
Receipt for the plane tickets to Switzerland for Jakob and Friedl. Leon Blechner's name on the entry list of immigrants%2C which arrived in New York on the 1st April 1938 on the SS Washington. The SS St. Louis, a luxury cruise liner on the Hamburg-Amerika line (HAPAG). Oskar emigrated on board.

Emigration

Due to the life-threatening situation for Jews, the family decides to leave Germany. Leon, Jakob and Frieda and also Oskar emigrate.

Leon, the youngest brother escapes to the United States. Near to Boston he waits for his wife Gina. Her arrival is delayed. Heavily pregnant in autumn 1938, she is arrested and detained overnight at Stadelheim during the campaign against Polish Jews. Just a few days later their son Gerson/Jerry is born in Munich. Gina and Jerry reach New York a year later.

Jakob flees with his wife Frieda to Switzerland in August 1939. From there they intend to travel via France to Britain to Oskar and then long-term to go to the USA. The outbreak of war however prevents their plans from being realised.

Oskar, the second eldest of the four brothers, tries to emigrate to America on board the Hapag Lloyd liner St. Louis sailing to Cuba. The ship leaves Hamburg 13th May 1939. After an odyssey the ship has to return to Hamburg. Due to the untiring efforts of Jewish aid organisations and increasing public pressure Belgium, Holland, France and Great Britain decide to accept the threatened refugees. Oskar is fortunate to be granted entry to Britain.