1938 Immigration Letter by Ella Bloch

Requesting an Affidavit

In this pre-World War II letter, Ella Bloch sought American help to escape the dangers of Europe before it was too late. During Nazi rule, many Jewish families were in need of help to escape Europe. In order to emigrate, they often had to seek assistance from their families or others who lived outside of Europe and were willing to help. Ella Bloch sent this letter to three Cincinnati families that shared her family name, although they were unrelated to her. She is asking the three families to sign an affidavit, allowing her to enter the United States. Getting an affidavit was one of the ways to receive a better chance to immigrate, particularly to America, which had strict immigration quotas at the time. It is unknown whether Ella Bloch's letter was answered.