The emigration was delayed, but in September of 1941 there was new hope again:
Obviously Lilly had heard about a new escape possibility, to get away to "Aiquator"
(most likely Ecuador). $ 460.00 earnest money (”Vorzeigegeld”) - most likely as a down
payment! This follows from a call for help to Lilly’s brother, Hermann Wertheim in the
U.S.A. However, in spite of all the efforts, letters, and telegrams, it was too late. - Here is
what the desperate people didn’t know: As of August 23, 1941 the Nazis had given orders
for a total stop of the emigration of Jews, which they were constantly blocking anyway. On
October 25, 1941 the statutory prohibition of emigration became effective. One had to wait
patiently at one’s place of residence, and still hope for a miracle at best.
From ”Kristallnacht” up to Deportationon
Lilly Strauss implores her brother,
Hermann, and his wife, Erna in San
Francisco, CA to help with things regarding
”Departure for Ecuador”.
At that late point in time there were
rumors about new places to escape to. One
would cling to it, and summon new hope,
although it might be the most remote
corner of the earth.