Yochel Fishkin’s letter dated 12 February 1975 to Juozas Straupis
To my dearest true friend and saviour Mr. Juozas Straupis and his kind wife, children and grandchildren!
Peace be with you all!
Our individual history – the history of all Jews during the Nazi period – is closely related to the images and actions of the most wonderful personalities. You showed up like an angel in our – Faktor’s and Fiškinas’ – families, and stretched out Your hands to Your adopted children, who were being persecuted by brutal Nazis. Death awaited us behind every corner, but You risked your life to save us and managed to influence and persuade others to help us too. Thus with Your help, we were assisted by Christians Mr. Kerpauskas, Mr. Stulpinas and Alsėdžiai parish priest. You were like holy angels who vowed to save us and risked Your lives, Your properties and the wellbeing of Your entire families. We will remember Your name all our lives. We will always pray and ask God to give You health and happiness.
I congratulate You in the name of my family and Adina Fraiberg on your 75th anniversary. There is no amount to assess the good things you have done. Only God can reward You for this. Only God has the valuables to reward You.
Rabbi Fishkin
Dearest friend of our family!
We congratulate You on the occasion of Your birthday. We cannot forget You and Your family, as you have done so many good things to us and other persecuted Jews. In those dark years, You were a true father to us. You took care of us so we would not feel any shortage, You carried potatoes on your back so we would be full and You were happy about it. We were the children of a good father. We will not forget You until the end of our lives. We wish you health, and let Your children and grandchildren bring You a lot of happiness and joy.
Your daughter Feiga Fishkin
