UN Palestine Commission – Jewish detainees in Kenya – Letter from a mother of a detainee

UNITED NATIONS PALESTINE COMMISSION

Communication Received Concerning

Jewish Detainees in Kenya

The following communication has been received from the mother of a Jewish detainee in Kenya.

Haifa

17th March 1948

U.N.C.

The Palestine Implementation Commission

LAKE SUCCESS

U. S. A.

Dear Sirs,

I, the undersigned, am the mother of MENAHEM PERMOLNIK who for more than two years and a half has been detained in Kenya.

Today I take the liberty to turn to you, Sirs, hoping that you will be able to help me by having him released from there before the termination of the Mandate and before July 1948 – this date was mentioned in the newspapers – as only by a quick release his life may be saved.

My son (who is my only child) was arrested on 13.9.1945 and deported to Erytrea. Thereafter he was transferred to Kenya. He was but 18 when it happened and he has been bitterly punished without any guilt, as he is innocent. As I am very anxious about his health which is not in order and about his future which should not be broken for ever, I request you, dear Sirs, to lend me your assistance and to intervene on his behalf for an early release.

I trust that you will give your kind attention to the ardent request of an unhappy mother who, being herself sick and ailing and in need of the support of her only son, is trying to save her child from a physical and moral break down.

I do hope that a favourable result will be obtained by your kind intervention, and I thank you in advance for anything you will do for me and my boy. Eagerly looking forward to be favoured by your kind reply.

I am, dear Sirs,

Most respectfully yours,

/s/ BATIA PEREMOLNIK

Mrs. BATIA PEREMOLNIK

5, Herzliah Street

Haifa, Palestine