Emigrating for Love

How Hershel Kriger's parents renounced him

Elke Hak, who came from an affluent family, decided to leave for South Africa. Since Šeduva's winters often brought about spells of illness for her, Elke’s doctors prescribed a warmer climate as treatment. Back in those days, this is how the wealthy solved their health issues. There was already a small group from Šeduva living in South Africa, so her choice wasn't completely exotic or silly.

Hershel Kriger was in love with Elke. So deeply in love, in fact, that he was prepared to go with her to South Africa. He became a love migrant. But there was a problem: Hershel's parents. They didn't want to let their son go, so they threatened that they would renounce him as their son if he left.

The young man made up his mind and travelled with his beloved to South Africa where they later married. After this conflict, Hershel didn't communicate with his parents again. From 1912 on, there was silence between them.

Such is the story told to us by Elke and Hershel's children, born out of love and still living in South Africa today. 

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