In the summer of 1939, Alfred provided his sister-in-law's family, the Oppenheimers, with several fur coats, which they planned to take with them along with other valuables when they emigrated and sell as a start-up aid after their escape. When this was discovered by the authorities, Alfred Marx had to leave the country in a hurry to avoid arrest by the GeStaPo.
The female members of the family (Ellen, mother Johanna Marx, children) had enough time to pack up their possessions. Their personal possessions (except for valuables) were to be shipped to the USA, but were lost in Holland after the outbreak of war.
On August 30, 1939, the family was reunited in England. Inge and Hannelore went to school and were soon taken out of London with their class to a safer environment. While Alfred and Ellen, as well as the family of Alfred's brother Sigmund, remained in London, their daughters found shelter in the small village of Knebworth, Hertfordshire.
When their visas became valid, the family crossed to America on one of the last passenger ships. On April 17, 1940, they reached New York, where they were given a small apartment in Elmhurst, Queens.