:: Portrait of a Rescuer: Featuring the Deeds of Marisia Szul

Untold Stories

In the darkness of the Holocaust during World War II, there were some shining lights. You may recognize names like Schindler and Wallenberg-but what about the thousands of untold stories? Over 17,000 non-Jews have been recognized by yad Vashem, as "righteous Among the Nations" for risking their lives to save Jewish ones--often complete strangers.

Some saved a single life; some saved hundreds, or even thousands. Today, descendents of those rescued number in the tens, if not hundreds, of thousands.

For two years while thousands perished in ghettos and concetration camps, Marisia Szul and her mother, at great personal risk, cared for the refugees hidden on their farm. Marisia's selfless deed was recognized and she is honored as part of the Avenue of the Righteous. To read about her story, go to Marisia Szul under Stories of the Righteous.

The October 29, 2000, Marisia Szul's deeds were shared through a short film, play and panel discussion.

Program

Special Thanks

On behalf of the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous--and the people they support--we thank all of our donors, with special recognition to the following individuals and groups for their generous help:

Other Midwestern Polish Rescuers

Most Rescuers were unassuming, ordinary individuals. What motivated them ot risk their lives--and the lives of their families--to save others? Many have said simply, "It was the right thing to do." Some attributed their actions to their conscience. Most, however, ultimately gave credit to God, "It's what God would want me to do," "it's how I was raised as a Christian," or "God gave me the strength to help His chosen people." Here are brief overviews of the Polish Rescuers who are current or pst residents of the Midwest.

Kamille Pelc
Mrs. Pelc's husband died in a Russian POW camp, and she was left alone with her six-year-old son, Karol. In 1941, she agreed to care for two-year-old Irene, a Jewsih child whose parents were sent to a work camp. Mrs. Pelc managed to avoid German searches, and she and Karol treated Irene as a daughter and a little sister. Three years later, when Irene's parents returned, their gaunt appearance frightened the child, and she refused to leave the house with these unrecognizable "strangers". Kamille again agreed to keep Irene for six more months, and at the age of six, she returned to her parents.

Jan Roscieszewki, Stefania Wiluszynska calow, and Janina Wiluszynska Maciuba
In 1942, sixteen-year-old Shalom Brayer approached his non-Jewish classmate, Jan Roscieszewski, in a small town in Poland. He asked for help finding a hiding place for his family of four. Instead of taking them to his home with many Ukrainian and German neighbors, Jan found an underground burrow where he brought bread and milk to feed the family. He shared his secret with his two fifteen-year-old cousins, Janina and Stefina. They then helped him to prepare and bring food to Shalom and his family. The entire operation was conducted with the knowledge of their parents, but it was initiated and carried out by teenagers.

Stefania Hingler and Kazimierz Pierz
Mrs. Stefania Hingler, a retired opera singer in her sixties, hid Ziegfried Rappaport for two yers. She also hid his wife, Lidia, for one year, after a failed attempt to escape as a Polish woman. After her neighbors noticed the increase in food consumption and laundry on the line, Mrs. Hingler enlisted the help of Mr. Pierz, who brought additional food and took the laundry. Mr. Pierz also delivered correspondence between the hidden couple and their family elsewhere. Lidia Rapport's father wrote to Mr. Pierz, "You are a real hero who deserves honor."

To read more stories of Midwestern Polish Rescuers who have been honored at the Avenue of the Righteous, click on their names below:
Helena, Ignazy and Cezary Chorazyczewski
Zofia and Francizcek Kuklo
Albina Przybyszewska Kusek

About the Actors & I-80 Drama Company

Cassandra Bissel (narrator, Golda, others): Cassandra is a graduate of the University of Chicago. Recent credits include "Desdemonda" with Tri-Arts Productions and "The Berlin Circle" at Steppenwolf Theatre. Cassandra has also appeared in various productions in Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

Becca Kotler (Pawlina, others): Becca is a fourth year student at the University of Chiago where she most recently performed in "As You Like It." Becca will appear in greasy joan and co.'s upcoming production of "A Family Affair."

Rebecca Spense (Domicela, Mania, others): Rebecca most recently made her Chicago debut in "Desdemona" with Tri-Arts Productions, and has performed extensively in Texas. She currently works at the Goodman Theatre.

Saket Soni (Stanislaus, others): Saket is a graduate of the University of Chicago where he most recently directed "As You Like It" and "Arabian Nights." He has assistant directed at the Court Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, and greasy joan and co. As an actor, he appeared in "The Berlin Circle" at Steppenwolf Theatre.

Julian Stetkevych (Bruno, others): Julian is a graduate of the University of Chicago While there he appeared in "Travesties," "Macbeth," and performed with Off-Off Campus improv troupe. He also appeared in "The Berlin Circle" at Steppenwolf Theatre.

Seth Zurer (Ernst, others): Seth is a recent graduate of the University of Chicago, where he appeared in "Travesties," "The BathHouse," "The Seagull," and "As You Like It," among others. He has also worked as a drama teacher throughout Chicago.

Chloe Johnston (director): Chloe is a founding member of I-80 Drama Company. She currently works as the Arts in Education Associate at the Goodman Theatre.

I-80 Drama Company: Based in New York and Chicago, I-80 Drama Company is an ensemble of artists committed to the workshop process and the creation of work that affects social action and conversation.