Jozef and Jozefa Paygert
Poland

As with many stories of Jewish rescue, this one begins with a Jew and a Christian being acquainted with one another. The uncle of Hanka Nazemak wanted to spare his niece the rigors of ghetto life in Lvov. He sought help from the Paygerts, whom he knew. Jozef and Jozefa readily accepted Hanka into their household. Inquiries by the occupying authorities were made about her presence. They were told Hanka's parents were Polish nationals who had been deported to Siberia leaving her an orphan.

In addition to Jozef and Jozefa the Paygert home included a teenage daughter, Teresa, her three younger siblings and a grandmother. As an age-mate to Teresa, Hanka became well integrated into the family. Their relationship was described as that of sisters. Teresa wrote of her concern for Hanka having to live in the house, never going out for fear of detection. Later, in the two years Hanka was confined, Teresa became a member of the Polish Underground. She was able to obtain fake identity papers that allowed Hanka to move about more freely.

After WWII Hanka moved to Israel. The rescued invited the rescuer to visit her there for an extended period. They have since continued to carry on a correspondence.