Marisia Szul
Poland

When in her teens Marisia lived near the town of Zdorow on a farm owned by her family. This place was in the path of Golda Schacter, a young widow with two small children, in search for food and shelter. Golda had recently fled from a ghetto and had sought help from some Christian friends in the city. While sympathetic to her plea, they felt that the cries of her nine-month-old son would present a special problem. It would expose their hiding place and all would be in danger of punishment by the occupying authorities. Golda's friends could at least be credited with refusing to turn her and her children over to the authorities.

Here is where the lives of Marisia and Golda intersect. Golda had taken to the fields, hiding by day and begging for food at night. When they approached the Szul farm, Marisia accepted them willingly. She constructed a bunker-like shelter for them under the barn. Later the group was joined by thirteen-year-old Mania Birnberg who was also seeking food, shelter, and protection. For two years Marisia and her mother, at great personal risk to themselves, cared for the refugees hidden on their farm.

Marisia has since moved to Canada. The rescuer frequently visits with the rescued living in the Chicago area.

To read more about the play based on Marisia Szul's life, Angel in the Night, go to Polish Rescuers Project under Resources.