He Who saves One

The Polish heroes and heroines of the World War II era are aging, and passing away. Ninety year old Jerzy Bielecki died Thursday 20 October. He a polish Catholic, fell in love with a Jewish girl, and saved both of their lives when he orchestrated escaping the death camp in Oswiecim, or known under the Nazi name Auschwitz. Jerzy was among the first inmates sent to Auschwitz in 1940, and had been imprisoned two years by the time Cyla's family was sent to Auschwitz. His tatooed number is 243 and hers is 29558.
Upon escaping, they went into hiding in seperate locations, planning to meet after the war, but never were able to do so. Fate took her to New York USA, and he to Novy Targ, Poland.
They did meet again. In Krakow airport, with him presenting her with 39 roses, one for each year they were apart.
He stayed in Poland with his family, and she returned to the USA. She passed away in 2002. I encourage you to read more about their story, follow the link below.





http://auschwitztourguide.com/pole-who-sneaked-jewish-girl-out-of-auschwitz-dies

Polish Hero Passes

One of our last ventures outside of Krakow was to the city of Warsaw, January 2009. Today I read on the internet that the last-living leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising 1943, has passed away. His name Marek Edelman, at the age of 90.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33145701/ns/world_news-europe/
He saved many, and has lived in their honor since the end of WWII.
If you are fortunate to go to Warszawa, spend a day at the Warsaw Rising Museum.

30th Anniversary of Jan Pawel II

Lanterns lining the wall around St. Francis church

Karol Wojtyla was elected the 264th Pope

16 October 1978

lighting the memorials

outside his apartment

one of many admirers

we stood in the rain

life in a jar

I have not seen the production of "Life in a Jar", but have read about Irena Sendler.

She saved 2500 Jewish children during the Nazi occupation, of Warsaw.

When you get a chance, please read about her. She passed away this May.

The lengths Poles went to in order to save their Jewish neighbors is awe inspiring.

http://www.irenasendler.org/facts.asp