After the Righteous Ceremony: It Was Just Being Human

"It Was Just Being Human"

After the ceremony yesterday we were driven deep into the countryside to visit the farm where Rywka hid in a barn and Faye became close friends with Helena.  To view the stone foundations for the house and barn, overgrown with blackberry bushes and the stuff of nature, was certainly a moment for quiet reflection.

We had a few moments to talk about the swirling emotions.  Joanna explained that her family always considered what her great grandfather did was 'just being human'.  Finally, Mike shared this perspective with the family.  His comments, condensed, were:

"Our family has always been amazed by the courage, cunning, and perseverance of Rywka and Faye throughout their 2 years plus of active hiding from the Nazis.  But they had no choice: Jews were hunted everywhere.  And therein lies the difference with Antoni Puszkiewicz.  At first fearful his family and 63 years of hard work would become victim to his decision, he hesitated.  But after further thought he said: "Yes, stay with us and we will hide you."  Still, a choice.

Finally, it was time to leave and we found out the family still had no idea where Antoni Puszkiewicz died; no idea what prison camp he was sent.  Again, Mike had an answer for them and information on how they could access his records.  Turns out Joanna lives just a few miles away from the death camp Stutthof in the town Alawa.

We trust she will uncover the rest of the information on this Righteous Man.  Righteous by choice.

Our internet capabilities are limited in Lipno.  We will provide complete ceremony coverage with photos, etc.. once we arrive back in Warsaw.