Antoni Puszkiewicz: A Reflection

October 4, 2015

Antoni Puszkiewicz:  A Reflection

October 19, 2014

Dear Mrs. Roberta,

Sorry for not replying for so long but I had problems with the Internet. I received a letter from you with pictures – thank you very much. Congratulations on your grandson and we wish him sound health. A person from the Institute contacted us and informed that the first stage had been completed and other procedure may take some time. We would like to thank you very much that after so many years you have managed to deal with it. We would appreciate it much if you came to Poland. My grandma will be very happy when she meets Fela and her family. It will be a great meeting for sure. We wish you and your family sound health. The same to Fela. I found a picture (which is a little bit damaged) with a signature for Feli from all of us.

Regards,

Peter

The above picture which was in the possession of Helena Koweleska (Anton's last surviving child) represents in a very dramatic, yet simple way,  the extent of Mr. Puszkiewicz's action.

Faye has told us on several occasions that Mr. Puszkiewicz saved their lives.  Rywka and Faye were at the end of their rope when they arrived at his farm.  There was no where else to turn; no one else to ask.  His reticence to help was understandable.  Every Pole knew that to hide a Jew was a death sentence.  Undoubtedly, Anton Puszkiewicz felt the odds were in his favor.  With a false wall in the horse barn and the remote location of his farm he must have been confident that he could outfox the Germans.  Whether it was a nosey neighbor or just bad luck, Antonii Puszkiewicz paid with his life for helping the same neighbor from Skępe who had extended him the same kind of help years before.  That is just what you do for neighbors if you are a good person.  

The picture above is only part of the evidence of what Mr. Puszkiewicz did.  Had Rywka failed to survive then the lives of her two daughters and nephew and niece would not have been what they are today.  Think about his contribution.  The four surviving children would not have had the ten children they raised; there would not have been the 30+ grandchildren who live today; and the innumerable great children who are here and those to come would not be possible.

Antoni Puszkiewicz represents a tragedy for his three children who were orphaned.  His grandchildren and great grandchildren have the memories that have been passed down.  However, his legacy lives not only in his own progeny, but with those whom he never met, in parts of the world he could have only dreamed of.

Antoni Puszkiewicz:  Righteous Among the Nations.  May his memory be for a blessing.