A CARD FROM THE CALENDAR - JADWIGA AND MIECZYSŁAW KOBYLAŃSKI
Lola Holdengraeber and her daughter Rita escaped to Lwów in 1938, when the Third Reich annexed Vienna. Just over three years later, in 1942, they had to flee from the Nazi occupiers once again. This time, they went to Tarnów. Four years spent living in fear caused them to develop an instinct for survival. They knew how to move so as not to be noticed, but time worked against them. They were exhausted psychologically and completely helpless. That was when the Kobylańskis appeared in their lives. Jadwiga and Mieczysław opened their door before the mother and daughter, invited them into their house, gave them shelter, and provided them with false IDs allowing Lola to work. All seemed well, but, unfortunately, this didn’t last long. Lola was arrested and taken to Auschwitz, where she died. Her daughter, Rita, managed to survive the liberation of Lwów in the Kobylańskis’ house. After the war, she emigrated to Canada, maintaining constant contact with her saviours.
