Franciszek Źrałko lived with his wife Bronisława and daughter Kazimiera in a small colony Lasowy, about 1.5 km from Wicynie village. District at the present time belong to Ukraine. Marriage run a farm.

Once to their home came three people of Jewish origin. Siblings Bronia and Łajbisz Kanner and their friend Reiss came to ask the family for help. For some time they were hiding in self-made shelter in the woods, but they had nothing to eat anymore. Franciszek and Bronisława did not deny them support. They brought them food , and even allowed to spend the night in their house. Grateful Jews for some time to time were visiting the farm to help with work in the field. Kazimiera remembers that, when they were returning after a long stay in the forest, they looked tragic. After a while, Franciszek decided to let them stay for good in the farm. To do this, near to their fence he prepared the dugout, the entrance to which was covered by the shack. This bunker was used in moments of danger.

It happened one day before harvests, sitting in front of the house Bronisława, with a little Kazia on her knees, saw the German soldiers approaching the farm. One of the officers asked in Polish if someone came to them. Little Kazia answered that the aunt and uncle visit them often. At home, for Breakfast, were three children. The woman was aware that if the soldiers will find them, they will shoot the whole family. When officers entered the apartment, they found only open window. Bronisława quickly explained them that she ventilates the house. Men left Źrałków family alone. She later get to know that children through the window have seen the approaching German soldiers and quickly jumped through the window – into the field and to the woods.

One day Bronia get to know that her sister together with her husband and children is in the ghetto. Franciszek offered help in bringing them to the farm. A rally could be held only at night. When Franciszek and Bronia arrived they found only bodies. At this day took place the liquidation of the ghetto. No one survived. The girl very much experienced this loss.

Three Jewish children managed to survive the difficult period of occupation. After the war they moved to Cracow, where Reiss married Bronia. Then they all emigrated to the United States. For many years Reisss’ and Łajbisz corresponded with Franciszek and Bronisława, and then later with their children. These letters are full of caring and gratitude.

In a letter dated 29 March 1989 Bronia expressed her sorrow after the death of Franciszek: „the news that dad died touched us very much. He was a very good man, good for others and good for the family. We tried to remember him during all the years and we helped all that time how much we could”

Bibliography:

  1. FLV, List od Kazimiery Bazylewicz i Michała Źrałko, Biskupice, 26.11.2012 r.
  2. FLV, List od Leibisha Kaner, New Jersey, 03.06.1985 r.
  3. FLV, List od Mieczysława Musztyfaga, Oława, 29.05.2014 r.
  4. FLV, List od Broni Reiss, New Jersey, 29.03.1989 r.
  5. FLV, List od Broni Reiss, New Jersey, 25.07.1990 r.
  6. FLV, Nagranie audio, sygn. 811_3420, relacja Kazimiery Bazylewicz (córka)
    z 23.07.2015 r.
  7. FLV, Nagranie audio, sygn. 811_1972, relacja Mieczysława Musztyfaga z 29.05.2014 r.