Honoring My Rescuer

The below describes some of the events and speeches of the honoring event for my rescuer, Marianna Kowalczyk, by Yad Vashem.  The event took place on Nov. 24, 2013.

About  515 people of all races, ages, and ethnicities have gathered to attend an event titled “A Light in the Darkness” in the sanctuary of the Community Synagogue in Port Washington, on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013. Among the guests were, of course, members of the immediate and extended families of the Glantzs and the Friedmans.  But also Hunter High School Alumni, - Linda, Barbara, and Sunny; Teaching Colleagues from the Manhasset School District from as far away as Vermont, including Connie and Peter Frank; volunteers, docents and leaders of the HMTC, including chairman Steven Markowitz, Senior Director of Education, Beth Lilach, and my editor, Emily Berkowitz; clergy of the Community Synagogue, Rabbi Irwin Zeplowitz, Cantor Claire Franco, President Jack Mandel, and many other congregants; members of the senior group, Chaverim with chairpersons, Evie and Les Schonbrun, and others who contributed their encouragement, and time and effort in baking and providing refreshments.  Attending were also many guests of all religions and persuasions, providing a rich rainbow of diverse colors and hues to our gathering. I want to add, that it was Rabbi Zeplowitz’s idea to have this event at the Community Synagogue. When I told him my rescuer was honored by Yad Vashem he was very excited and offered: “Let’s have it here.” And it was fortuitous that we did, since the Holocaust Center could not have accommodated a crowd of 515 people - the largest crowd at the Community Synagogue ever assembled there – with the exception of Yom Kippur services!

The event was publicized as a unique, interfaith community event.  It was exactly that – and more. It was a testament to a woman who dared to challenge the hate around her and respond with love, caring and daring, even though it meant putting herself and her family in danger.

The speakers at the event were, Dr. Mordecai Paldiel; Gloria Glantz, the survivor who was cared for by Maria Kowalczyk; and Eva Junczyk- Ziomecka, the Consul General of Poland.

Through the good auspices of Dr. Paldiel, I was able to have a copy of Marianna and Michal Kowalczyk’s honoring certificate sent to me from Yad Vashem.  After Dr. Paldiel presented it to me, I, with tears in my eyes, presented it to our children Craig and Jordana.

Dear Craig, Dear Jordana,

I feel so fortunate to present to you this honoring certificate.  It was earned because of the heroism of a most deserving couple, Marianna and Michal Kowalczyk, now named Righteous Among the Nations. You are not only the keepers of their legacy.  You are their legacy. They made you possible. I am confident you will live up to the qualities that made them our heroes; being on the side of justice, caring, understanding, tolerance and acceptance.  I hope it will always be a reminder to you, of the power of love, humanity and goodness. I know you will pass on these qualities to your children-- as you already are doing.

With love,
Mom

We hugged.  I felt their warm tears on my cheek…

Certificate of Honor (translation below)
This certificate establishes that from the
7th day of Adar 5773 (February 17, 2013)
The Commission for the Designation of the “Righteous Among the Nations”
Through the authority of the Memorial of Yad VaShem
By the witnesses that appeared before us, decided to honor and recognize
Marianna and Michal Kowalcyk
Who, during the years of the Holocaust in Europe put their lives at risk to save to Jews who were fleeing from their pursuers,
and
To grant them the medal of
“The Righteous Among the Nations.”
Their names will forever be extolled on the Wall of Honor in the Garden of the “Righteous Among the Nations”
At Yad VaShem.

Hereby attested to in Jerusalem
20th of Iyar 5773 (April 30, 2013)
Avner Shalev
Through the authority of the Memorial of Yad VaShem
Jacob Turkel
On behalf of the Commission for the Designation of the Righteous