rescuers of jews
From Rosian Zerner’s letter
about Lidija Golubovienė(Fugalevičiūtė)
Lida was a deeply religious woman. When she rushed across the icy river to take me, a child about six years old to a doctor, she refused any help or any reimbursement even to cover the expenses. “I am doing the work of God” she would say to my mother. And who would not agree? To me, as I am sure to the others she was a blessing and a rare pure soul.
I remember her care which she gave to everyone visiting her whether they were a Jew, deaf mute, a Russian or a German. Full of love and dignity, she risked her life for others. She was an extraordinary woman, who lived in extraordinary times and managed to overcome the horrors and create a space for kindness and compassion. I could listen to her play the piano and learn to dance and know there would always be a kiss and a hug. ...I felt very special to her as she was to me. Now, I understand the risks she took and realize the strength of her faith. For a long time I could not manage to do that.
When I came back in the 1970s, Lida felt very bad. She was 82 and instead of being respected by local people and the invaders, she saw her land torn apart, and her cherished people exiled to Siberia...
And yet, it was as if we had never parted. She made me sit next to her as if I were a child and feed me blueberries with a spoon. She told me that the dearest thing to her is a piano which she bought after she sold the clothes I sent her. There were hugs and kisses and even tears.
about Lidija Golubovienė(Fugalevičiūtė)
Lida was a deeply religious woman. When she rushed across the icy river to take me, a child about six years old to a doctor, she refused any help or any reimbursement even to cover the expenses. “I am doing the work of God” she would say to my mother. And who would not agree? To me, as I am sure to the others she was a blessing and a rare pure soul.
I remember her care which she gave to everyone visiting her whether they were a Jew, deaf mute, a Russian or a German. Full of love and dignity, she risked her life for others. She was an extraordinary woman, who lived in extraordinary times and managed to overcome the horrors and create a space for kindness and compassion. I could listen to her play the piano and learn to dance and know there would always be a kiss and a hug. ...I felt very special to her as she was to me. Now, I understand the risks she took and realize the strength of her faith. For a long time I could not manage to do that.
When I came back in the 1970s, Lida felt very bad. She was 82 and instead of being respected by local people and the invaders, she saw her land torn apart, and her cherished people exiled to Siberia...
And yet, it was as if we had never parted. She made me sit next to her as if I were a child and feed me blueberries with a spoon. She told me that the dearest thing to her is a piano which she bought after she sold the clothes I sent her. There were hugs and kisses and even tears.