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Arbeiter [Laborer] armband embroidered with a Star of David and a red letter "A" worn in the Lvov ghetto

Object

Arbeiter [Worker] armband embroidered with a red letter A within a blue Judenstern worn by Salomon Goldman to exit and return to the Lvov ghetto in German occupied Poland from 1941-43, for his job as an accountant at a slaughterhouse and tanning factory. He and his wife Gusta and daughter Ilona fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine), soon after the German invasion in September 1939. When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941 and occupied Lvov, the Wehrmacht took over the factory. After several months, Salomon and his family were forced to move into the Jewish ghetto. In the spring of 1942, fearing liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon was offered a hiding place by a former employee, Jozef Jozak. His Russian Orthodox wife Rozalie did not want them in their home and they would not hide Ilona because they thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Cloth work pass with an embroidered blue W used to exit and enter the Lvov ghetto

Object

Embroidered work pass with a green border inside a plastic holder worn by Salomon Goldman to exit and return to the Lvov ghetto in German occupied Poland from 1941-43, for his job as an accountant at a slaughterhouse and tanning factory. He and his wife Gusta and daughter Ilona fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine), soon after the German invasion in September 1939. When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941 and occupied Lvov, the Wehrmacht took over the factory. After several months, Salomon and his family were forced to move into the Jewish ghetto. In the spring of 1942, fearing liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon was offered a hiding place by a former employee, Jozef Jozak. His Russian Orthodox wife Rozalie did not want them in their home and they would not hide Ilona because they thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Cloth work pass with an embroidered black W used to enter and exit the Lvov ghetto

Object

Embroidered work pass with a brown border in a plastic holder used by Salomon Goldman to exit and return to the Lvov ghetto in German occupied Poland from 1941-43, for his job as an accountant at a slaughterhouse and tanning factory. He and his wife Gusta and daughter Ilona fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine), soon after the German invasion in September 1939. When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941 and occupied Lvov, the Wehrmacht took over the factory. After several months, Salomon and his family were forced to move into the Jewish ghetto. In the spring of 1942, fearing liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon was offered a hiding place by a former employee, Jozef Jozak. His Russian Orthodox wife Rozalie did not want them in their home and they would not hide Ilona because they thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Wooden box with carved floral decorations used by a hidden child

Object

Wooden box with carved flowers used by Ilona Goldman to store the drawings that she made while in hiding in Lvov, Poland (L'viv, Ukraine) from 1942-1944. The box may have originally belonged to a Jewish man who came daily from the ghetto to work in the factory where Ilona's father worked. Ilona's family lived at the factory and this man begged her mother to keep a locked wooden box with carved flowers for a few days. She uncomfortably said yes and he told her that if he did not return in a month, the contents were hers. He unlocked it to show it was filled with jewels. He came back two weeks later and told Gusta to take what she liked. She chose a small gold pin with diamonds. He dumped the contents into a bag around his neck and left. Ilona and her parents Gusta and Salomon fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine), soon after the German invasion in September 1939. When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941 and occupied Lvov, the Wehrmacht took over the factory. After several months, Salomon and his family were forced to move into the Jewish ghetto. In spring 1942, fearing liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon was offered a hiding place by a former employee, Jozef Jozak. His Russian Orthodox wife Rozalie did not want them in their home and they would not hide Ilona because they thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Clear and white plastic eyeglasses worn by a Jewish emigrant

Object

White plastic eyeglasses worn by Gusta Goldman in Israel after she and her family immigrated from Krakow, Poland, in December 1949. Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with two year old, Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto. Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Brown plastic eyeglasses worn by a Jewish resident of the Lvov ghetto

Object

Brown plastic eyeglasses that may have been worn by Gusta Goldman while she lived in hiding in Lvov, Poland, from 1942-1944. Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with two year old, Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto. Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Gold metal eyeglasses worn by a former resident of the Lvov ghetto

Object

Gold metal eyeglasses worn by Gusta Goldman. Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with two year old, Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto. Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color drawing of a boy and girl holding a blue and white flag created by a hidden child

Object

Colored pencil drawing of a boy and girl holding a blue and white flag, the national colors of Israel, with a large Star of David created by Ilona Goldman around 1947. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was confined in the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak, and his family. However, they would not hide Ilona because they thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Pages from a record book with sketches created by a hidden child

Object

Four pages from a record book with colored pencil drawings created by 5 year old Ilona Goldman while living in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. A few pages are covered with drawings and doodles by Ilona. Most pages have Polish writing in an adult hand, some of these have small drawings by Ilona. In spring 1942, Ilona was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide Ilona for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. Many drawings were done on the weekly letters Hania sent to Ilona's parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona, with her parents, Salomon and Gusta fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 4 year-old. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with a Polish woman paid to hide her. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Pencil drawing of people seated for Seder created by a former hidden child

Object

Pencil sketch of people seated for Seder dinner created by Ilona Goldman after the war. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was confined in the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak, and his family. However, they would not hide Ilona because they thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color drawing of girls visiting a medieval castle created by a former hidden child

Object

Colored pencil drawing of a group of young girls visiting a medieval castle created by 10 year old Ilona Goldman in November 1947. In spring 1942, 4 year old Ilona was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona's parents, Salomon and Gusta, with Ilona, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 4 year-old. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with a Polish woman paid to hide her. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color drawing of children seated within a gazebo created by a former hidden child

Object

Colored pencil drawing of a children seated on benches with a gazebo created by 11 year old Ilona Goldman in 1948. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Watercolor of a black haired princess in a castle doorway created by a former hidden child

Object

Watercolor and pencil drawing of a princess and a row of exotic buildings created by 11 year old Ilona Goldman in 1948. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Mother's Day card with ribbon and an image of a mother and daughter created by a former hidden child

Object

Handmade Mother's Day card tied with a pink ribbon created by 12 year old Ilona Goldman in 1949. It has a handwritten message inside wishing her mother joy, happiness, and good health. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was confined in the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, they would not hide Ilona because he thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Pencil sketch of animals following a child past a farm family created by a hidden child

Object

Pencil sketch of a farming family with a partial view of a puss in boots, a dog with a suitcase, and a girl created by 6 year old Ilona Goldman perhaps around 1944. See 2009.204.25 for a more detailed version of this scene. In spring 1942, Ilona was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide Ilona for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. Many drawings were done on the weekly letters Hania sent to Ilona's parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona and her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 4 year-old. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with Hania. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color drawing of animals following a child past a farm family created by a hidden child

Object

Pencil and pastel drawing of a puss in boots, a dog with a suitcase, and a family with farm tools created by 6 year old Ilona Goldman while living in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. See 2009.204.24 for a less polished version of this scene. In spring 1942, Ilona was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide Ilona for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. Many drawings were done on the weekly letters Hania sent to Ilona's parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona and her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 4 year-old. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with Hania. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color drawing of a girl and a train created by a hidden child

Object

Pencil and pastel drawing of a girl, animals, and a train created by 6 year old Ilona Goldman while living in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. In spring 1942, Ilona was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide Ilona for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. Many drawings were done on the weekly letters Hania sent to Ilona's parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona and her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 4 year-old. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with Hania. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Sketch of a house on the back of a letter sent for a hidden child

Object

Pencil sketch of three girls in front of a house with a letter on the back dated July 1, 1944 created by Ilona Goldman and her father Salomon while living in hiding in Lvov, Poland (Lviv, Ukraine). The drawing is by 6 year old Ilona with architectural details added by her father. The text is a story she dictated to her father about a girl, her Mommy, and a cat with everyone returning home at the end. Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. In spring 1942, at age 4, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona and her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov. When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because he thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively 4 year-old. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with Hania. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Birthday card with a message and family portrait by a former hidden child

Object

Handmade birthday card with a family portrait and an inscription created for her mother by 12 year old Ilona Goldman in 1949. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Birthday letter with a drawing of a girl with flowers and a toy boat created by a former hidden child

Object

Letter with birthday greetings and a drawing of a girl with flowers and a toy sailboat created by Ilona Goldman for her father after the war. The letter tells of her stay in summer camp where she shares a room with three girls and has a young woman as camp counselor. Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. In spring 1942, at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Small color drawing of a man leading a camel with rider created by a former hidden child

Object

Colored pencil drawing of a bearded man in a robe and headscarf leading a camel with rider created by 5 year old Ilona Goldman while living in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. In spring 1942, Ilona was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide Ilona for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. Many drawings were done on the weekly letters Hania sent to Ilona's parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona and her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 4 year-old. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with a Polish woman paid to hide her. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Birthday card depicting a little girl and a dog made for her father by a former hidden child

Object

Birthday card with a drawing of a girl and a spotted dog with a written message created for her father by 12 year old Ilona Goldman in Krakow in 1949. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Watercolor of a black haired young woman in a ball gown created by a hidden child

Object

Watercolor of a dark haired woman in a beautiful green gown created by or for 12 year old Ilona Goldman in 1949. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Colorful paper doll of a young girl created by a hidden child

Object

Paper doll of a young girl with blond braids and red skirt with hearts created by 6 year old Ilona Goldman while living in hiding from 1942-1944 or just after the war. Ilona had few toys and made many small paper dolls with different outfits to play with. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona, with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona, age 2, was smuggled to the country and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Charcoal portrait of a young girl created by a hidden child

Object

Charcoal portrait of a young girl with a big bow in her dark hair created by Ilona Goldman. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color drawing of a brick factory created by a former hidden child

Object

Pastel drawing of factories created for a school project by 9 year old Ilona Goldman in 1946. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Pencil drawing of a family at a train station created by a former hidden child

Object

Pencil drawing of a family at a train station created by Ilona Goldman after the war. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Pencil drawing of a furnished room created by a former hidden child

Object

Detailed pencil drawing of a furnished room created by Ilona Goldman while in hiding. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Brief note belonging to a hidden child

Object

Notecard with three words written in blue ink possbily by Ilona Goldman's caregiver when she lived in hiding. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color drawing of two girls with a book created by a former hidden child

Object

Colored pencil drawing of two girls with a book created by 10 year old Ilona Goldman around 1947. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color portraits of a father and his daughter created by a hidden child

Object

Pastel portrait sketches of Ilona and her father created by Ilona Goldman around 1945. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color drawing of a two girls seated at the same desk created by a former hidden child

Object

Colored pencil drawing of two girls seated at a desk doing schoolwork created by 10 year old Ilona Goldman in 1947. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Color drawing of a girl writing on a blackboard created by a former hidden child

Object

Colored pencil drawing of a girl writing on a blackboard created by 10 year old Ilona Goldman in 1947. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Double-sided sketch of a girl in a traditional Polish peasant costume created by a former hidden child

Object

2-sided pencil portrait of a girl in traditional folk dress on the front and a similar girl and a flute player on the back created by 10 year old Ilona Goldman in 1947. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Envelope decorated with hearts and a hand drawn canceled stamp created by a former hidden child

Object

Small envelope decorated with hearts and a handdrawn canceled postage stamp created by 15 year old Ilona Goldman in 1952. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Pencil drawing of children skiing and sledding created by a hidden child

Object

Double sided drawing of children skiing and sledding created Ilona Goldman after the war. There is an unfinished sketch of a house on the reverse. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Letter with a color drawing of a girl in a chair sent by a former hidden child

Object

Letter with a small drawing of a girl with a book by 6 year old Ilona Goldman and her mother Gusta to her father Salomon in 1948-1949 when he was away on a business trip. Ilona drew herself sitting in the chair complaining about the rain in Krakow and that she was home from school because she was a bit sick. She misses Daddy very much and hopes he rests well. Her mother reports on daily events and sends her love. Ilona lived in hiding from 1942-1944. In spring 1942, at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona and her parents fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Birthday card with a picture of a little girl made for her father by a former hidden child

Object

Birthday card with an image of a little girl with flowers and a message made for her father by 11 year Ilona Goldman in July 1948. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Watercolor of a woman with a crown near a child kneeling on a pillow created by a former hidden child

Object

Watercolor of a seated princess and a kneeling child created by Ilona Goldman circa 1948. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Watercolor of a princess in a red and green gown created by a former hidden child

Object

Watercolor of a crowned, dark haired woman in a red and green gown created by 11 year old Ilona Goldman in 1948. There is a sketch of the lady's face on the back. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Small watercolor with an angel, a cherubim and a Star of David created by a former hidden child

Object

Watercolor drawing with a winged cherubim gazing at an angel blowing a shofar created by Ilona Goldman after the war. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Double-sided drawing of a beautiful costumed woman and a costumed man sketched by a hidden child

Object

Two-sided pencil drawing of a woman with a veil and gown created by Ilona Goldman. On the back is an unfinished sketch of a bearded man in a mitre and fur trimmed outfit, possibly Kris Kringle or a priest. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding from 1942-1944. In spring 1942, Ilona was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, lona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 4 year-old. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with a Polish woman paid to hide her. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Birthday letter with a color drawing of a mushroom garden by a hidden child

Object

Birthday story with a drawing of a couple picking mushrooms with a gnome created by 7 year old Ilona Goldman and her mother while in hiding in Lvov, Poland (L'viv, Ukraine) July 4, 1944. Ilona dictated this story to her mother as a gift for her father's birthday. Both of Ilona's parents suffered from the lack of cigarettes. The gnome, the man, and the house are all smoking and in the drawing Ilona wished her parents could have as many cigarettes as they wanted. The story tells of a boy and girl seeing a gnome's house near the forest, a witch on a broom, and the girl's worrying that she had no basket to gather mushrooms. Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. In spring 1942, at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. Drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov. When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Four cartoon panels telling the story of man injured in a robbery created by a former hidden child

Object

Four cartoon panels depicting the story of a man injured in a robbery created by Ilona Goldman after the war. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Alona's parents, Salomon and Gusta, with Alona, fled Krakow for the Russian controlled city of Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak, and his family. However, they would not hide Ilona because they thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow..

Ink drawing of a cityscape with three churches created by a hidden child

Object

Ink drawing of a row of buildings created by Ilona Goldman about 1949. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Alona's parents, Salomon and Gusta, with Alona, fled Krakow for the Russian controlled city of Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak, and his family. However, they would not hide Ilona because they thought it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Two-sided color drawing of a girl on skis created by a hidden child

Object

Double-sided drawing of a girl skiing on one side and a sketch of a hatchet on the back done by Ilona Goldman around 1947. During the war, Ilona lived in hiding in Poland from 1942-1944. She made many drawings during this time, especially when, in spring 1942 at age four, she was separated from her parents and placed with the Polish peasant family of Hania Seremet, who agreed to hide her for a fee. These drawings were the only way for the talkative child, not yet able to write, to communicate with her parents. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Ilona with her parents, Salomon and Gusta, fled Krakow for Soviet controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the Jewish ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a meat rendering factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively young girl. Ilona was smuggled to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child with the Seremets. After 6 months, Salomon could no longer pay for her care, so Ilona was brought back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and the medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the war ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Book

Object

One of the few books three year old Ilona Goldman had to look at while she lived in hiding in a small room with her parents from late 1942-July 1944. The room had been the office of a Jewish gynecologist who was deported with his family and killed in a camp. Ilona felt the books saved her from life where the daily reality was that their Ukrainian and Polish neighbors, as well as the German soldiers, wanted to kill them. Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with two year old, Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto. Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Book

Object

One of the few books three year old Ilona Goldman had to look at while she lived in hiding in a small room with her parents from late 1942-July 1944. The room had been the office of a Jewish gynecologist who was deported with his family and killed in a camp. Ilona felt the books saved her from life where the daily reality was that their Ukrainian and Polish neighbors, as well as the German soldiers, wanted to kill them. Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with two year old, Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto. Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Book

Object

One of the few books three year old Ilona Goldman had to look at while she lived in hiding in a small room with her parents from late 1942-July 1944. The room had been the office of a Jewish gynecologist who was deported with his family and killed in a camp. Ilona felt the books saved her from life where the daily reality was that their Ukrainian and Polish neighbors, as well as the German soldiers, wanted to kill them. Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with two year old, Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto. Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Book

Object

One of the few books three year old Ilona Goldman had to look at while she lived in hiding in a small room with her parents from late 1942-July 1944. The room had been the office of a Jewish gynecologist who was deported with his family and killed in a camp. Ilona felt the books saved her from life where the daily reality was that their Ukrainian and Polish neighbors, as well as the German soldiers, wanted to kill them. Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with two year old, Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto. Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Book

Object

Ilona's favorite of the few books the three year old Ilona Goldman had to look at while living in hiding in a small room with her parents from late 1942-July 1944. The room had been the office of a Jewish gynecologist who was deported with his family and killed in a camp. Ilona felt the books saved her from life where the daily reality was that their Ukrainian and Polish neighbors, as well as the German soldiers, wanted to kill them. Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with two year old, Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto. Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Book

Object

One of the few books three year old Ilona Goldman had to look at while she lived in hiding in a small room with her parents from late 1942-July 1944. The room had been the office of a Jewish gynecologist who was deported with his family and killed in a camp. Ilona felt the books saved her from life where the daily reality was that their Ukrainian and Polish neighbors, as well as the German soldiers, wanted to kill them. Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with two year old, Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto. Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, he would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona back with her parents, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. The three had to stay hidden nearly all the time in one small room. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Book

Object

Cookbook given by Salomon Goldman to his bride, Gusta Gruber, as a wedding gift in 1936. They kept this book with them while in hiding in Lvov, Poland, from 1942-1944. They were always hungry and, as a diversion, every day Gusta dictated an elaborate menu which Salomon recorded n a notebook. She never repeated a menu and they sometimes used this cookbook for ideas. After Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon, with 2 year old Ilona, fled Krakow for Russian controlled Lvov (Lviv, Ukraine). When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In spring 1942, fearing liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. He would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 2 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman, Hania Seremet, paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, and Hania dumped Ilona with them at their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozaks. They lived all this time in one room until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

Book

Object

Soon after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Gusta and Salomon Frankel, with 2 year old Ilona, fled Krakow for the Russian controlled Lvov. When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the family was forced into the ghetto where Salomon worked as an accountant at a factory owned by the Wehrmacht. In the spring of 1942, fearing the liquidation of the ghetto, Salomon arranged a hiding place for them outside the ghetto with a former employee, Jozef Jozak. However, He would not hide Ilona because it would be too hard to conceal a lively 4 year-old child. Ilona was smuggled out to the countryside and placed in hiding as a Christian child, with a Polish woman who was paid to hide her. After 6 months, they could no longer pay for her care, so they had to bring Ilona back to live in their hiding place, without the knowledge of the Jozak family. Ilona had to stay most of this time locked in a closet with only her drawings and medical textbooks left by a previous tenant. The family lived in hiding until the Soviet Army liberated the city in July 1944. When the was ended in May 1945, they returned to Krakow.

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