Avram Sadikario collection

Kurir Jovica plaque, box, and card awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Kurir Jovica plaque set awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos on December 16, 1972, by the Council for the Education and Protection of Children of Yugoslavia, to recognize her work with children. The design was inspired by the Kurir Jovica statue, an award for achievement presented by the Yugoslav Union of Pioneers, a society created to indoctrinate children with communist ideology. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became a part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Around this time Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Medallion, box and certificate awarded to Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Gold medallion set awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos on October 11, 2005, for her efforts as a partisan fighter during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario

Yugoslav Orden za Hrabrost medal, ribbon, box, and certificate awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Yugoslav Order of Bravery medal set awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos on June 3, 1947 in recognition of her efforts as a partisan fighter during World War II. The medal was instituted August 15, 1943 and was awarded to both military personnel and civilians for acts of bravery during World War II. The motto of the Yugoslavian partisan movement, “Death to fascism, freedom to the people” is embossed on the face. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario

Yugoslavian Order of the Partisan Star awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Yugoslavian Order of the Partisan Star, 3rd class, medal set awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos on March 18, 1952, in recognition of her efforts as a partisan fighter during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. This medal was awarded to military leaders for successfully commanding military units and for bravery displayed during WW II. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

UNICEF medallion with box awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) medallion awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos by the Yugoslav Commission for Cooperation with UNICEF. UNICEF was created to protect the rights and wellbeing of children in response to the chaos of Europe in the aftermath of World War II. Yugoslavia was the first country in Europe to establish a National Committee for UNICEF. In 1965 the Committee changed its name to the Yugoslav Commission for Cooperation with UNICEF. The medallion was awarded after the war to recognize Jamila’s work with the Yugoslav Department for Protection of Mothers and Children. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Gold medallion with case awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Gold medallion awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos, a partisan fighter during World War II. Jugohrom is the name of a ferroalloy factory that was established in 1952 by the state. The factory was later privatized and is still in operation in Jegunovce, Macedonia, 50 kilometers from Skopje. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Macedonian-Kosovo Brigade plaque with stand awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Plaque awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos commemorating the creation of the Macedonian-Kosovo Brigade which she served in during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. The brigade was created on November 11, 1943, with 800 troops and by the end of the war numbered 66,000 members. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Partizanska spomenica medal awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Partizanska spomenica medal awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos for her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. Of the 27,629 medals awarded, only 12 of them went to Jews who, like Jamila, were from Bitola. The medal was first instituted in 1943, and the design revised to this version in 1945. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Orden Zasluge Za Narod 2nd class awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Yugoslav Order of Merit to the Nation (People), 2nd class, awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos in recognition of her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. The medal was awarded to those who distinguished themselves in the struggle for liberation and merit in securing and organizing the Yugoslav government and army, and for achievement in the economic, cultural and social spheres. This medal was awarded to 39534 people. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Orden Bratstva I Jedinstva awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Order of Brotherhood and Unity 1st class medal awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos in recognition of her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. The medal was awarded to both citizens and foreigners for creation and promotion of brotherhood and unity when the resistance movement was divided by politics, nationality and other factors. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Ordena Republike Sa Srebrnim Vencem awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Order of the Republic awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos a WWII partisan fighter on November 7, 1961, in recognition for civil merits and public activities, achievements in science and art, education and enlightenment, culture and sports. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

30th anniversary hospital medallion and box awarded to a Macedonian Jewish man

Object

Medallion awarded to Dr. Avram Sadikario in 1979 from the Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, Yugoslavia (now North Macedannia), where Avram began teaching in 1952. The medallion bears the University’s emblem and was awarded to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its founding. Avram Sadikario was in his third year of studying medicine at the University of Belgrade when the Axis powers declared war on Yugoslavia. On April 4, 1941 he left Belgrade and returned to Bitola. Two days later Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia and the Macedonian region was occupied by Bulgaria. Anti-Jewish laws were passed that restricted Avram and his family’s lives. Later that year, Avram joined the Yugoslav Communist Party serving in and founding several underground resistance cells. In 1942 Avram accompanied his brother Sami to Sofia, Bulgaria for medical treatment. While he was gone, his resistance cell was discovered and Avram did not return home with his brother. He remained in Sofia and went into hiding. In spring 1943, Jews were expelled from the city and Avram traveled to a camp in Pleven and was held there until the end of summer. On September 8 1944, he participated in the liberation of the central prison where he remained until he was liberated by the Soviets. Germany surrendered May 7, 1945. After liberation, Avram worked for several months as state security and then as a doctor in Pleven. In June, 1947, Avram married partisan fighter Jamila Kolonomos.

Orden Zasluge Za Narod awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Yugoslav Order of Merit to the Nation (People), 1st class awarded to Jamila (Zmila) Kolonomos in 1975, in recognition of her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. The medal was awarded to those who distinguished themselves in the struggle for liberation and merit in securing and organizing the Yugoslav government and army, and for achievement in the economic, cultural and social spheres. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Medallion and box awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Medallion awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos by the Women’s Anti-Fascist Front of Macedonia (AFZ). The organization was formed in 1944 with the goal of improving schooling for females and increasing involvement of women in politics and promoting women’s rights. Many of the members of the organization fought as partisans during World War II. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

30th Anniversary medallion from the Institute for National History in Skopje

Object

Medallion awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos by the Institute for National History in Skopje, Macedonia. The Institute was founded in 1948 and is one of Saints Cyril and Methodius University’s 5 research institutes. It is a public institution that focuses on studying the history of Macedonia and postgraduate and doctoral studies. Jamila was a professor at the University and wrote about the history of Jews in the region. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Orden Rada Sa Zlatnim Vencem awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Yugoslav Order of Labor (with the Golden Wreath) 2nd class awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos for her contributions to the economy, production and building communism. The medal was awarded to citizens, collectives and military units. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Commemorative medallion awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Medallion awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos by the Council for the Care and Education of Children of Macedonia and The Union of the Pioneers of Yugoslavia. The medallion was awarded for Jamila’s work with children’s organizations. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

SUBNOR medallion awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Medallion awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos by SUBNOR in Yugoslavia, an organization formed in 1961 in Yugoslavia, by merging the Combat Union of War Veterans, the Association of War Officers, and Associations of Reserve Officers and Sub-Officers. The goal of this organization was to preserve the heritage of the war, participation in the reconstruction of the country and aid disabled veterans, and the families of the deceased. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Military medallion, box and paper awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Award received by Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos in recognition of her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Military service medallion awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Medallion awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos on November 11, 1998, in recognition of her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Medallion, box and card from Cyril and Methodius University of Medicine awarded to a Macedonian Jewish man

Object

Medallion awarded to Dr. Avram Sadikario in 1987 by Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje Yugoslavia (now North Macedonia), where Avram began teaching in 1952. The image on the award and certificate is the emblem of Cyril and Methodius University Faculty of Medicine. Avram Sadikario was in his third year of studying medicine at the University of Belgrade when the Axis powers declared war on Yugoslavia. On April 4, 1941 he left Belgrade and returned to Bitola. Two days later Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia and the Macedonian region was occupied by Bulgaria. Anti-Jewish laws were passed that restricted Avram and his family’s lives. Later that year, Avram joined the Yugoslav Communist Party serving in and founding several underground resistance cells. In 1942 Avram accompanied his brother Sami to Sofia, Bulgaria for medical treatment. While he was gone, his resistance cell was discovered and Avram did not return home with his brother. He remained in Sofia and went into hiding. In spring 1943, Jews were expelled from the city and Avram traveled to a camp in Pleven and was held there until the end of summer. On September 8 1944, he participated in the liberation of the central prison where he remained until he was liberated by the Soviets. Germany surrendered May 7, 1945. After liberation, Avram worked for several months as state security and then as a doctor in Pleven. In June, 1947, Avram married partisan fighter Jamila Kolonomos.

Medallion, box, pamphlet, and bar pin awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Medallion awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos in 1965, in recognition of her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945 and to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War II. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Commemorative medallion with box awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Medallion awarded to Jamila (Zamilla) Kolonomos in 1982 in recognition of her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. The three partisan groups mentioned on the case, the Jane Sandinski, the Pelister, and Dame Gruev were all formed around the Bitola region in Macedonia in 1942. Jamila served with Damjan Gruev partisan group. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Orden Zasluge Za Narod awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Yugoslav Order of Merit to the Nation (People), 3rd class, awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos in recognition of her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. The medal was awarded to those who distinguished themselves in the struggle for liberation and merit in securing and organizing the Yugoslav government and army, and for achievement in the economic, cultural and social spheres. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Orden Bratstva I Jedinstva Sa Zlatnim Vengem awarded to a Macedonian Jewish partisan woman

Object

Order of Brotherhood and Unity medal awarded to Jamila (Zamila) Kolonomos in 1950, in recognition of her service as a partisan during the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia from 1941-1945. The medal was awarded to both citizens and foreigners for creation and promotion of brotherhood and unity when resistance was divided by politics, nationality, and other factors. On April 6, 1941, the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria, invaded and partitioned Yugoslavia. The Macedonian region, including Bitola where Jamila and her family lived, was occupied by Bulgaria. Jamila worked with resistance groups to fight the occupation and was forced to hide at night for her safety. On March 9, 1943, from her hiding place, Jamila witnessed the roundup and deportation of the Jewish community of Bitola. After a month in hiding, she went to the mountains and joined a partisan detachment. In August 1943, Jamila’s group became part of the Macedonian Partisan Battalion, which liberated a prisoner camp in Greece. In June 1944, a separate Macedonian brigade was formed. In August, Jamila was injured during a battle. On October 30, Jamila’s group liberated the towns of Ohrid and Struga, and a month later Macedonia was liberated. In December, Jamila served as an official at the Second Congress of Anti-Fascist Youth in Skopje. Jamila married a fellow partisan Chede Filipovski. Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945. Jamila returned to Bitola and discovered that her entire family had been deported and murdered at Treblinka killing center. In June Chede was killed in a motorcycle accident. In June 1947, Jamila married Avram Sadikario.

Jamila Kolonomos collection

Document

Consists of a collection of 67 pre-war, wartime, and post-war photographs of Macedonian survivors, resistance fighters, and rescuers. The photographs were used in "Monastir without Jews: Recollections of a Jewish partisan in Macedonia" by Jamila Kolonomos. Contains photographs of Ms. Kolonomos, her family, and members of the partisan group known as the Macedonian Brigade. Also contains one CD of the images.

Oral testimony of Avram Sadikario

Oral History

Jamila Kolonomos papers

Document

Contains a postcard from Haim Koen sent during the deportation from Bitola, Macedonia on March 11, 1943, to his relative Avram Sadikarios in Sofia, Bulgaria. Mr. Koen writes that he was taken from his home to the train station and he doesn’t know where he will be taken; he asks Avram and Moise to take care of his daughter Sola Koen and not to spare expenses. Also includes a photograph showing Sola Koen in Israel after the war.