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[Page 427]

To All Those Who Died
in Eretz Yisrael

[Page 428]

[Blank]

[Page 429]

Joseph Auerbach, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

He was a son of the respected Auerbach family. His father Zalman and grandfather Eli were Gabais (officers) of the Great Synagogue. Joseph returned to the city after WWI from Vienna where he had fled with his family during the war. He was one of the first members and organizers of the Halutz in town. He also founded the Jewish sports club Z.K.S. and was the captain of its soccer team. He was an originator of culture and sports in town, especially in setting up plays and parties where he appeared in comedic and satiric roles. In 1924, he was one of the first immigrants from Zborow after WWI to Aretz [The Land]. He lived for a while with the Achvah group in Petach Tikva and later moved to Jerusalem, where he studied and graduated from the Betzalel Art school. He lived with his family in Jerusalem until after the end of the War of Independence and then moved to Netanya. Joseph and Lena Auerbach's homes in Jerusalem and Netanya were meeting places for Zborow immigrants. In Netanya, they joined the organization of people from Zborow. He had an artistic temperament, a sensitive soul, and a handsome, dignified countenance. He had a sharp sense of humor but was careful not to hurt anybody. He was a beloved friend to his many acquaintances.

He passed away in 1955, in his early fifties, when he was still full of strength and spirit. He was buried in Netanya. His memory is inscribed in the hearts of all our town's sons who knew him, respected and loved him.

 

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Joseph Auerbach
 
Leah (Lenka) Auerbach

 

Leah (Lenka) Auerbach, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

She was born and grew up in Zborow, the daughter of the Yehoyakim [Joachim] Linder family. She emigrated to Aretz [The Land] in 1925 to join Joseph Auerbach, her husband. She was a friend, a mother, and a model home maker. Her home became a meeting place for Zborow compatriots. Her first years in Palestine were very hard. She was physically weak but strong in spirit and was able to overcome the difficult integration into life in Aretz, the illness and sadness, loneliness and sorrow after the death of her beloved husband.

Lenka, z”l, had a bright and pleasant demeanor and was beloved by all. She was sensitive, intelligent, and devoted to her friends. She spent her last years abroad with her daughter in England. She passed away in June 1972 in London and was buried there. May her memory be for a blessing.

[Page 430]

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We herby certify that Joseph Auerbach from Zborow was a founder of The Histadrut (organization) Hachalutz and devoted his best efforts to its physical and spiritual growth that was much appreciated by all supporters of the pioneer spirit.

Zborow, 11th of Tammuz Naphtali Katz (official stamp)

 

Shoshana (Roza) Riemen, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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She was one of the first members of Gordonia [Zionist youth movement] in Zborow. She was educated and intelligent, with a sharp and biting sense of humor.

She emigrated with the Oleh Maccabia group in 1934 and joined Kibbutz Chuldah, but lived there for only few years only. She became sick and died in Chuldah in 1943.

* * *

In Memory of Shoshana Riemen, z”l

She shined full of enthusiasm and every utterance and action expressed honesty and justice. When told that she had been chosen to go to Aretz [The Land] as an (illegal) pioneer there was no limit to her joy and enthusiasm. We, all our friends, were very fond of her and celebrated her Aliyah [immigration], and were devastated by the news of her difficult illness. In spite of our strong bond and friendship, she did not write and had cut herself off from us [during that time].

When I emigrated to Aretz, she was already isolated by her fatal illness and would not let us visit. We often agonized about honoring her request and often regret not having gone against her wishes. Her memory will always be among the pioneers who led the way to Aliyah.

G. Schneider


[Page 431]

Chana Schapira from the Pollak family, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

Abroad, she was a member of the Shomer Hatsayir [a Zionist youth group]. She immigrated to Aretz illegally. She married Moshe Shapira (may he live long). She was a good mother, a faithful and honest wife, and a good friend. She created a wonderful Jewish home. She began raising her sons, but could not achieve full nachas [joy] from her children. She suffered a difficult illness and died in Jerusalem in 1954.

 

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Mother

We lost our mother 20 years ago—she was only 42 years old.

She was a good mother; goodhearted, industrious and talented. When she suffered an incurable illness (and knew exactly what it was), she told everyone (and pretended to believe her own story) that she had another unknown illness to reduce discussion of her condition by those surrounding her.

I saw her suffering during her illness. I fed her during her long stay in the hospital. I was by her side daily until the day when the terrible illness cut her life short. Her smiling, yet angry and suffering image will stay with me always.

I don't think I would be lying in saying that she was spared the disaster that happened to us when Moti, z”l, was taken from us during the Yom Kippur war. Oy to a mother who has to go through such a tragedy and my heart goes out to father who had to suffer through two tragedies. I will remember her forever.

Avraham

 

In Her Memory

With the publication of the Zborow book, I feel it is my duty to include in its pages a remembrance of my sister-in-law, Chana Pollak, my husband Azriel Pollak's sister.

I met her in 1939, the year I emigrated with Azriel. She lived in Jerusalem and was married to Moshe Shapira. When we arrived, she welcomed us warmly in spite of the difficult economic situation in Aretz [The Land] at the time.

Right away during our first meeting, a deep emotional bond developed between us. I loved her most of all. She was like a mother, sister, sister-in-law, and friend to me. When war broke out in Poland, we worried about the fate of our dear ones. During that time, she was my dearest friend. We were together 14 years. I shared with her all my thoughts and worries. She was a true human being. Smart, good hearted—just like her father, Yakov Pollak, z”l. She had a wonderful laugh and conquered every heart with her laughter. All the Zborow people love her to this day, even after these many years since her passing. They gather at her grave side yearly to remember her.

[Page 432]

She had three sons but she did not get to enjoy their adulthood. When she died, they were young—the youngest was 4 years old.

She was sick for two years before passing away from her difficult illness.

During her short life in Aretz she saw much suffering and trouble.

During the War for Independence, she witnessed explosions, food and water shortages, since Jerusalem was under siege and she did not want to leave the city.

She looked like a Yiddishe Mama—trustworthy, patient and loving. She was an exemplary home maker, a devoted mother and partner.

With her passing away I lost a soul mate.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Minka Pollak


Arye Marder (Leybush Heiman), z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

Edited by Diana Wellner

 

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In Zborow, he was a member of the United Poale Zion party [Zionist Socialist] and its branches and later he was in the Oved. His education included general and Hebraic studies. Being part of a religious family, Arye remained observant, but he remained an active member of the Mapay Party [Left Labor] in Jerusalem, where he lived all his life [in Israel]. He had a good voice and he would recite El Maleh Rachamim and Kaddish in memory of the cruel fate that happened to the people of Zborow. He was active in the organization of Zborowers and a member of its committee. He passed away on September 26, 1966.

 

In Memory of Arye (Leybush)

He was the son of Mattel and Mordechai Heiman, both of blessed memory.

He was a devoted Zionist, member of the Histachdut [Labor Union] and active in various community organizations. Even in Jerusalem where he lived, he was an active member of the Mapay Party. He was eager to learn all his life. His interests were a blend of traditional and progressive ideas.

He participated in various circles studying Judaism and was a member of the Yeshuron Synagogue, where the President of Israel was a member.

He was always willing to help people, with valuable advice or anonymous donations. In Israel, he worked hard with little satisfaction, and when he finally found work that somewhat satisfied him, he was snatched after a hard and cruel illness.

His memory remains forever deep in my heart.

His wife Malka


[Page 433]

Nachum Linder, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

He was part of the first group (Josef Auerbach, Naftali Katz, and others) who joined the Zborow youth movements from its start. Nachum had a part in every youth group and was involved in Zionist activity in town. He was devoted to the youth, strict and maintaining discipline (although he seemed short tempered and we were afraid of him). After we were in Aretz [The Land], we discovered his kind heart and his relaxed character and his devotion. Even in his old age, he was devoted to his task and supported his family diligently and honorably. In his last years, he was active in the Zborow immigrant organization. All those who knew him loved him. He lived in Jerusalem and passed away there on 12/17/1965.

 

In Nachum's Memory

He loved people and they loved him. He was born in Zborow, Galicia, son of a well to do and respected family, who obeyed the commandments. At a young age, he read Hebrew and Polish literature. He did not join businesses in town but earn a living on his own. He was one of the first young men to immigrate to Palestine and was a true pioneer without formal training. He built a home in Jerusalem with his wife Sarah, z”l, and had an exemplary family. His house was a meeting place for all Zborow newcomers. It was the address to all new immigrants and later to Zborow survivors. All who came felt the warmth, care and love and maintained their love during all his life.

He did not have an easy life. He was a carpenter all his life and in his free time he liked to grow plants and flowers. He was ill during his last years but would not talk about it in order not to bother others. He might have known that the end was near but suffered silently. He was fortunate to see his daughter married and see the growth of young and healthy grandchildren. An honest man who will never be forgotten by his many friends and acquaintances.

 

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Nachum Linder
 
Sarah Linder

Etka

 

Sarah Linder (née Sam), z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

She was Nachum's spouse. She was like a mother to most of us who arrived in Jerusalem. Those coming to their house felt at home. She was a Zborower and knew every adult and youth from the town. She created a humble and beautiful home full of warmth and friendship to every visitor.

She passed away shortly after her husband on 10/30/1966.

May they remain of blessed memory.


[Page 434]

Elka Wald (née Schneider), z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

She emigrated to Aretz [The Land] in 1935. For many years she worked very hard helping her husband earn a living. When better years came, she was able to enjoy life with her sons and grandchildren. She was afflicted with a difficult illness. She was always in our sight. She took part in every gathering of Zborowers. Elka attended every simcha and mourning of a Zborow family. She was a good woman, a devoted mother, and a faithful friend.

 

My Mother, z”l

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It is to never easy to bring up memories and doubly difficult to describe the image of a mother, the person who shaped you more than anyone else.

Much has been written about the Jewish mother. We find her praises in the literature, the Tanach [Bible] and many other records. When my mother's image appears before me, I find that it is like the one described in these writings.

It's difficult to be objective when describing such a close person. But when I try to sum up for myself the outstanding characteristics of her personality, two stand out: first, uncompromising honesty; and second, extreme goodness.

Mother was a friendly woman accepted by all people. During my childhood years, mother worked very hard to make a living for the family ignoring at times her health and strength. In spite of this, she made every effort to enable my brother and me to grow comfortably.

I owe much to mother, who helped me achieve my dream. In times of despair, typical of young people, she was sympathetic and ready to help.

Mother did not hesitate to criticize. When friends did not please her she never hesitated to tell them directly. However, our home was open to all and to this day, my childhood friends remember the warmth of our humble home.

Being from Zborow and having received a conservative education, mother had inflexible viewpoints. We used to argue often about those ideas that were to us old fashioned– but we could not change her opinions.

In my admiration for my mother, I wanted to give her peace of mind. I knew that my personal achievements gave her pleasure, and this pushed me to succeed so that mother could be proud of her son.

Many images appear before me of discussions between us—of mother beaming, taking part in our sadness—mother being a faithful support for her children.

For the first time, I shed bitter tears when the illness defeated my mother in her best years.

Nathan Wald


[Page 435]

Rivka Katz (née Liebling), z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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Delicate and quiet, kind and always ready to help. She was a model homemaker and with her husband Naftali transformed her house into a meeting place for Zborow newcomers to Haifa, She was beautiful and had a beautiful soul. She suffered her illness heroically–until she succumbed. She was active in the organization of working mothers and was accepted by all.

Her noble figure left us with an unforgettable sorrow. May her memory always be for a blessing.


[Page 436]

Sarah Jaeger, z”l

by Zelig Jaeger

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

Edited by Daniela Wellner

 

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Who does not remember Sortshe Jaeger from Zborow, her home that was a meeting place for the Zionist young pioneers, calling each of us “aingele,” “maydele.” A widow, she knew the hardship of raising children, but also had nachas (joy) from her sons and daughters whom she raised and educated. She saw her four children emigrate and establish roots in Israel. In her old age, she joined them and remained sharp and full of humor until her last days. She passed away surrounded by her children.

* * *

My mother was widowed at a young age and carried the heavy burden of raising children. She had a hard life. She was a store owner and also was a home maker and she cooked and took care of her young children. She traveled often to the city of Lemberg to buy cloth and linen from wholesalers. She would return home at midnight during hot summers and freezing winters. During her travel, she carried heavy loads of merchandise. She was an energetic, strong woman, healthy and she had a beautiful ruddy face. I remember that we children eagerly awaited our mother's return. She always returned with presents and treats.

She toiled day and night to make sure her children did not lack for anything. She made sure that we would not depend on charity. We often suffered from shortages at home, but this was hidden from the outside world. We were proud and held our heads high with a smile. My sisters Mania, Sabina, and Tinka managed to go to Israel, but my sister Bronia, and brother Zunio, and their families, z”l, perished in the Shoah.

On the eve of WWII, in August 1939, our mother managed to immigrate to Israel, at the threshold of the Shoah. Miraculously, we were able to obtain an exit permit for her. This happened very rarely but this not the place to give more details–how and what. Our mother found it difficult to adjust to her new life; she missed her children who were abroad.

As stated, four of my mother's six children immigrated: Mania, Sabina, Tinka, and I, as part of various youth movements.

My mother lived to a wonderful old age. She died at the age of 87. At her 30th day memorial [Shloshim], Rabbi Grossman, z”l, one of the renowned rabbis in Tel Aviv, eulogized her and mentioned that she was god-fearing (a tsadaikes) and departed from this world at a “golden” age. We, her children, will remember our mother as a strong woman and a model “Yiddishe Mama.” Our mother was a smart woman and had a rich store of sayings that she used at suitable opportunities. We always cited her wise sayings.

Zelig

 

Here are a few of her wise comments: (in Yiddish)

When we get old, we also get cold. . .you will also get old....

A fool is a constant sorrow..

Children and money make a good world.

He wanders around like a deaf person at a wedding. He cries and eats kreplach.

Good grief–the world is a colorful dream.

You cannot make a shtreimel (Chassidic fur hat) from a pig.

Children seize every minute, every hour.

If you cannot go over, go below


[Page 437]

Josef (Yoske) Khlar, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

He immigrated to Aretz [The Land] and lived there for the rest of his life with his daughter and son. He settled in Jerusalem, fitting well in his neighborhood and the synagogue. He kept abreast of events occurring in Aretz. He passed away after a long life and was laid to rest in Jerusalem. His wife, Hasa was not able to immigrate to Israel. She passed away over ten years before him.

 

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Yosef Khlar and His Wife

 

Moshe Jung, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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He was the only Jew of the town who achieved a strong economic and social standing thanks to his initiative and business skills. In Zborow, he was active in the Poale Zion [Labor] party and at times represented this party in the community council.

Moshe Jung stood out in three ways: initiative, a warm heart, and vitality. His initiative made him rich abroad. His energy gave him strength to survive the Shoah years and overcome the difficulties in assimilating in Israel. From his good heart, came his good deeds throughout his life. His hand was always ready to help the movement, the party or a single town native needing help. He nevertheless remained always humble. He passed away in 1971 in Haifa.


[Page 438]

Eliezer Spindel (Remer) z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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Eliezer was an unusual character. He did not fit into town life. He liked physical labor, being a tradesman, the military. There was no routine like that in the town. The youth group did not appeal to him and he joined a Polish paramilitary group Steltz. Realizing that this was not right for him, he rejected it all and emigrated to Aretz [The Land] illegally. Abroad, he loved working with his hands and continued to do so all his life. He had the golden touch, but he did not tolerate injustice, which did not make it easy for him. He had to change jobs many times. He could not get along despite being a highly skilled tradesman. He was a straight and honest dealer. He passed away on April 8, 1969.


Emil Brumer, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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He was the son of Dr Moshe Brumer. He emigrated illegally to Israel in 1939. In 1940, he enlisted in the British army (engineer corps). He was captured by the Germans and remained a prisoner for four years. While in prison, he stayed in touch with the town with the help of the Red Cross and served as a go-between them and the outside world. After his liberation from prison, he married and settled in Netanya.

There he became a modest and honest worker. He was a simple and honest man much beloved by his community. In his last years he suffered from a long illness but never became despondent. He passed away in 1971 in Netanya.


Moshe Kronberg (son of Chaya-Eydel), z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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He had a difficult life. He survived doing hard manual labor and could barely support his family. He managed to escape the Nazi claws but could not save his family. After the Shoah, he rebuilt his home, emigrated to Aretz [The Land], and was employed as a worker for the city of Ashkelon. His life's hardships left their mark. He died in Ashkelon and was buried there.


[Page 439]

Tzvi Rosenbaum, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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He had a strong and healthy body and was well known in the town as a hero. When the bad Gentiles tried to attack us, he would fight back alone and chase them.

While being physically strong, he was sensitive and good hearted. In Aretz [The Land], he was a laborer all his life and was popular among his friends at work. Our town natives loved and respected him and most of us cannot understand why a hero like him was taken from us.

* * *

In Memory of My Father

Tzvi, son of Shlomo and Feige Rosenbaum (nee Pulver), was born on 10/3/1908 in Zborow and passed away on 10/17/1969 in Haifa after a difficult illness. He was strong as an oak. It was said that he was able to singlehandedly stop a carriage drawn by galloping horses or plunge into a freezing river on a cold winter day. His strength and heroism were well known by many in his native town. As a boy, he could defend himself and his Jewish friends when attacked by Gentiles.

He immigrated to Aretz [The Land] in 1935 with his friends, graduates of the youth group Gordonia, and settled in Jerusalem. A year after he immigrated, the clashes (between Jews and Arabs) broke out and he joined the Hagana (Jewish paramilitary group) and was part of the occupation of Kishle in the old city [near the Jaffe gate, used as a military prison by the British in the 1940s to hold captured Jewish militia members].

He was one of the first workers in the Dead Sea mineral plant. During the War for Independence, he served as a captain during the siege of Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, he was a top construction builder. Actually he was a carpenter, but at that time builders rather than carpenters were needed. So he concentrated on this trade and became an expert in construction. He was ready to help with advice and patents. He got along well with the Arab workers in spite of having strict demands.

His love of carpentry found expression in woodworking when crafting many wooden toys for his children and grandchildren at home. He had many hobbies. He built aquariums, works of art using copper. He raised and took care of pets and his garden that he so loved. Every project undertaken with his golden hands was an amazing work of art ....

He had high ideals and lived by them. Every evil saddened him. He never accepted the decrease in weak morals and the decrease in standards in the Israeli population. It was hard to see young workers avoiding “dirty” manual labor. Even in his old age, although he was not as strong, he undertook hard work. When you shook Tzvi's hand, you knew that this was a laborer's hand; He could not stretch his fingers because of the many years of handling a shovel or a hammer.

He was one of his generation's giants. With his death that special branch lost one of its members who labored hard all their lives with no expectations except for the pleasure of creating. With his passing, we lost an honest, simple community man who we will always remember with love.

Mira Rosenbaum


[Page 440]

Rivka Wolkowicz (Pollak), z”l

By Avner Wolkowicz

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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Rivka was well known for her strong character and her perseverance. She joined the Shomer Hatsayir [a youth movement]. After arriving to Aretz [The Land] she married Avner Wolkowicz and built a beautiful and quiet family nest.

The extermination of her family during the Shoah [Holocaust] caused her great suffering. She tried to overcome this but a difficult and malignant illness took her away. She was the last of the Shimshon Pollak family.

* * *

We both immigrated to Aretz illegally by boat. After several months, we met in Jerusalem and eventually got married. We had no income and Rivka, z”l, worked as a seamstress, a house keeper, and any other available job so we could survive. Rivka was an industrious, faithful, and devoted wife and a wonderful housekeeper.

The rumors of events in Poland during the Shoah depressed her deeply. She would often talk of her father's home, and the town. Her heart was aching for her brothers, sister, and friends who were not able to emigrate to Aretz and she dreamed of them at night.

Her incurable illness did not last long. She did not realize how dangerous her sickness was, only I knew after talking to the doctor what to expect and I kept it a secret.

She passed away on the eighth day of Chanuka (12/16/1974). She was 62 years old.

I will always remember her with love.


Binyamin Buchwald, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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Born in Zborow, the son of R' Shimon Buchwald, head of the community. At the start of WWI, he, like many Jews in the city, left Zborow and ended up in Vienna. Several years after the end of the war, he returned to Poland but could not find his place there.

Before the Nazi invasion, he managed to escape to Russia and stayed there during the war. He arrived in Aretz[The Land] with other survivors of the Shoah. He struggled hard to build a new life without any luck.

Zborow people remember well the emotional and spontaneous Kaddish he recited during one of the memorials for our town's martyrs that touched the hearts of all present.


[Page 441]

Natan Heiman, z”l

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

Edited by Daniela Wellner

 

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Son of Mattel, z”l, and Chaim Mordechai, z”l, Natan was born on August 1, 1905 and passed away on November 15, 1972 at [Kibbutz] Chulda. Natan, z”l, emigrated to Aretz [The Land] in July 1934 and joined the Gordonia group in Chulda. He established roots there, built a family, and had two sons: Micah and Amotz.

Natan, a solid, healthy man on the outside, had a sensitive and soft heart full of love not only for his family but also for all his friends and especially, for Chulda's children, who returned his love. He was an introvert, but aware and constructively critical of events around him.

He became the first driver in Chulda during the most difficult years, the events of 1936 and the War of Independence.

Many drivers were killed on the roads in those years. They were daily, hourly at the front. It was one of the most dangerous jobs. At that time, the settlements were completely isolated, being surrounded by neighbors harassing us. Natan maintained a steady connection and looked after the needs of the community down to the smallest detail.

Natan took part in the 1938 fight near Gesher Ha-Shlosha (where three of our members were killed). He calmly and rapidly extracted the truck from the ambush. He never boasted about this achievement or mentioned it because he was humble and did not like to boast.

His oldest son, Micah, z”l, was killed during the Six-Day War at the Tachmoshet [Ammunition] Hill in Jerusalem. His death hurt us deeply. Natan, z”l, in spite of having endured hard times and many dangers, did not recover from this terrible tragedy. Sorrow and suffering forever broke his good and loving heart.

He did not want to be a burden to anyone during his difficult illness. Against his doctor's advice, he continued to work. On November 15, 1972, at the end of the work day, at 5 pm, as he was preparing to return home, he collapsed on the lawn near the dining hall and died. In a way, Natan was also a victim of the Six Day War, even if he did not wear a uniform.

Surviving him: Micah and Natan, his grandsons.

His memory lives on with his family and home in Chulda he so loved

His wife, Hela Heiman

 

Eulogies at 30 days after his death
(From the pamphlet published in his memory by the Chulda community)

Father, 30 days have passed since you left us in shock and pain.

Dear Dad, we had pleasant and beautiful years together as well as years of sorrow and deep pain that were part of our lives.

I recall happy days of childhood. We had a good and warm home. You were a devoted and caring father. You never raised your voice to me. You were forgiving and explained quietly that one does not do things that are not allowed. You shared all with your children and always wanted

[Page 442]

and tried to grant their requests. During those years, I saw you as a healthy and strong man. I know that you dealt with harsh events. Your entire family perished in the Shoah and you were the only survivor of a large family. You did not give up but found consolation in the warm home you created and strived to raise a new generation to rebuild the destroyed family.

Then you lost your son during the Six Day War. This disaster broke your strong spirit. I saw how you suffered hard and bitter moments when you felt you could not go on. You gave up.

At home, you kept busy with various projects. You took great care of the garden near the house, to make sure that it always bloomed beautifully. You repaired various things such as new paint color, leaky faucet, and the last repair you did–repairing cracks in the walls. But you did not finish, not able to match the color and a stain remains as proof of your labor.

You thought of your grandson even in your last moments. When I found you lying lifeless on the lawn, I noticed a small package of drawing paper in your hand that you had promised to bring him the day before but never got to give him.

Recently, we had hoped that your health was improving and that you were feeling better. We thought you would live for many more years. But your body betrayed you and you passed away.

I will always remember you as a just man, Father.

Amotz Heiman

* * *

I met him in the late 1920s–in our town Zborow. We visited the town because its group set the tone of the Gordonia activities in our district. This was before he was drafted by the Polish army, and was in low spirits. Interest in Aliyah [emigration to Palestine] was not a high priority at that time–and that saddened him.

I met him in Lvov after his military service, when he started planning for his Aliyah to Aretz. I did not realize that we would meet in Chulda.

How did he seem to me? He was a large, solid, quiet man with a kind heart who was admired by the members in the local branch of the movement that he, with others, founded. He was a special person in this branch. Each active team included strong and serious members and this team was important to him. Indeed, wherever people from Zborow appeared–the group became active and sometimes aggressive. In that context, Natan was outstanding. He did not overturn the world, but quietly led the discussion and weighed carefully his conclusions on the matters under consideration. But, clearly, he identified with his friends.

The most difficult period started when he became a driver at the time of the clashes of 1936-1939.

Nowadays, describing driving as hard and dangerous sounds laughable. But during these difficult years when hundreds of drivers were killed on the front lines hourly and daily while maintaining steady supply lines and constant contact with the settlement–driving was the most dangerous job during this time. No wonder singers sang songs praising the heroism

[Page 443]

of the Hebrew driver–Natan Heiman (with Meir Offerman) were the first drivers in Chulda. Moshe Kahane joined them after the clashes began.

Natan, z”l, fought in the “Wadi clash” (later named Gesher HaShlosha (the Bridge of Three), in the month of Tishrei 1938. Thanks to his calm courage–his truck came quickly to the rescue from the ambush, and the remaining friends were spared the fate of the three killed (Avraham Kotser, Yehudah Kleiner, and Nachman Blaushtein). Surprisingly–he never mentioned this bitter day. Others may have mentioned this topic, but Natan kept this fight to himself and never turned it into tale of heroism or self aggrandizement.

It is not possible to end the stories of Natan, z”l, without recalling in sorrow that the Six Day War and the death of his son Micah, z”l–took away his vitality and since then sorrow and suffering gnawed at his heart until the end. Natan became another victim of this war–even if he did not wear a uniform.

Avnon Lonek

* * *

My childhood friend, Natan–

I came to say a few parting words by your fresh grave. I have known you since childhood. You were my first counselor in Gordonia at the dawn of the movement. You joined with other members of the young-pioneers in our town–Gordonia–and you organized us–10-11 years old kids–as the first group of the Zborow branch of the movement. With great patience and great devotion, you took on the task of branch counselor and friendly leader. You were among the first in the branch to train and make Aliyah to Aretz [The Land].

I was also acquainted with your warm Jewish home–your father, a scholar who did not view Torah as a means to rewards. During the day, he tended to his business to provide for his family, and in the evening, he would study and teach Torah. In addition, he was a devoted Zionist. All the girls and boys were members of the movement. When you left, his last son of this family, so dear to him, left this world.

During your years in Aretz, you remained faithful to your group, acting with fidelity and humility. You were a rock when facing life's hardships in Aretz. The hunger and suffering in your life in Chulda did not break you. Neither did the bloody events before the establishment of the state. You never abandoned the steering wheel during the harshest days of the War of Independence. But when you lost your first-born son in the Six Day War, the most precious sacrifice on the altar of the homeland–your heart broke. You bore your suffering silently and carried on with daily tasks heroically. However, there was one change from past days–your smiling face was gone. The pain and sadness from the sad mourning–gnawed at your heart for all these years until you passed away.

May your memory be for a blessing .

Arye Rotem


[Page 444]

Penina Leinwand-Rosenfeld, z”l

By D. Sh.

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

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She grew up in a traditional home, but, nevertheless, joined the Shomer Hatsair [a Zionist youth group]. At the end of 1932, she achieved her dream to emigrate to Aretz [The Land] and reached Jerusalem with her husband Avraham. Living conditions were hard in Jerusalem. Unable to find work, the couple moved to Haifa, where Avraham found a job and their oldest daughter was born.

As the conditions in Haifa became worse Penina and Avraham returned to Jerusalem and decided to settle in the “Gush Etzion” [a section south of Jerusalem]. This did not work out. Life became difficult again and Penina went to work. This situation continued for several years. Their family in Poland was not aware of this in spite of correspondence between them.

At the start of WWII, the employment situation in Aretz improved, as did their situation. Penina became a seamstress of children clothes and Avraham worked in construction. But they remained anxious since all communications with their family had ceased and news reaching them from Europe worried them no end.

Their son was born after the end of the war and at the same time, they received a letter from Poland listing the survivors of their town. It turned out, much to Penina and Avraham's joy, that Penina's brother, Leib Leinwand, was alive. Letter exchanges and mutual visits with him and his family resumed.

At the time of the War for Independence, the Leinvand-Rosenfelds lived in Jerusalem and Avraham went to work in a government office. Until 1960, they rented an apartment in an old house in the center of town. That year, they moved to a new and larger apartment in Bet-Kerem [a section of Jerusalem]. Their children married and grandchildren were born. The family had achieved a quiet and comfortable life.

During all those years Penina and Avraham maintained close contacts with friends from Zborow. They would get together for celebrations, memorial services, and socializing.
Unexpectedly, in May 1975, Penina was diagnosed with a difficult illness that had hidden in her body for some time. She fought that illness for eight weeks but succumbed to it and passed away on the 27 of Tammuz in the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem.

She was buried in Givat Shaul. Surviving her are her husband, daughter, son their spouses and six grandchildren.

May her memory be for a blessing.


[Page 445]

Those Who Died Abroad

 

Moshe ben Pinchas Pfeffer, z”l

2/19/1910 – 11/9/1969

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

 

zbo445.jpg

 

He was born in February 1910 in the city of Zalosce [?], in Galicia, and moved to Zborow in the early 1930s to live with his parents. In his youth, in addition to his studies and his work in the family restaurant, he became interested in the Zionism and took part in the movement's activities.

In 1939, when Poland became divided between Germany and Russia, Moshe stayed in Zborow and worked for an office of the Russian government.

When Germany invaded in 1941, Moshe escaped to Tarnopol, which was already surrounded by the Germans, and was forced to work in a local concentration camp. Work in that camp was unbearably hard. Fortunately, Moshe was acquainted with the Bezer [?] family, whose sons managed the local quarry that supplied the Germans with material for road constructions. Moshe became friends with the Bezer family and thanks to them obtained easier work.

In 1943, the Germans started deportations from the concentration camp until the end. Moshe escaped with the Bezer family to a Gentile acquaintance and hid there until the end of the war. After the war, he married Lola Reiner [?] and moved to Munich, Germany. In1952, he emigrated to the USA and in 1955 returned to Munich where he lived for the rest of his life until the end of 1969.


Meir Labiner-Roth, z”l

By Josef Roth

Translated by Daniel Kochavi

My father, z”l, Meir Labiner-Roth, was born on 5/6/1888 in Zborow and died on 4/14/1937 in Vienna after a short illness.

He had a brother and two sisters whom I never met since his brother Michael died young (leaving a wife and daughter). His sisters never left their native city of Zborow.

After finishing his studies, my father was sent by his father, who was a shopkeeper in Zborow, to train as a printer with M. Ch. Silberman.

[Page 446]

After several years, he married my mother, Witie Raubfogel from Zalosce in 1913, the eve of WWI.

My father was drafted by the Austrian Army and fought on the eastern front against Tsarist Russia.

When Pashmishel [on the Polish-Ukrainian border] fell he was taken prisoner by the Russians and spent four years in the Tomsk and Omsk camps [Siberia]. After the war, he did not return to his native town, having heard that his property had been destroyed.

He settled in Vienna, found work with a publishing house as a typesetter of foreign languages, Polish and Russian, that he had learned during his imprisonment in Siberia.

After some years, he set up a business supplying publishing houses that he ran until his death.

He was active in the community of Jews from Galicia in Vienna, an enthusiastic Zionist who saw his future in Israel. He was also a Gabai [Officer] of his synagogue.

On his death, he left behind a wife and two sons. We, the sons, managed to escape the Nazi claws. Our mother remained in Vienna and was sent—I was told after the war—to the Riga extermination camp and never returned.

May he be of blessed memory.

 

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