Last Righteous Among the Nations living in Israel passes away

Jaroslawa Lewicka, the last surviving Righteous Among the Nations in Israel, passed away in Haifa at the age of 91 in 2021, two months shy of her 92nd birthday. Born in Poland in 1935, she was raised by her mother and grandfather, Katarzyna and Alexander Levitska. At the tender age of six, Jaroslawa began assisting her family in saving Jews during the Holocaust by delivering food, medicine, and acting as their messenger.

Her youthful age allowed her to distribute supplies undetected by the guards. By 1943, her family sheltered two Jewish people in their home and provided sustenance for a group of Jews hiding in the basement of a recently destroyed building, located approximately two kilometers away.

In 1989, Jaroslawa, Katarzyna, and Alexander Levitska were officially recognized as Righteous Among the Nations. Two years later, she immigrated to Israel, became an Israeli citizen, and settled in Haifa. Jaroslawa's life story was chronicled in Maya Klinger-Cohen's book, "Only Red Candies." In January 2021, dozens of students from the Basmat School in Haifa celebrated her 91st birthday at the Beit Gil HaZahav assisted living facility in the Kiryat Eliyahu neighborhood.

The students presented her with flowers, a cake, and recited birthday greetings in Hebrew and Russian. Jaroslawa expressed her gratitude, emphasizing her lifelong dedication to helping Jews and her desire for global peace.

The Haifa Municipality's Municipal Institute for Holocaust Studies, in collaboration with the Rotary Moriah-Haifa Club and the Basmat School, organizes events to commemorate Righteous Among the Nations and preserve their memory. Haifa is home to 11 Righteous Among the Nations, with a special garden in the Ramat Alon neighborhood dedicated to their memory and deeds.

Israeli Mayor Yona Yahav paid tribute to Jaroslawa, highlighting her courage, humanity, and kindness. She demonstrated that heroism transcends age and physical strength, as she actively stood up for others despite the personal risks involved. The Haifa Mayor expressed the city's continued commitment to remembering and honoring her legacy, especially among younger generations.

On behalf of Haifa's residents, condolences were extended to her family and all who cherish her memory, with hope that her spirit will bring blessing to future generations.