Jews in Hiding in the Warsaw Zoo - a Virtual Exhibition

KJ, 16 November 2016
An asylum, a harbour, an ark - this is way the Warsaw Zoo was described by those, thanks to the help of of the Żabiński couple, survived World War II. Fifty years have passed since the Żabiński family were honoured with the title of Righteous Among the Nations. We now present a virtual exhibition telling the stories of those Jews rescued in the Zoo.

Before the War, Jan Żabiński,  an agronomist, physiologist and a lover of animals, managed the Warsaw Zoological Gardens. Together with his wife, Antoniną, who shared his zoological passions, he lived within the Zoo's grounds. Together, the couple expanded the Zoo, incorporating more animal species.

When war broke out, the majority of the Zoo's animals were killed. Due to public safety reasons, some of the animals were shot by the employees themselves. Had they escaped during bombardment, they would have posed a danger to the public. Others died thereby providing food for the people, while others were simply hunted down. Some of the animals were taken away by the Germans.

The Żabiński family were active in the underground. They hid people, arms and ammunition in the empty cages and pavilions, as well as in their villa. Many Jews found shelter in the Zoo. Among those hidden in The Crazy Star (as their home came to be called) were sculptor Magdalena Gross and writer Rachela Auerbach.

After the War, in 1965, as the result of testimony provided by survivors, Jan and Antonina Żabiński were honoured with the title of  Righteous Among the Nations.

As part of its The Polish Righteous - Restoring Memory project, the Museum POLIN” has opened a virtual exhibition describing the story of the Zoo during the occupation - the story of the Żabiński family and of those whom they helped - sculptor Magdalena Gross, writer Rachela Auerbach, boxer Samuel Keningswein and entomologist Szymon Tenenbaum. The exhibition can be viewed here: http://wystawy.sprawiedliwi.org.pl/wystawa-en/zydzi-ukrywani-w-zoo/

The Żabiński villa, on the grounds of the Warsaw Zoological Gardens was opened to visitors on May 4th. The house, as well as part of the basement where Jews were hidden, can be visited by booking via email to [email protected].

The internet project "The Polish Righteous - Restoring Memory” (www.sprawiedliwi.org.pl) is part of the "Jewish Cultural Heritage" program.

 

Support has been received by the Norway Foundation and EOG through Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

 

www.eeagrants.org, www.norwaygrants.org 
More about the Jewish Cultural Heritage program