“A quiet, daily plight against Hitlerism, devoid of uniforms or gunshots”– Krzysztof Dunin-Wąsowicz thus describes the occupation years.
Known among the Warsaw elite for their commitment to the community, the Dunin-Wąsowicz family had plenty of Jewish friends before the war. During the occupation, many Jews sought refuge not only in their home, but also at the cafeteria of the Main Welfare Council (RGO), which was run by Krzysztof’s mother, Janina Dunin-Wąsowicz.
Krzysztof’s father, Władysław, treasurer of the Secret Journalism Committee, was helping Jews by distributing financial aid. The two sons, Krzysztof and Marek, were active in the underground, continuing their parents’ legacy of social activism. Krzysztof was involved with the “Płomienie” (“Flames”) group, the Jewish socialist party Bund and the “Żegota” organisation.
Among the people the brothers helped were Aleksander Artymowicz (formerly Moryc Gelber), the Motyk family (formerly Teichorn) from Drohobycz and those who ended up at the RGO kitchen, including Jewish children from the streets of Żoliborz who had escaped from the ghetto.
Despite threats from blackmailers, the Dunin-Wąsowiczs continued their conspiratorial activities. After their denunciation, the parents were held in the Pawiak facility and the sons were taken to the Stutthof camp.