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Mikhail ZirchenkoOne of six surviving recipients of the title Righteous Among the Nations in Russia
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and the German Invasion
- The Arrival of Jewish Refugees
- Forging Documents and Concealing Identities
- A Close Call and a Raid
- Captured and Escaped
- Return to Service and Post-War Reunion
- Recognition as a Righteous Among the Nations
- Later Life and Legacy
Early Life and the German Invasion
Mikhail Pavlovich was born and raised in the small Ukrainian village of Blagodatnoye. In 1941, when he was 15 years old, the village was abruptly occupied by German soldiers. Despite his initial attempt to flee across the Dnieper River, he was forced to return due to the impenetrable siege.
The Arrival of Jewish Refugees
In the midst of the chaos, seven Jewish families arrived in Blagodatnoye in November 1941. Facing impending danger, Mikhail and his father, Pavel Sergeyevich, knew they had to act quickly.
Forging Documents and Concealing Identities
To protect the Jewish refugees, Mikhail and Pavel devised a plan to create forged documents. Mikhail skillfully carved potato stamps to replicate official seals, while his father acquired document templates. They fabricated new names and obscured the true identities of the families.
A Close Call and a Raid
Despite their efforts, rumors spread about the potential presence of Jews in the village. Mikhail and his father had only a day to devise a solution. They boldly confronted the German occupiers who arrived to search the village, successfully evading their suspicions.
Captured and Escaped
During an unfortunate raid, Mikhail was captured and sent to a prisoner of war camp. He managed to escape after an air raid, surviving by stealing food and foraging in the forests. After a brief interrogation, he was destined for execution but was miraculously spared by a Czech soldier.
Return to Service and Post-War Reunion
Upon his return home, Mikhail recuperated and eventually rejoined the war effort, fighting in Japan. This time, he returned home safely. In 1970, he reunited with some of the surviving Jewish refugees in Dnipropetrovsk.
Recognition as a Righteous Among the Nations
Thanks to the advocacy of one of the refugees he saved, Nikolai Gontov, Mikhail was awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in the late 1990s. This honor recognized his extraordinary efforts to protect Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
Later Life and Legacy
Today, Mikhail Pavlovich resides in Rostov-on-Don. He is a war veteran, a pensioner, and an honorary citizen of Israel. As a testament to his courage and compassion, a tree dedicated to him stands in the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Park.
