That time Čedomir Bauer saved Ljerka from being taken by the police. She stayed with the Bauers until the end of war, and they took care of her. Ljerka, in turn, influenced Branko, and conveyed to him her love and interest for art.
After the war, Ljerka went to Israel, and then to Great Britain, but she stayed in contact with the Bauer Family.
Thanks to her initiative and her testimony, in 1992, Čedomir and Branko were declared the Righteous among the Nations.
Righteous among the Nations is a title given to non-Jews who risked their lives in order to rescue Jews during the Second World War, without receiving any financial or other gain in exchange.
This story is just one of many wartime stories from Zagreb, in which “ordinary” people, neighbors, friends, acquaintances, and sometimes complete strangers helped Jews that were in trouble or in danger.
- In your opinion, what motivated the Righteous among the Nations and other persons who helped save Jews during the war, knowing that they risk their own life?
- Why more people did not help Jews?
Think about personal choices and the importance of the people who are ready to help in such moments.