Testimony of Wiesław Kielar: Execution of Edek and Mala

Danisch and Jupp were now violently screaming. Raus ! Raus ! In a single moment, the square by the kitchen was empty. Only Edek remained. (…) The messenger from block 2 appeared in the entryway of the building. He had come for me. I became terrified. I was certain that I they are sending me to the Blockfuhrerstube. As we walked, the messenger assured me that there are no SS-men in block 2. There were only Danisch, Jupp, as well as Kazek Gosk and they want to give me something. The three of them were sitting in the main Schreibstube. I stood hesitantly in the doorway, looking nervously around the stube. Come closer – whispered Kazek Gosk – don’t be afraid. However, I was constantly worried that his was some kind of provocation. Komm Schreiber. Keine Angst! No Komm! Danisch then spoke to me in Polish – that Edek was a friend of yours. He was a good guy. Even Lagerfuhrer Schwartzhuber used him as an example to the SS-men. The Lagerkapo tied his hands. Edek asked him that he give you this, and God willing you survive to return home – you are to give this to his father. As he said this, he handed me a card folded into a small package. And now go back to your block, and don’t say a thing to anyone, because we’re not allowed to do this. Edek was a good kamrat ! The heroic attitude Edek possessed, inspired even these bandits. In the block, with Jankel and the barber present, I checked the contents of the package. On the card, were the names Edek and Mala as well as their Camp numbers: “Edward Galiński Nr 531 Mally Zimetbaum Nr 19880”, and in the folded paper, there was a cutting of hair: the short belonged to Edek and a curled lock that was of a golden hue – was Mala’s. This time, all three of us wept together.