Stefanyshyn Mykhailo, Pelaheia and Paraska

Mykhailo and Pelaheia Stefanyshyn lived in the village of Bolhan in Vinnytsia region. During the Holocaust, the couple hid the Kleiman Jewish family from the neighboring village of Pishchanka in their house. Motl Kleiman was well known in the village Bolhan, he owned a mill and had authority among the local peasants. Therefore, when the family managed to escape during the deportation of the Jews to the camp in the village of Bohdanivka, Motl immediately turned to Mykhailo Stefanyshyn, with whom he always had a good relationship.

Mykhailo agreed to help his friend. He and Pelaheia left behind their children –15-year-old Hanna and 11-year-old Leonid – and Motl and his wife Etia were hidden in the house of Mykhailo's mother, Paraska Stefanyshyn, who lived nearby.

The Kleiman family survived the occupation in relative safety. Hanna and Leonid looked after the Stefanyshins' two children and helped their owners with household chores. Whenever there was an opportunity, their parents visited them at night. They did it infrequently so as not to endanger their rescuers.

In March 1944, Mykhailo Stefanyshyn was mobilized to the front. Not long after, Pelaheia was notified of his death. Therefore, the Jewish family supported their savior and her children in every possible way.

In 1997, Yad Vashem recognized Mykhailo, Pelaheia and Paraska Stefanyshyn as Righteous Among the Nations.

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