Józef Ulma
Male·July 7·Poland·20th century
Józef Ulma and his family were Polish Catholics who hid eight Jewish refugees during the Nazi German occupation of Poland in World War II. They were executed by the Gestapo on 24 March 1944 for their actions. In recognition of their sacrifice, the Ulma family was beatified as martyrs by Pope Francis in 2023.
Key Facts
- ›Józef Ulma was a farmer, photographer, and gardener who introduced electricity to his village, Markowa.
- ›Wiktoria Ulma was an educated housewife and active member of her local church community.
- ›The Ulma family provided shelter to eight Jewish individuals from the Szall and Goldman families during the Holocaust.
- ›They were denounced by Włodzimierz Leś, a member of the Blue Police, and executed by German gendarmes on 24 March 1944.
- ›In addition to Józef and Wiktoria, their six children and unborn seventh child were also killed.
- ›Józef and Wiktoria Ulma were posthumously recognized as Righteous among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 1995.
The Ulma Family, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma with Seven Children
Martyr, Rescuer
About Józef Ulma
Józef Ulma and Family
Józef Ulma, born in 1900, and his wife Wiktoria Ulma, born in 1912, were Polish Catholic farmers residing in the village of Markowa during the Nazi German occupation in World War II. They were deeply involved in their local community and faith, with Józef also known for his skills as a photographer and his interests in gardening and beekeeping. Together, they raised six children and were expecting their seventh when they made the courageous decision to shelter eight Jewish refugees from the Szall and Goldman families.
Rescue Efforts and Martyrdom
In the summer and autumn of 1942, as the Nazi regime intensified its persecution of Jews, the Ulma family provided refuge for six members of the Szall family and two daughters of the Goldman family. These individuals lived in the attic of the Ulma home, and some assisted with farm work to help ease the financial burden. The family's act of compassion was ultimately discovered, reportedly due to a denunciation by Włodzimierz Leś, a member of the Blue Police. On the early morning of March 24, 1944, a patrol of German gendarmes arrived at the Ulma farm and executed all eight Jewish refugees. Subsequently, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma were also killed, followed by their six children. Wiktoria was heavily pregnant at the time of her death, and her unborn child was also lost in the massacre.
Legacy and Veneration
The execution of the Ulma family was intended to instill fear in the local population, but their sacrifice became a powerful testament to their faith and humanity. In 1995, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma were posthumously recognized by the State of Israel as Righteous Among the Nations for their efforts to save Jewish lives. The Catholic Church formally recognized their martyrdom when they were beatified by Pope Francis on September 10, 2023, in their native Markowa. Their feast day is celebrated on July 7, marking the date of Józef and Wiktoria's wedding. The Ulma family's story continues to inspire, symbolizing the profound courage and sacrifice made by ordinary individuals in the face of extraordinary evil. A museum dedicated to Poles who saved Jews during World War II, the Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II, was opened in Markowa in 2016.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Józef Ulma?
Józef Ulma was a Polish Catholic farmer, photographer, and devoted family man from Markowa. He was known for his interests in gardening, beekeeping, and social activities within his community.
What did the Ulma family do during World War II?
During the Nazi German occupation, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma, along with their children, hid eight Jewish refugees in their home to save them from persecution. They continued this act of resistance despite the extreme risks involved.
How did the Ulma family die?
The Ulma family was discovered harboring Jewish fugitives and was summarily executed by German gendarmes on March 24, 1944. The entire family, including their six children and unborn seventh child, was killed.
What is the significance of the Ulma family's beatification?
The beatification of the Ulma family by Pope Francis in 2023 recognized them as martyrs. They are the first family to be beatified together in the 21st century, and their story highlights the courage of those who risked their lives to save others during the Holocaust.
When is the feast day of the Ulma family?
The feast day celebrating Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their children is observed on July 7, commemorating the anniversary of Józef and Wiktoria's wedding.
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