Names Not Numbers

Ivan Gluck

Nyiregyhaza, Hungary

In Hiding

1927

Ivan Gluck

Nyiregyhaza, Hungary

1927

Ivan was born in Nyiregyhaza, Hungary, on November 21, 1927. He attended a cheder and had two brothers, George and Jackie. When his family heard about Raoul Wallenberg, they were informed by relatives in Budapest to come there for safety. Ivan’s father, meanwhile, was taken to work every day by the Nazis before eventually being sent to a concentration camp.

As the Nazi persecution intensified, all the Jewish residents were ordered to report to the local shul, bringing all their belongings and wearing the Yellow Star. In a brave act, Ivan's mother took her children, went out through a back gate, tore off their stars, and headed to the train station to escape to Budapest.

On the train, passengers needed tickets and identification cards.

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A man entered their compartment and, when the conductor came to check, he claimed that Ivan, his mother, and his brothers were with him. This act of kindness helped them reach Budapest safely.

Once in Budapest, Ivan’s uncle took him to meet Raoul Wallenberg. Wallenberg provided them with a Schutzpass, which designated them as Swedish citizens. Ivan even met Wallenberg when he brought them to a safe house.

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Wallenberg later arranged for them to stay with a “trusted family.”

The family that hid them included a German woman who would speak with the Germans and protect Ivan’s family, risking her life as a Righteous Gentile. During the later stages of the war, Ivan was forced to hide underground in safety shelters. They would sometimes remain in these shelters for months at a time, enduring extreme conditions.

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Life underground was difficult, with food scarce and long waits for basic necessities like using the bathroom. Despite the hardships, Ivan and his family survived, thanks to the courage of those who helped them along the way.

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Names Not Numbers

Ivan Gluck

Ivan Gluck

The End