Robert Atlas

Robert was taken to a farm in the town of Ropczyce, where he stayed with his “Aunt” and “grandmother.” He remained there for about two and a half years, leaving the farm only on Sundays to attend church. During this time, he couldn’t see a doctor, as any examination would reveal that he was Jewish.

On one occasion, Robert fell out of a tree and had to stay in bed for days, unable to seek medical help due to the risk of exposure.

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In 1944, Poland was liberated by the Russians. Robert’s mother came to get him from the farm, and they reunited with his father. Shortly after, the family traveled to Czechoslovakia, then to Prague, and finally to France. They lived in France for five years before they were able to secure passage on a ship to America, with the help of HIAS.

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In 1991, Robert joined the Hidden Children’s Group, an organization consisting of other Jewish children who were hidden during the war. For the first time, Robert was able to openly express his feelings, and he considers the members of this group to be his family.

Reflecting on their reunion, Robert’s mother once told him she felt as though she had given birth to the same person twice—once in 1936 and again in 1944 when they were reunited.

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