Alicia Jurman
The main character, Alicia Jurman, is a young girl 11-15 years old, with soulful brown eyes and the courage unknown by many. She lives with her parents and four brothers, Moshe, Bunio, Zachary and Herzl until the beginning of WWII. Her experiences with surviving the Holocaust make for an inspiring true story.
Moshe Jurman
Moshe, the eldest brother travels to Leningrad to finish his education. One night, he appears at the door of their home, beaten and broken. Moshe was on the run from the school, which he explained that those there endured brutal treatment and abuse. He hid in the home until the police arrived looking for him. Moshe was ordered to prison where he died a few months this later.
Sigmund Jurman, Father, Papa
In the fall of 1941, the Germans came and took over their city. All men between the ages of 18 and 50 were summoned to the police station to register," Alicia stated in the book. "We never saw our father again. None of the families of the six hundred men ever did," reported Alicia.
Doctor on a train
A friend of Alicia's father, a physician who he had helped escape from Germany. He was forced on a train with other Jews by German policeman. Held captive in boxcars, a fellow Jew realized one of the bars on the window was loose. The doctor pushed Alicia out of the window of the moving train telling Alicia that he and his children "will suffer their fates together." Page 32
Bunio Jurman
Alicia's brother, Bunio, was sent to collect wood for their family and never returned. The laws were strict that Jews were not allowed in public places. Anyone found disobeying orders were killed or sent to a work camp. Bunio was sent to a camp in Borki Wielki, Poland. Months went by and finally they were told that he had died.
Reb Sroll
A friend of the family who Alicia would visit with and ask to pray for her deceased family.
Baby Shmuel
The daughter of the Jurman's landlord, Sarah, who Alicia at first was afraid to love because she had just lost her brother Bunio. Alicia quickly falls in love with the child, the new life. Sadly, a raid by the Nazi troops resulted in the baby's death. When Alicia, her family and Sarah went to hide, baby Shmuel was left behind in his crib because his cries or noises may have given away their hiding spot. They stayed clear of the Nazis but the found Shmuel shot dead in his crib. His death affects Alicia deeply.
Sarah
The Jurman's landlord's daughter. She was due to deliver soon after the Jurmans moved in and was the mother of baby Shmuel, who was shot dead in his crib by Nazi soldiers.
Lena
A "lovely sixteen-year-old" who Zachary, Alicia's brother, fell in love with, who lived on farm. She was a tutor to the farmer's son who promised Lena and her sisters safety. Instead, they were taken into the city and shot by German police.
Zachary Jurman
Brother of Alicia, he was protective of Alicia and their mother. Zachary tried to seek revenge for the death of a girl he loved and was hanged at the police station. Alicia and friends risked their lives removing his body and burying it by hand in a Jewish cemetery.
Bella
Bella, a woman described as "about six feet tall with two long red braids hanging down on her chest.", and her three child, sister, Rachel, and friend Beniek moved to the ghetto after the "second action."
Bella is warm and caring and feeds Alicia. She also motivates her with tales of her own bravery and fearlessness. After typhoid fever hit the ghettos, she disappeared. After the war, Alicia reunited with Bella, who had her own restaurant in Buczacz.
Milek
A childhood friend of Alicia's, who returns to the ghetto and becomes like family to Alicia and her friend Bella. He would search abandoned and empty homes for clothing that Alicia and her mother could sell, repair or use in any way. After being sent to another ghetto in Kopechinc, he and Alicia found themselves in the midst of extermination of the city. Milek ensured safety for Alicia by using a Nazi machine gun to shoot at the Germans as Alicia ran away. They reunite in 1944.
Mrs. Eckerberg
Living near rgo uihe family in the ghetto, she becomes friends with Alicia's mother. During a raid, she and Alicia are taken away to the Chortkov prison. They were put the same cell and deprived of food and water until one day they were offered a large bucket of water. It was poisoned with typhoid fever and Mrs. Eckerberg died that night as Alicia tried to give her a drink of water.
Mr. and Mrs. Gold
Mr. Gold was a member of the Judenrat and accompanied gravediggers to the cemetery. Jewish people were forced to bury their own people. He found Alicia clinging to life under a pile of bodies from the Chortkov prison and took her to his home where his wife, Mrs. Gold, nursed Alicia back to health. He also arranges for safe transport of Alicia from his home to her home city, Buczacz. Along with food for her journey, Mrs. Gold gifted Alicia money and a letter.
Herzl Jurman
Alicia's youngest brother, who disappeared shortly after the city of Kopechince was eradicated of Jews was Herzl Jurman.
Wujciu
Polish for uncle.
Alicia called the old man she saw in the woods near her city Wujciu.
He took in Alicia and her mother into his home, providing them shelter, warmth and some food. He also had another family - a mother and two daughters living with him. Meets with Slavka to get a bundle of supplies for Alicia and her mother.
He eventually told Alicia his real name was Wladislav Chernicky.
Slavka Chorkov
A childhood friend of Alicia. Ukranian. Alicia used her name when she worked for farmers to disguise her identity. Slavka sent clothing, shoes, slices of white bread and more to Alicia and her mother.
Ozio Fried
A friend of Alicia's brother, Zachary, and member of Jewish partisans who protected the Polish people. Meet Alicia in a potato field she works in. He vows to keep Wujciu's home safe as long as he could. It is stated that he "immigrated to the United states and rebuild his life in New York City."
Manka
Slender, blond girl around 18 years old who lives on the farm Alicia works at. She befriends Alicia, gives her items like hair pins and a beautiful white blouse.
Freida Jurman, mother
Mother of Alicia. Survived hiding for years with Alicia. Hit in leg my piece of shell fragments and was injured. Was Alicia's motivation for survival, before and after her death. Shot andkilled after she stepped in front of Alicia to protect her from being shot.
Russian partisans
Small groups of soldiers composed mainly of Russians fighting against Germany. Alicia encountered them in the woodsh several times and was able to warn them of nearby German soldiers. They awarded Alicia special honors for her act.
Kola
High ranking official in the Russian Army, came to Alicia's home to award her for helping Russian partisans. Lieutenant. Arrangedfor Alicia to travel safely. Gave her his hat and shirt and documents stating how she was honored helping the Russians.
Benjamin
16-year-old Jewish boy who lost of half of his right leg after stepping on a mine. Alicia became a caregiver to him. Regained his will to live thanks to Alicia.
Bronia Valevska
Lived in Chortkov, offered to show Alicia around the city of Chernovtsy. Was apprehended by Russian police and was imprisoned. Alicia was set free due to her documentation, but refused to leave without Bronia.
David Valevska
Brother of Bronia, arranged their release of Alicia and Bronia after appearing at the prison. Member of Polish military.
Officer Mesha
A Russian Jew and police officer who gives Alicia supplies for orphaned Jewish children.
Trivia
A member of Brecha, helped smuggle Jewish refugees. Trained Alicia as a transport leader for Brecha.
Helek
Helek was the leader of Brecha. Male, impressive to Alicia
Peppa
Girl about Alicia's age, fourteen. Met Alicia at the Brecha office. They became good friends.
Alexander
Peppa's cousin. Alicia helps free him from jail using her documents. Alexander tries to kiss Alicia and she was not interested.
Vic Kurtz
Second cousin of Alicia.
Sofie Kurtz
Second cousin to Alicia, tries to teach Alicia to play piano, as Alicia's mother would have done.
Sasha Davidovich
Twenty-two year old who fought the Germans in Leningrad. Accompanied Alicia and refugees on a mission.
Mr. Zohar
Allowed Alicia to attend school as a sixteen-year-old, encouraged her to join PaChaCh after reading an essay she wrote.
Gabriel Appleman
Met Alicia in Tel Aviv, was a volunteer from America, married Alicia in 1950
