Anufriev Jozef

Anufriyev, Yosef Yosef Anufriyev lived in the village of Korczyn, Stanislawów District (today Korchin, L’viv District). Anufriyev, a young man, was born to a prosperous family that ran a business selling agricultural produce. Through their business, the family knew many Jews, and they had good relations in particular with the Aisenshtein family. In early July 1941, the Hungarian army entered the area, under the terms of their agreement with Nazi Germany. In early August 1941, the Germans took control of the area and the situation of the local Jews deteriorated rapidly. In autumn 1942, Anufriyev found his friend Moshe Aisenshtein in the lumber mill, where he had been forced to perform hard work. Aisenshtein was in need of a hiding place for his family and Anufriyev told him that he was willing to shelter them in his home. A few days later, Anufriyev smuggled Aisenshtein, his wife Genya, and Moshe’s cousin, also Moshe Eisenstein, out of their workplaces in nearby Skole and took them to Korczyn, where Anufriyev hid them in his attic. The Jews stayed there for a whole year, during which time Anufriyev took care of them. In 1943, Anufriyev’s grandfather, who was a drunk, discovered the hidden Jews in his grandson’s home. News of the discovery quickly spread around the village and Anufriyev had to explain to his wards that it was no longer safe for them to remain with him. Through his connection with a forester, Anufriyev contacted a group of 12 Jews in hiding in the forest and asked them if “his Jews” could join them. In return, he offered the entire group food for the duration of the winter. One night, Anufriyev escorted the Aisenshteins to the forest and, because it was difficult for them to walk as they had been stationary for such a prolonged period of time, he carried them on his back one by one to the group. Anufriyev stood by his promise to the group and for the following 18 months, he regularly brought them food. As Anufriyev had a certain amount ofinfluence over the local Ukrainians, some of them helped him assist the Jews. As a result, a group was organized that chopped down trees for the villagers and ensured that some wood remained to give to the hidden Jews for their needs. Anufriyev also organized young villagers to guard the forest in shifts and look out for the safety of the Jews. After the liberation of the area, on August 9, 1944, the group left the forest and, with time, dispersed around the world. The Aisenshteins and Menachem Mansenberg, one of the group, immigrated to Israel, from where they corresponded with Anufriyev. On March 7, 1990, Yad Vashem recognized Yosef Anufriev as Righteous Among the Nations.