Shashok Pelageya

Shashok, Pelageya Pelageya (Paladia) Shashok was a Belorussian farmer in her late thirties. She lived with her son Vasya in the remote village of Porechye (today Parechcha, Minsk District). Gradually, members of the Losik family, who were active in underground activities in the Minsk ghetto, were able to escape to the partisans. At a certain point in the summer of 1943, Dora Losik, the mother, was put in contact with an anonymous farmer sent by her elder son, Lazar, who had joined the partisans together with his father Volf. Through the farmer’s help, their eight-year-old daughter, Frida, was transferred to the village of Porechye, to Pelageya Shashok’s place. A short time later, her mother joined her there. In the village they did not have to hide since the villagers knew that Jews were hiding at Pelageya’s home and were supportive. When the Germans combed the area, Pelageya hid with Dora and Frida Losik in the nearby swamp. The area was liberated in the summer of 1944. Thereafter, the Losik family maintained good relations with their rescuer. On April 15, 2002, Yad Vashem recognized Pelageya Shashok as Righteous Among the Nations.