Memory of the Walls: Testimony of Hidden Courage. Remembering the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II
21.03.2025 / 08:23 | Aktualizováno: 21.03.2025 / 09:05
On the 80th anniversary of the end of the World War II, on 19 March 2025, the Czech Embassy held a composite event of remembrance dedicated to Emanuel and Josef Zima, who sheltered 13 persecuted Jews in the Embassy building in 1944-1945. Their story had long been forgotten until Slovak journalist Martin Mózer discovered it in 2013.
The evening was started by Ambassador Eva Dvořáková and as a special guest also Mrs. Ildikó Belicsné Zima, great-granddaughter of Emanuel Zima. The new exhibition, presenting the heroic deeds of Emanuel Zima and his son Josef, was guided by its author Martin Mózer. The exhibition, which was funded by the Slovak Minority Culture Fund Kult Minor, will be placed in an exposition in the Embassy building basement where the group of Jews were hiding for several long months.
The programme, prepared together by the Embassy and the Czech Centre Budapest, also included a literary and musical part: a performance by the poet Renátó Fehér and the opera composer Máté Balogh, who are both collaborating on an opera based on the story of father and son Zimas.
The actors András Borgula and László Iván Nádasi from the Gólem Jewish Theatre in Budapest performed throughout the whole evening.
More detailed information about the heroism of Emanuel and Josef Zima can be found at:
https://www.mzv.cz/public/4d/e5/d5/2955804_1987065_pod_nohama.pdf
and on the web of the Czech TV in Czech languagefrom the 26th minute: https://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/10316155327-horizont-ct24/218411058050717/
Thank you to all the performers and guests who came to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the war and the Zima's story, which should not be forgotten.
