Hiding from the Nazis in Nonatola (September, 1943)

The armistice, announced on September 8, 1943, was signed between the Italian government (under the leadership of Marshal Badoglio) and the Allied forces. While the news about the armistice brought some initial joy to the children, it followed with more skepticism and further realization that the Germans will take over the land.

The Military and Political Forces Involved

The Italian Government (Badoglio): Following the fall of Mussolini, the new government under Pietro Badoglio officially signed the armistice to exit the war.
The Allied Forces: The landing of these forces in northern Italy was highly anticipated by the residents of Nonantola as a sign of liberation.
The German Forces (The Nazis): Though not a party to the armistice, the German military was the primary antagonist during this transition. They viewed the armistice as a betrayal by their former Italian allies.

Impact of the Forces on Northern Italy and Nonantola

German Occupation: The German army disregarded the armistice and treated Italy as conquered territory, moving tank columns south through Nonantola daily.
Control of Infrastructure: The German military machine took full control of all major centers and traffic junctions in the region.
Local Terror: In Nonantola, S.S. companies performed military exercises on the roof of Villa Emma and marched in front of the building, keeping the Jewish refugees in a state of constant terror.
The Siege of Nonantola: By the time the full weight of the occupation was felt, Nonantola was entirely surrounded at its entrances and exits by Nazi forces, effectively cutting off the refugees from the outside world. German S.S. companies marched in front of the building and performed exercises on the roof, leading to terror among the children.

The Move to the Monastery

With the “Delasem” leadership scattered and the Villa at risk of being turned into a German military hospital, a “brave decision” was made to evacuate.

Seeking Sanctuary: Indig went to the local monastery at 10:00 PM to plead with Monsignor Melotti for help.
Breaking Tradition: Melotti agreed to help despite a thousand-year-old tradition forbidding women from entering the monastery, stating, “We are Christians… we must help and not ask questions”.

The Evacuation: Under the cover of night, forty boys and girls slipped through the narrow streets of Nonantola, past the S.S. barracks, to hide within the monastery walls. The other forty were spread around town in residents’ homes.

From Yoshko’s Memoirs

“Oh, mother!”—quiet crying. From afar the rattling of tank convoys is heard. To the school building as well reinforcements of soldiers were added. “Marco, one will stay awake and wake the management if something happens”. Boys and girls stand up for duties voluntarily. We are again one family, albeit larger, but with an increased sense of belonging. We were promised at the time that in a time of danger we would receive Italian identity cards. They are ready and waiting for us. There is a flaw in them. Our previous citizenships are noted in them: Croatian, German, Hungarian. But, maybe the inspection will be superficial and our external “Italianness” will convince….

In the morning I went to get the certificates. The little clerk feared for his life and refused me. I left and returned to him accompanied by the mayor. He took the responsibility. On that same day the Germans conquered all of northern Italy. The residents of the village all abandoned their homes and gathered in the street in expectation of the unknown. One of the older boys added a twig to the fire: “All the ‘Delasmites’ left us as well. What will be?…”.

A glimmer of light: from Nathan a sum of money was received for our friends throughout Italy. Last help that I rushed to distribute among the isolated pioneers in various ends of the country. Dinner. Hearts predict bad things. Rattling of heavy vehicles tears the silence of the distress. Nonantola entirely on its entrances and exits is in the palm of the Nazis. We are cut off. According to the rumor, the mayor remained in his post and upon him is the responsibility for order and security. Concentrating the refugee archive and the central clothing warehouse in one place, and in addition to that 80 young Jews, is involved in many dangers.

“There is no choice but to leave the house. At 10 at night I go to my friends the priests. I hurry and the heart is full of anxiety. A ring at the large door and the echo scatters within the silence of the monastery. “Who is there?”. “I, Indig from Villa Emma. I must speak with Monsignore Melotti”.

A sound of rustling clothes. He stands before me in the door. Black and large and the brim of his hat hides his broad forehead. His large eyes ask with affection and sorrow: “Caro Indig, what good did you bring with you?”. “No good, Monsignore. The children are in danger. We are leaving Villa Emma… I ask of you… at least take our small children to the seminary for a few days… here they will be safe… I would not want to cause you unpleasantness, but… after all, you will understand…”. I speak in haste, with a tremor, troubled, stammering, while in difficult expectation for his decision.

The good man stands with his hands folded. His voice is heard slowly and with confidence: “Indeed, I think… we are Christians… when danger is revealed we must help and not ask questions… let the boys come”. To this I was ready, but I added: “But the girls also want to live!”.

“That is more difficult… you know, in the last thousand years no foot of a woman has stepped on the threshold of the house… but… indeed… in the name of God, his mother and the Holy Spirit…”. He makes the sign of the cross and whispers a prayer. “Bring them… but not all of them at once… in hiding… don’t worry, it will be good… God will help…”. Monsignore smiles. He is already at peace with his decision… also regarding the girls. I knew that his superior, the Archbishop of Modena, opposed any granting of help to Jews through the seminary and I understood well the deliberations of the man who stood before me. I admired his brave decision.”