The Warsaw Orphan

During the summer of 1942, as the Great Liquidation of the Warsaw Ghetto begins, Sara returns to the Social Welfare Department office after failing to rescue a young boy who was deported. Her superior, Matylda, argues for more aggressive action and suggests that  Emilia (as Elżbieta) join their smuggling efforts. Sara reluctantly agrees to involve the girl in their work.

A week later, Sara and Matylda disguise Emilia to appear older before heading to the ghetto. At the German checkpoint, Emilia panics with fear, but Captain Fischer, a guard, waves them through without incident. Once inside the ghetto, Emilia becomes overwhelmed by the conditions she witnesses. Sara forces her to continue their mission, revealing a hidden contraband compartment in her bag and giving Emilia a Star of David armband to wear as camouflage.

Sara leads Emilia to a youth center on Miła Street where they meet Andrzej, the coordinator of rescue operations. He introduces Emilia to Icchak, a six-year-old orphan whom she must prepare for evacuation by teaching him Catholic prayers. Inspired by her purpose, Emilia spends the day instructing the children in what they need to know to survive on the “Aryan” side.

That night at home, Emilia sketches Icchak from memory.