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On May 28, Serhii Levchenko – the son of Natalia Levchenko, Righteous among the Nations, Novomoskovsk natives, who during the Nazi occupation rescued from the death the Jew Leonid Golverk visited «Tkuma» Ukrainian Institute for Holocaust Studies.

In early March 1942, when the destruction of Jews began in Novomoskovsk, Natalia Levchenko (maiden name Babenko) was 15 years old girl. On the eve of the shooting Jews were taken to the Samara River, where they were taken to the place of execution. During a general chaos Leonid Golverk plunged into the water and and thanks to this he did not get into the crowd of people, who were taken to the execution. From her house window, Natalia saw the boy, who could not dare to get out of the water, and came with the boat took Leonid, and brought him to the house. Levchenko family gave this boy a shelter, gave him some food and helped with warm clothes. After some time, the rescued boy went to his friends, where he hoped to find a permanent home. In 1996, Natalia Levchenko feat was honored by the State of Israel, which gave her the honorary title of the Righteous among the Nations.

 Levchenko family still keeps the memories about Natalia’s feat. Today her son, Serhii met with researchers of «Tkuma» Institute and the Holocaust Museum, told his mother's wonderful story and showed her official awards – diploma and medal of the Righteous among the Nations title given by the State of Israel.

 By the way, recently at Novomoskovsk City Council public discussion, the initiative to rename one of the streets in honor of Natalia Levchenko was unanimously supported. So we hope, that Natalia’s Levchenko Street will soon officially appear on the city and region map.

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