Yitzack Jedwab was a rabbi in the Orthodox Jewish community in Aalten. The deportations began in July 1942. Jedwab and his wife went into hiding in October 1942, staying with the Veldboom farmers in Lintelo as arranged by his father-in-law. Lena Jedwab became pregnant in the hiding place and gave birth to the baby in a haystack. When her state became critical after four days of contractions, Yitzack Jedwab called in a medical student, against Mrs. Veldboom’s wishes.
The baby had to leave the farm. A family involved in underground activities, the Wikkerinks, took it in as a “foundling” and saved the child’s life. The Wikkerinks found a new hiding place for the parents in Aalten. There, the couple could at least see their son from a distance, when Mrs. Wikkerink-Epping pushed young Willem past their house in a baby carriage.
When two German soldiers were quartered in the house, the Jedwabs had to move up to the attic. Until their liberation in March 1945, they lived in constant fear of discovery. Their son was returned to his parents, who were initially strangers to him. The Jedwabs emigrated to the USA in 1948.