Willa Balbinów

Could a house have prevented a town’s separation? Right here in front of you stands Willa Balbinów. This isn’t just any villa. This elegant building, with its blend of architectural styles, holds within its walls a century of Jozefow’s history. The story begins around 1902. Szepsel Frenkiel, a successful businessman, built this villa for his beloved wife, Balbina. He named it “Balbinów” in her honor. He was a man of influence, deeply involved in the local Jewish community. In fact, he was instrumental in establishing a separate Jewish community in Jozefow. This was a time when Jozefow was growing rapidly, attracting residents like Szepsel from nearby Warsaw. A conflict arose with the Karczew authorities who tried to prevent this separation. Szepsel, along with another prominent Jozefow resident, Henryk Herszlik, stepped in. They settled the financial disputes, paving the way for the establishment of the new community. But the story of Willa Balbinów doesn’t end there. Tragedy struck with the outbreak of World War II. The Frenkiel family, like many Jewish families, were forced into the Falenica ghetto. Their beautiful villa, a symbol of their love and life in Jozefow, was confiscated. The fate of the Frenkiel family is a stark reminder of the horrors of war. Balbina, her daughter Janina, and her family perished in the Treblinka extermination camp. After the war, Willa Balbinów served as the Jozefow fire station. It was later nationalized during the communist era and divided into apartments. Today, beautifully restored, Willa Balbinów stands as a testament to Jozefow’s rich history. A place that witnessed love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.