VRANETIC, Ivan (1926 – 2010)
Ivan (Ivica) Vranetic was 17 years old when he witnessed the arrival of many Jews – mostly women and children – in Topusko in southern Croatia, where he lived with his parents. In September 1943, following the Italian surrender to the Allies, Yugoslav partisans went to evacuate the Jews held in the internment camp on the Adriatic island of Rab. Most of the men joined the partisans, while mothers with children and the infirm were placed in the villages under partisan control.
The Jewish refugees needed assistance and guidance, and Vranetic, who was always willing to help, befriended several of the Jewish arrivals and found places for them to live. Topusko was only six km from the German and Ustasa forces, and in late 1943, the German army entered the area from time to time and there were battles between the partisans and the Germans. The Jewish refugees were forced to change places of refuge depending on the situation.
Vranetic always warned the Jews in advance of an approaching front, he found them new hiding places, escorted them there, and took care of all their needs. At one time, a rumor spread that the Germans had penetrated a particular area and the Jews there left immediately. Among those that fled were Matilda Perera, her elderly mother, her daughter, and her sister; Erna Montiljo, with her old and sick mother; Michael Atias; Gina Daniti; and several others. In the rush to escape, the group headed erroneously in the direction of the enemy. Vranetic heard about this, chased after them and, after running for two hours, he managed to reach the Jews and point them in the right direction.
Vranetic worked devotedly for the good of the Jewish refugees, and risked his own life repeatedly by hiding and assisting Jews. Vranetić remained in contact for many years after the war with many of the Jews he saved, in particular with Erna Montiljo. Vranetic had wanted to marry Montiljo after the war, but her family objected. Montiljo married a Jewish man and immigrated to Israel. However, this marriage did not last and she later divorced. About 20 years later, Vranetic went to Israel and settled there. He married Montiljo and was later appointed as chairman of the Organization for Righteous Among the Nations Living in Israel.
On March 17, 1970, Yad Vashem recognized Ivan Vranetic as Righteous Among the Nations.
