Tree believed to have hidden Jews during Holocaust voted Europe’s best

A 650-year-old oak in Poland that local legend holds served as a shelter for two Jewish brothers hiding from the Nazis during WWII was recently voted Europe’s most popular tree.

The Oak Józef, located in the south-eastern village of Wiśniowa, has been a symbol of pride in Poland for generations. The 30-meter high oak is a popular destination for visitors, and is often portrayed in paintings and photographs. The natural monument was even depicted on Poland’s 100 zloty bill in the early 20th century.

According to local residents and historians, the massive tree also served as a shelter for two Polish Jewish brothers hiding from the Nazis during WWII.

Locals say the Hymi brothers hid in the oak’s hollow trunk after escaping the Frysztak ghetto or a forced labor camp in the area.

“The hollow in which they hid was huge. People say it had two levels, the lower was used as a hideout and the upper – as a lookout,” said Jakub Pawłowski of the Ulma Family Museum in Markowa. “Both brothers survived the occupation but their fate after the war is unknown.”

POLIN, the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, said details about the Hymi brothers were sparse, but hoped the competition would shed light on their incredible survival.

The Oak Józef last week narrowly beat out a beloved 500-year-old Welsh Brimmon Oak to become the 2017 winner of the European Tree of the Year.

Started in 2011, the competition aims to highlight the natural and cultural heritage of old trees in Europe, this year featured candidates from 16 countries.

Over 120,000 Europeans took part in this year’s competition by casting their votes for their favorite tree online.