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"It is more important to save Jews than to kill Germans"

~ Tuvia Bielski

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The Bielski's were farmers and owned a mill. In June 1941 Germans invaded the Soviet Union. It was Dec 1941 that the Bielski Brothers lost their parents and other brothers to Germans who killed them in the Nowogrodek ghetto. Tuvia,Asael and Zus Bielski fled to the nearby forest they spent time in as children and formed a partisan group.

Later the youngest Bielski brother Aron joined. The brothers gathered 30 relatives and friends to flee to the forest with them. Tuvia was chosen to command the group, Asael became his deputy and Zus was placed in charge of reconnasaince. They were able to accquire weapons with the help of non-jewish friends. Tuvia saw his mission was to save the lives of Jews. In late 1942 a mission saved 100 jews from a ghetto before liquidation. Many Jews in hiding would join the Bielski group.

Through 1943 the group grew to between 700-800 people. In summer 1943 the Germans depolyed a massive manhunt and attacks. The group moved further into the forest and setup camp in Naliboki. There they made a whole secret village with a bakery,synagogue,mill and more. They never turned anyone down who wanted to join and accepted all Jews.

Tuvia and other leaders cooperated with Soviet Partisans. Bielski signified a friendly relationship with Soviet Partisan commander General "Platon" (codename), who would protect the group.

Finally in July of 1944 the Red Army liberated the area where the Bielski and many other partisan groups took refuge. By that time the group had peaked with 1,230 members. This made it the largest group in the area. The Bielski Partisan Group was one of the largest rescue of Jews by Jews.

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Legacy and Effects of The Bielski Partisans

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Legacy and Effects of The Bielski Partisans

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A little over 1,000 Jews saved and over 300 enemies killed. That was the effects of the Bielskis. Even if not the normal home they gave Jews a safe haven to live without having to be judged or worse. The Bielski Partisans presented wonderful acts of courage and bravery. They did what many couldn't. They were able to save innocent lives and even if small they were part of a huge picture. So many out there also were part of groups that commited similar acts of valor. Some even died trying living a short but impactful life. The Jews the Bielski's gave homes were able to flee and after the liberation were able to go elsewhere to start a new life. This shows true selflessness.

Tuvia and Zus and the youngest Aron immigrated to Israel and they all fought in the Arab-Israeli War. In the 50's they immigrated to the United States. Aron ran a taxi buisness in New York he now lives peacefully with his wife. Zus went on to operate a trucking and taxi company. Tuvia drove a delivery truck for his eldest brother Walter who moved before the war. Tuvia passed away in 1987, he was buried in Long Island NY. A year later his body was exhumed and he was given a state funeral with military honors in Israel. Asael after the liberation stayed in Soviet-held territory and was drafted to the Red Army, he tragically passed during the seize of Kaliningrad in February 1945.

The efforts of the Bielski Partisan Group will always be remembered by the survivors and the whole world shoud know about these brave missions they carried out for Jews to be saved

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While saving and protecting lives the Bielskis also carried out missions against Germans. They would attack German supply convoys and trains. They would demolish bridges and railroads and plan escapes for people from ghettos. The Soviet partisans would also help out with missions. The Bielski Group lived a nomadic lifestlye in the forest keeping Jews safe while showing brave acts of resistance.

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"Our revenge is to live. We may be hunted like animals but we will not become animals. We have all chosen this - to live free, like human beings, for as long as we can. Each day of freedom is victory. And if we die trying to live, at least we die like human beings."

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A Holocaust survivor's story: the Bielski Brothers saved her life - 2019 #WeRemember Campaign