Bielskis

From United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Facebook:

After the Germans killed their parents and siblings in December 1941, three surviving brothers—Tuvia, Asael, and Zus Bielski—formed a partisan group that operated in the dense forest of German-occupied Poland (today Belarus). At first, the brothers focused on saving themselves and their remaining family members. But over the course of the war, the Bielski partisans would help protect some 1,200 of their fellow Jews.

Under Tuvia's leadership, the partisans began to encourage Jews in the nearby ghettos to escape and join their group, even sending guides to help escort them. In the forest, the group established a thriving community. Workshops employed over 200 people, including tailors, carpenters, and blacksmiths. The partisan leaders also managed a primitive infirmary, a school for the children, and a synagogue. This vibrant forest community helped recreate a sense of Jewish community that the Nazis aimed to destroy.

The partisans also fought against the Nazis by disabling German trains and blowing up bridges, even as they were hunted. However, their primary mission was to save as many Jews as possible. Despite opposition from within the group, Tuvia remained determined to accept and protect all Jews, regardless of age or gender. The Bielski partisans are now known for instituting one of the most successful rescue efforts of the Holocaust.

After the war, Tuvia and Zus immigrated to Palestine, and later settled in the United States. Asael was drafted into the Soviet Army and died on the front in February 1945 at 36 years old.

^ I learned about them when I was a Teenager after reading “Defiance: The Bielski Partisan” by Nechama Tec.

Tuvia Bielski and his Wife, Lila, (married in 1943) went to Israel  after the War and then the US in 1956 and ran a small trucking company in New York City with his Brother Zus. He died on June 12, 1987 at 81 years old.

Alexander Zeisal "Zus" Bielski and his Wife, Sonia, (married in 1941 after his 1^st Wife was Murdered by the Germans) went to Israel after the War and then the US in 1956 and ran a small trucking company in New York City with his Brother, Tuvia. He died on August 18, 1995 at 82 years old.

Aron Bielski (Born: July 21, 1927) moved to Israel after the War and then to the US in 1954. He married Henryka. As of June 2022 he is still alive and is 95 years old. ^