How to go
What: An evening with Zvi Bielski
When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24. A 4:30 p.m. Chinese supper will be followed by the screening of the film and Bielski’s presentation.
Where: Chabad of Greater Dayton, 2001 Far Hills Ave. in Oakwood
Reservations: $15/adults, $7/children
Information/reservations: Go online to www.ChabadDayton.com or call (937) 643-0770.
OAKWOOD — The real-life heroes whose story formed the basis of the popular 2008 film “Defiance” will be the subject of a special program on Thursday, Dec. 24, at Chabad of Greater Dayton in Oakwood.
In town for the movie screening will be Zvi Bielski, son of Zus Bielski — one of the three brothers who formed the Bielski partisan group in Poland/Belarus during the World War II-era Holocaust. According to Bielski, who now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., his famous relatives regarded their struggle as a way to avenge the death of friends and family by saving others.
In 1941, the partisans, led by brothers Tuvia, Asael and Zus Bielski, created a village in a dense Polish forest they had known since childhood. The area eventually sheltered more than 1,200 Jews. With the help of others who sought refuge from the Nazis, the group built communal kitchens, erected living quarters, created schools, a bakery and even a theater company. At the same time, the group collected weapons and explosives and destroyed German targets until the region was liberated by the Russian army in July 1944.
The partisans orchestrated one of the largest rescues of Jews by Jews during World War II, and there are approximately 20,000 descendents of the men, women and children who survived because of the Bielski group. All of the original three brothers are now deceased.
Bielski will speak after a Chinese dinner and screening of the film, which stars Daniel Craig. A children’s program will take place simultaneously.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@Dayton DailyNews.com.
About the Author
