So I thought I would not have the opportunity to blog before heading to the airport, but here I am! This morning, we continued our orientation, and when we were done, Robert Bieslki spoke to us. Now, people...this was absolutely amazing. Robert Bielski is the son of Tuvia Bielski of the Bielski partisans. They were able to save 1,200 lives because they found a safe haven in the woods to survive for years. Their spiritual resistance and physical resistance was absolutely marvelous. If you have seen the movie Defiance with Daniel Craig, then you know a small bit about the brothers. You have to remember that Blockbuster films tend to entertain the general audience and the entertaining attributes can sometimes include major historical inaccuracies. The film shows the brothers fighting and attacking much more than what they truly did - in reality, the Bielski brothers would rather save one Jew than kill one German. Physical resistance was used only when it was needed.
Resistance does not mean fighting - one can resist in several different ways. The Jews rescued by the Bieslki brothers resisted by holding onto their faith, singing songs, laughing, and merely living their lives. Why is this resistance? Because it's what the Nazis wanted to take from them.
Robert was a very hilarious and spunky man - he was not afraid to tell you like it is! He made you feel very comfortable with asking questions. I think the toughest part was when he teared up speaking about his father's passion. To my students: you saw the 50 minute film on the Bielski Brothers. Do you remember the ending of the documentary? Robert's oldest brother said, "They always told me that one day I would understand....well, now I understand." And he teared up? Well Robert teared up several times - especially when he told us of the survivors that his father help save. Many of them have told Robert, "I am here and my family is here because of your father." Can you imagine the feeling? Over 40,000 people are here today because of the work of the Bielski Brothers. Incredible...
I have included a photo of myself and him. Don't look at me! Look at him! He looks just like his father...and according to Robert, Daniel Craig had nothing on his father. :)
Resistance does not mean fighting - one can resist in several different ways. The Jews rescued by the Bieslki brothers resisted by holding onto their faith, singing songs, laughing, and merely living their lives. Why is this resistance? Because it's what the Nazis wanted to take from them.
Robert was a very hilarious and spunky man - he was not afraid to tell you like it is! He made you feel very comfortable with asking questions. I think the toughest part was when he teared up speaking about his father's passion. To my students: you saw the 50 minute film on the Bielski Brothers. Do you remember the ending of the documentary? Robert's oldest brother said, "They always told me that one day I would understand....well, now I understand." And he teared up? Well Robert teared up several times - especially when he told us of the survivors that his father help save. Many of them have told Robert, "I am here and my family is here because of your father." Can you imagine the feeling? Over 40,000 people are here today because of the work of the Bielski Brothers. Incredible...
I have included a photo of myself and him. Don't look at me! Look at him! He looks just like his father...and according to Robert, Daniel Craig had nothing on his father. :)