Defiance

The three Russians were glad to meet the five fugitives. They were particularly interested in

Mordechai Berkowitz, a blacksmith, established a workshop

With warmth and dryness, a tree, a ditch on the edge of a country road, or even an open field could serve as a resting place.

Tuvia’s leadership qualifications have been attributed to “a great appearance, now we call it charisma. Tuvia was the most handsome of men, very masculine. When on a horse, Tuvia really looked great. He knew how to keep a distance between himself and the people. They respected him.”

Among the invited was Sonia Boldo, an outgoing and attractive young girl, who had an uncle, an aunt, two cousins, and a close friend, Chaja Bielski, in the otriad.

The makeup of these councils shifted continuously. Some members were murdered, others resigned. More often than not, those who resigned were also murdered. Still others committed suicide.

Luba Rudnicki was a cousin of Tuvia’s first wife, Rifka, and the divorce did not disturb Luba’s and Tuvia’s friendship.

When Sulia stuck to her initial story she was beaten.

Sonia insists that for a long time Zus continued to court her and she refused to become his mistress. When she did consent, they became an official couple. This was the start of a marriage that has lasted until the present.