Quote from student essay

Here is a quote from a recent entry of JPEF's youth writing contest:

A significant factor in my appreciation and admiration of the young partisans came from an organized movie night for teens, where I saw the movie Defiance. I learned that even a minority has a chance of success, and that nothing can be declared impossible, without a real attempt.  When the lights came back on, I looked around me at all of the teenagers seated in the theater. I was struck by the realization that people like us had fought for what was right, in spite of the dangers and hardships. It was the commitment of the young partisans that ultimately contributed to the final victory. 

 The contest deadline is quickly approaching (May 10), but please feel free to pass along the information found at www.jewishpartisans.org/contest to educators and students.

Fantastic Article about Jewish Partisan Woman in Tablet Magazine

Sonya Oshman was a Bielski partisan and has an incredible story. Her material is not on the JPEF site, not yet anyway, but this is a vivid piece on her by Gila Lyons for Tablet Magazine. The story covers the escape from the Novogrodek work camp in Poland (now Belarus) which is the topic of JPEF documentary narrated by Tovah Feldshuh, "A Partisan Returns: The Legacy of Two Sisters".

Link to story here.

See the film on our "Defiance" Page, here.

Mitch Braff interviewed for The Jewish Chronicle

Executive Director, Mitch Braff was interviewed for the article: They Fought Back. The article shares the story of Poland-born Jewish partisan, Moshe Baran, and how JPEF works to integrate stories like Baran's into educational and cultural organizations. 

“Many young people tell us they feel proud after learning about the partisans,” said Braff. “They no longer see their ancestors only as victims.”

  
Read the article by Justin Jacobs at the Jewish Chronicle here.

JPEF Launches Youth Writing Contest

JPEF's writing contest for 8th - 12th grade students is now open! Those interested in submitting an essay are asked to write about these life lessons of the Jewish partisans:

Young people can make a difference
Stand up to tyranny, oppression, and discrimination...early
Question authority

The winner of the most compelling essay- and his/her teacher- will both win an iPod Touch, loaded with all of JPEF's films and the movie Defiance, starring Daniel Craig.

Please visit www.jewishpartisans.org/contest for more information, including a complete list of the contest guidelines.


This is a wonderful opportunity for students to reflect upon the life lessons of the Jewish partisans. If you are an educator, JPEF encourages you to promote this contest in your classroom. If you know an educator, please pass this information along to them.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel at writingcontest@jewishpartisans.org.