There have been many books, documentaries and films concerning the brutal treatment of Jews in Europe during World War II. However, besides movies such as “Schindler’s List” and the many portrayals concerning the Warsaw Ghetto, very little has ever surfaced about a resistance movement led by three men, the Bielski brothers. A new book called The Bielski Brothers has been written by a first-time author named Peter Duffy who researched the lives of three men who collectively saved the lives of more than 1,200 Jews during World War II.

Tuvia, Zus, and Asael Bielski were part of a large peasant family from a small town called Stankevich, Poland. The adult brothers lived near their family and became involved in various business endeavors. However, as Hitler’s grip on Poland tightened the brothers realized they must form a resistance group. After their parents were murdered their resolve increased. They fled into the forest and started a community of ghetto escapees as well as those who were willing to leave their homes instead of waiting for the Nazi guards to take them to concentration camps.

Life was uncertain for the people who joined up with the Bielski brothers. They were constantly on alert for German soldiers hunting for them and had to move frequently. However, with time and support from the Russian Army the group was able to develop into a community complete with a barber, butcher, shoemaker, doctor and blacksmith. Enough food was grown or procured from village residents to keep the 1,200 members of the Bielski group alive. Occasional unrest and concern for traitors kept the group on constant alert as well as the fear of a Nazi attack. They obtained weapons and used them when necessary in order to stay alive. Tuvia Bielski was decidedly the designated leader of the group. With his guidance the group was able to survive until the end of the war in Europe in 1945.

The Bielski Brothers has many names to remember as the story unfolds which makes for tedious reading at times. Also, the story jumps around from place to place. However, reading this book is certainly a worthwhile experience. It helps remind the reader of how much freedom we have in our country. The Bielski brothers worked extremely hard to maintain their own freedom and helped protect the freedom of their followers.