Page 135 - LEIBY

Chapter 16 135

troop, and indeed proved himself to be worth his weight in
gold. He was on the ball and competent, tall and husky, with
pale eyes and light-colored hair, and with his fluent command
of the German language, he could easily pass himself off as a
true Aryan. The German watchmen that he encountered never
bothered asking to see his credentials – his arrogant posture
and immaculate uniform were enough to convince them to
open all doors before him.

Alexander was a priceless asset when the partisans went looking
for food, too. He introduced himself as an A.K. member, and
the Polish farmers showered him with food and produce.

Alexander and the Jews fought side by side in the Bielski troop
in the forest. He struck at the retreating German army and
greeted the first Soviet tanks that broke through the German
battlefront with exuberant cheers.

And now, his time was up. He was being led to his death, just
as he was working to help his fellow Jews reach freedom. And
who were the murderers? None other than the same Polish
nationals with whom he had fought to liberate their country.

Not even a gunshot was heard. In the gloom of the night,
Alexander departed the world, with no witness and no one to
testify to the heinous crime. His knees buckling, Leiby got up,
and walked slowly towards the railroad. He had to continue, to
complete Alexander’s life work, to pave the way for other Jews
out of the Polish deathtrap.