Page 76 - LEIBY

76 Leiby – Border Smuggler

I lay there, I came to the understanding that for us Jews in the
liberated countries, the war was not yet over. As long as we are
here in Europe, we are never truly free – we are still at war, and
at war, we cannot let our guard down. At war, we must be active
in order to prevail. And if you’re too weak to fight, you have to
run away before you’re caught.

Yechiel’s face grew animated,and he glanced around the carriage
and motioned to Leiby to step aside with him to the corner.

“I’m not running away just to save myself, and in the forest
I never fought for myself either,” he spoke in a low voice. “I
defended a partisan family brigade of four hundred Jews – men,
women, and children.The Russians wanted me to join a combat
unit of theirs, but I refused. I felt a heavy responsibility to help
save my fellow Jews. Now as well, I have no interest in crossing
the border for myself, but I want to aid other Jews so that they’ll
be able to reach freedom. And maybe, maybe, eventually we’ll
get to Eretz Yisrael. If I succeed in bringing Jewish brothers to
a free land, I’ll feel that I’ve done something worthwhile with
my life.” Yechiel fell silent, and Leiby grasped his hand firmly.

Yechiel continued speaking, lowering his voice to a bare whisper.
“As partisans, we know how to get around, we can find our way
through the forests and fields, and so we have the ability to
help others. We must not relax until all Jews are free. We will
not leave Europe by ourselves; we’ll take with us everyone that
we can! I have founded a volunteer organization by the name of
‘The Flight,’ which helps all Jews to escape. We bring everyone
to a DP camp in Germany.”

Leiby wrinkled his nose. “To a DP camp in Germany?”

Yechiel smiled enigmatically. “Yes, Germany is a transit station
on the way to a new life, in America or in Eretz Yisrael.”

“In Eretz Yisrael!” Leiby called enthusiastically. “Boss, I’m with
you! No border will stop me!”

Yechiel laughed. “I’m not your boss, we’ll be partners,” he told
Leiby. “We’ll engage you at the new border that will be set up.