During World War II approximately thirty thousand Jews escaped
ghettos and work camps and formed organized armed resistance
groups to fight the Nazis. These groups were known as partisans.
Despite the odds, women were able to join the partisans. Their
work in the partisan camps ranged from domestic duties such as
cleaning cooking and nursing, to reconnaissance, weapons
transport, as well as armed combat. Women made up approximately
10% of the partisans. Explore the resources of JPEF to learn
more. Take our free E-Learning Course on Four to six page
downloadable guides with maps, photos, questions for students,
and suggested readings: Jewish Women in the Partisans Sonia
Orbuch: A Young Woman with Russian Partisans Gertrude Boyarski:
From Frail Girl to Partisan Fighter