Ringelblum's Unpunished Notes in Yad Vashem Studies, Volume VII

Emmanuel Ringelblum’s Notes hitherto Unpublished

Dr. Ringelblum, a leader in the social and cultural activities of the Warsaw ghetto, initiated its underground efforts under the code name Oneg Shabbat and was the main contributor to its records. Everything that reached his ears during the day he recorded at night. Some of his writings were destroyed by water or fire, but he left behind an accurate analysis of many aspects of ghetto life. He also relates in June 1942 to Polish–Jewish relations during the war. Despite German efforts to sow seeds of hatred, cooperation between the two sides was still evident. He mentions that at one time Gypsy families were herded into the ghetto much to the resentment of the locals. Ringelblum asks why the Jews do not resist being marched to their slaughter. He claims it is difficult to fight a mass instinct. All in the ghetto are at a loss to explain the belief that there would be no deportations, despite the fact that Cracow suffered many such transports.