The Jewish Underground Press in Yad Vashem Studies, Volume XV

The Jewish Underground Press in Warsaw

Before World War II, dozens of Jewish dailies and hundreds of periodicals were published in Warsaw. The renewal of Jewish political and public activity commenced in October 1939 and the organization of cells of resistance were the forerunners of the underground press, which first appeared in May 1940. Many of the editors were party and youth leaders, who afterwards headed the ghetto revolts. Reliable information was provided regarding local and foreign happenings; ideological matters were presented and Zionism was stressed. Educational material was published for the youth, who were encouraged to participate in welfare activities. Ties were fostered with cities and towns with concentrations of Jews. When the deportations and mass murder began, the press encouraged an end to passive behavior and championed armed resistance. Yad Vashem possesses the complete available material on this subject. Two volumes have already appeared and the remaining four are scheduled for publication.