“What echoes within these walls?” I ask you now, standing before Wolyn House. This place is more than just a building. It is a memorial to Jewish partisans. These brave fighters came from Volhynia.
Wolyn House stands as a powerful tribute. It honors those who fought during 1939-1945. The memorial is near Hechal Yahaduth Wolyn. This Palace of Volhynian Jewry was built in Givatayim. Israel Lotan designed it between 1965 and 1967.
Notice the southern side of the building. The memorial is close to the entrance. It features two stone walls combined. One is vertical. The other is horizontal.
The vertical wall displays a reproduction. It is a pencil self-portrait by Alexander Bogen. Bogen was an artist. He also fought as a partisan in the Vilna Ghetto. The self-portrait shows Bogen holding a gun. He is depicted returning from a military task in 1943. His signature is also visible on the wall.
The horizontal wall features the text of a song. It is the Partisan Song. Hirsh Glick wrote it. He also lived in the Vilna Ghetto. The song appears in three languages. These are Yiddish, Hebrew and English. Avraham Shlonsky translated it into Hebrew. Joshua Lior likely translated it into English. He edited the memorial book for Melnitza.
A stone stands near the entrance to Wolyn House. It provides information about the memorial. The inscription is in Hebrew.
The memorial is dedicated to the Jewish partisans. They were from Kamin-Kashyrskyi. This was made possible by donations. Families of the partisans contributed. People like Klorman Shmuel Abba and Zarutzki Yeshayahu. Support also came from Sokol Aharon.
The municipality of Givatayim helped too. Also, the Association of Volhynian Jews in Israel supported this project. Partisans and fighters from Volhynia also contributed. Ayelet Beitan Shlonsky was the sculptor and designer. Michael Alkov was the architect. The memorial honors Avraham Biber. He worked hard to commemorate the partisans.
The wall with Bogen’s self-portrait includes an inscription. It is in both Hebrew and English. It reads “In memory of Jewish partisans and combatants from Wolyn 1939-1945”. The horizontal wall displays the first stanza. This is from the Partisan Song. It urges resistance and hope. Even in dark times.
The stone near the entrance shares more details. It mentions the donors and supporters. It highlights their dedication to preserving the memory.
Wolyn House’s memorial was dedicated in 1994. It serves as a place of reflection. It reminds us of the courage and sacrifice. These Jewish partisans showed incredible bravery. They were the combatants from Volhynia. Their spirit lives on.
As you stand here reflect on their legacy. Remember their fight for freedom. Their story is etched in stone. It is preserved in song. Let Wolyn House be a reminder. Never forget their courage. They are the Jewish partisans from Volhynia.