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Address
by Gens, Head of the Ghetto at the Meeting of Brigadiers,*
Supervisors and Policemen,
May 15, 1943
Ladies
and Gentlemen! Today I have called you here because there is
something I have to tell you:
A
few days ago I went to the Gestapo and spoke to the Commander
of the SD there about the revolvers. I may tell you that he is
not at all stupid. He said to me: "From an economic point
of view the ghetto is very valuable, but if you are going to
take foolish risks and if there is any question of security,
then I will wipe you out. And even if you get 30, 40 or 50
revolvers, you will not be able to save yourselves and will
only bring on your misfortune faster."
Why
did I call you together? Because today another Jew has been
arrested for buying a revolver. I don't yet know how this case
will end. The last case ended fortunately for the ghetto. But
I can tell you that if it happens again we shall be very
severely punished. Perhaps they will take away those people
over 60, or children... Now consider whether that is
worthwhile!!! There can be only one answer for those who think
soundly and maturely: It is not worthwhile!!!
It
is not worthwhile having anything to do with the Poles. I have
said it from the first day, and today I say it more than ever.
You would do better to take a good look at what goes on among
the Poles, how they sell each other out, and how many Jews
have gone to Ponary because of the Poles and then consider
whether it is worthwhile.
As
long as the ghetto remains a ghetto those of us who have the
responsibility will do everything we can so that nothing shall
happen to the ghetto. Nowadays a Jew's whole family is
responsible for him. If that is not enough, then I will make
the whole room responsible for him, and if even that is not
enough the apartment and even the building.
You
will have to watch each other, and if there are any hot-heads
then it is your duty to report it to the Police. That is not
informing. It would be informing if you were to keep silent
and the people were to suffer.
I
am saying this for the brigadiers who are responsible for
their brigades. I demand of the brigadiers that they should
know their people. In an army an officer must know his men
well. And the brigadiers do not know their people. They just
have their passes, sit in offices and carry in [smuggle
foodstuffs] through the gate. Yesterday for the first time I
punished brigadiers because the badges** were not worn
properly by their brigades. by nature I am a very lazy man. I
give an order and then I pay no further attention. I gave an
order that the badges were to be worn on all garments.
Yesterday I remembered this order and straightaway 35
brigadiers were sitting in the lock-up. Starting tomorrow the
brigades will be checked by Levas, and if there is anything
that is not in order, then the brigadier will be punished. It
is enough that the Police have to act as nursemaids. If the
workers do not go to work then the brigadier is trash, he is
no use!
Don't
cause trouble yourselves. If they do not provoke us, then we
must not do it ourselves. Because it is we alone who pay!
Look, think, and see where we stand!!!
[I
wish you] A good night.
Moreshet
Archives, D. 1.355.
*
Leaders of labor units.
**
The yellow badge. |
