Tosia was a young Jewish woman who played a crucial role in the Jewish resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto. She served as a courier, risking her life to smuggle messages, weapons, and supplies in and out of the Ghetto. Tosia’s bravery and resourcefulness helped to coordinate resistance efforts and save lives.
Despite the incredible hardships and dangers they faced, women like Tosia Altman, Hannah Senesh, and many others played vital roles in the fight against the Nazis. Their stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience deserve to be remembered and honored.
Tragically, in October 1942, Gusta and Shimshon were betrayed by a former acquaintance and arrested by the Gestapo. Despite being subjected to brutal torture, they refused to divulge any information about their underground activities. Gusta managed to smuggle a letter out of prison to her family, urging them to continue fighting and never lose hope.
On November 6, 1942, Gusta and Shimshon were executed by the Nazis. Before her death, Gusta managed to leave behind a written testimony, buried in a bottle, detailing her experiences and expressing her hope that her story would inspire future generations to fight against injustice and oppression.
Both Tosia Altman and Gusta Davidson exemplify the incredible courage and resilience of Jewish women who resisted the Nazis during the Holocaust. Their stories, along with many others, serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable evil. As we remember and honor their legacy, may we also be inspired to stand up against hatred and injustice wherever we may find it.
“These women faced unimaginable horrors and yet they continued to fight for what they believed in. Their stories deserve to be told and remembered.”
As we reflect on the incredible bravery and resilience of these Jewish women resistance fighters, let us honor their memory by sharing their stories, teaching them to our children, and ensuring that their legacy lives on for generations to come.
“I want people to understand that our history is multifaceted and complex.”
The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler’s Ghettos (Harper Collins) is being published April 6, 2021.