Soviet Press Cites Heroism of Jewish Soldiers, Nurses, Doctors at Front

The exploits of Jewish heroes and heroines who have distinguished themselves in the course of the battles being waged on all fronts in Russia are featured today in the Soviet press.

Especially lauded is Isaac Tkatch, a lathe operator from a small town near Vinitsa, whose fierce resistance to a Nazi attack prevented the Germans from crossing a strategic river. When the fascist troops launched a midnight surprise attack on the village in which Tkatch was stationed, he and twenty-two other Red Army men spread along the river bank adjoining the village. Armed with a sub-machine gun and hand grenades Tkatch accounted for sixteen Germans although badly wounded midway in the battle.

Lea Kontorowitsch, a Jewish student who volunteered for duty as a nurse at the front, is cited for her refusal to leave the battle-field although she had been wounded three times. Continuing her nursing duties in the heat of the battle, she was hit a fourth time and died immediately. Published today is a letter written by the commander of the unit with which she was serving to the director of the institute at which the young nurse had studied before volunteering, in which the officer states that the men in his command “will never forget Lea’s heroism.” Included in a list of those decorated at the front, published today, are the names of the Jewish doctors Brynicka, Davidson, Bruk, Fulmacht and Ginsburg.

WHITE RUSSIAN JEWISH THEATRE OPENS SEASON IN SIBERIA

It was announced here today that David Bergelson, noted Jewish novelist, has completed the scenario of a motion picture called “Hatred and Friendship,” based on a true story, the principal character of which is an old Jew in a Ukraine village occupied by the Nazis.

The Jewish State Theatre of White Russia has opened its season in Novosibirsk, in southern Siberia, to where thousands of Jews from White Russia were evacuated in advance of the Nazi armies, it was learned here today. The first production of the season was S.S. Halkin’s play “Bar Kochba,” which deals with the Jewish revolt against the Romans. This was followed by works of Sholem Alechim and other famous Yiddish dramatists. Two travelling troupes of the Theatre are now touring the collective farms in Novosibirsk province producing plays and revues on patriotic and anti-Fascist themes.