My Grandpa was born Yoel Ayzenberg (his name is now Lev) in a small shtetl called Wlodawa (1930, Poland). My Grandpa is one of 90 survivors from the Lachva Ghetto. Many believe the Warsaw ghetto uprising to be the first Jewish uprising, but Lachva was actually the first major uprising during the Holocaust. Upwards of 600 Jews died during the uprising. People attempted escape by running through flames and a pushing through a breached fence, all while reciting the Shema. Every morning I wash my hands and then wrap Tefillin, reciting the same words my family did as they escaped death. This is one of the only ways I can think of honoring my great grandfather Issac, a deeply religious man who stood by and protected his children until his last moments in earth. My Grandpa showed me for the first time a few months ago that he has a bullet wound from the night of the uprising. Someone shot my 10-12 year old grandfather as he was running towards the forest. Bullets flying, flames everywhere, people dying, and still: everyone declaring their love for Hashem and promising to continue loving their traditions and their community. 300 people were able to escape through the flames that night, but unfortunately only 90 survived the entirety of the war. My Grandpa saw his father murdered in front of him a few months before liberation. My Grandpa was also the last person to see his brother Avram. Avram was my Grandpa’s little brother. They were very close. Everyday they were running from Nazis and collaborators (non-Jews hunting to kill or “turn in” Jews) looking for “missing Jews” in the forest bordering Poland & Belarus. Avram’s last words to my Grandpa were “I don’t want to keep running”. Thank you to my Grandpa for continuing to RUN! And thank you to Mayan, my beautiful friend who has dedicated time to documenting the testimonies of survivors. Thank you Mayan for seeking to honor their lives before, during, and after the war. These photos mean so much to me!