March 29 – May 26, 2019
Jewish and non-Jewish partisans organized during WWII to attack, harass, and steal supplies from their Nazi enemies. Their lives depended on their ability to remain unseen, undocumented and unidentifiable. But one fighter, Faye Schulman, had a camera.
The only known Jewish partisan to capture the World War II experience on film, Schulman’s rare collection of images captures the camaraderie, horror and loss, bravery and triumph of the rag-tag, tough partisans – some Jewish, some not – who fought the Nazis and their collaborators.
About the Exhibit
Born in Poland in 1924, Faye Schulman received her first camera from her brother when she was 13. It was that camera which ultimately saved her life, and allowed her to later document partisan activity. Pictures of Resistance: The Wartime Photography of Jewish Partisan Faye Schulman poses probing questions about this incredible woman and the people whose images she documented.
What is a Partisan? A partisan is a “member of an organized body of fighters who attack or harass an enemy, especially within occupied territory,” and during World War II these groups destroyed railroad tracks, blew up fortifications, ambushed German-occupied towns, and disrupted communications in order to stop the invading Nazis.
Museum programming and events are open to the public and include:
Opening Preview of Pictures of Resistance: The Wartime Photographs of Jewish Partisan Faye Schulman
Thursday, March 28, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Hear women’s words of resistance performed by First Stage youth actors and get a sneak peek of ‘Stories of Resistance’ Workshop and curated StorySlam with Ex Fabula.
Untold Stories of Resistance: An Ex Fabula Workshop
Sunday, April 7, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Everyone has a story of resistance to tell. Using the theme “Untold Stories of Resistance,” Ex Fabula coach, Karen Kolberg, will teach you effective storytelling skills, help you connect with other storytellers, and let your voice be heard.
Voices of Resistance: The United States, Social Movements, and the Role of Women
Thursday, April 11, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Over the past two centuries, women have led different kinds of resistance movements, with differing political ends, from advocating for the abolition of slavery to advocating for the right to vote. Join Lilly Goren for an important exploration of women’s voices, their engagement, and their advocacy which has had significant impacts on the lives we all lead today.
Daring to Resist Film Screening and Talkback
Rubenstein Pavilion of Ovation Jewish Home
Tuesday, April 30, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
In this gripping documentary, three Jewish women recall their lives as teenagers in occupied Holland, Hungary and Poland, when they refused to remain passive as the Nazis rounded up local Jewish populations. Join scholar Amy Shapiro for a talkback to explore the significance of Faye Schulman’s unique form of resistance.
“Don’t Ever Say the End is Near and Hope is Gone:” Jewish Armed Resistance During the Holocaust
Wednesday, May 8, 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
Join us for a conversation on the heroism and perseverance of Jewish resistance fighters – in the ghettos, camps, in partisan units and in a variety of underground organizations – who chose to respond to the Nazi Final Solution plan by resorting to armed resistance.
Defiant Requiem Film Screening
Rubenstein Pavilion of Ovation Jewish Home
Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Defiant Requiem tells the remarkable story of Rafael Schächter, a brilliant young Czech conductor trapped at Terezín, who demonstrated moral leadership under brutal circumstances by sustaining hope and courage for his fellow prisoners by creating a prisoner choir and “singing to the Nazis what they dared not say.”
StorySlam: Untold Stories of Resistance with Ex Fabula
Thursday, May 23, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Everyone loves a story! Inspired by the fortitude of Jewish Partisan Faye Schulman, enjoy the evening while being entertained, engaged and emboldened by Milwaukeeans sharing their “Untold Stories of Resistance.”
Bader Philanthropies | Albert & Ann Deshur Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Pictures of Resistance: The Wartime Photographs of Jewish Partisan Faye Schulman was produced by the Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation (JPEF) and curated by Jill Vexler, Ph.D. Made possible by Thomas and Johanna Baruch, the Epstein/Roth Foundation, the Purjes Foundation, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, the Koret Foundation, the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life and Culture, the Holocaust Council of UJA MetroWest, and Diane and Howard Wohl.
ABOUT JEWISH MUSEUM MILWAUKEE: The Jewish Museum Milwaukee is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Jewish people in southeastern Wisconsin and celebrating the continuum of Jewish heritage and culture. The history of American Jews is rooted in thousands of years of searching for freedom and equality. We are committed to sharing this story and the life lessons it brings with it, so that we may enhance the public’s awareness and appreciation of Jewish life and culture. We are committed to building bridges between diverse groups through shared history and to exploring contemporary issues through the lens of Jewish history, culture and values.