The Remnant - Stories of the Jewish Resistance in WWII by Othniel J. Seiden Page A

breathed deep of the fresh fall air, satisfied with the way the morning went.
    On the wind, the sound of gunfire from Babi Yar continued.

15
Help Wanted...
    Solomon's decision to join the resistance was the easy part. How did one make contact with the resistance? Resistance organizations did not make their whereabouts generally known. Who were their contacts? How could Sol make his intentions known? He couldn't even make his existence known. He asked Ivan if he knew how to contact the underground.
    "What do I know of such things?" Ivan replied. "But there must be a way. Perhaps I could ask in the city."
    "And just who would you ask?" Sosha interjected. "You ask those types of questions of the wrong person and the Germans will come to arrest us all."
    "She's right," Sol agreed. "It's my problem. I'll find a way."
    "Maybe we'll hear something," Sosha said. "There's a lot of gossip in the market places. Maybe we'll hear something without asking risky questions."
    "Good idea," Ivan added. "We should go into town. We'll go today. I want to see some of those Germans anyway. If they won't come here, well, we'll go there, Sosha and I. On the way, we'll stop at some neighbors. We'll get a feel about their sentiments on the occupation. Maybe we'll be able to get some leads. Who knows?
    "And in Kiev-well, the marketplaces are troves of gossip. Sosha will be of more value there. Those women can talk..."
    "Oh and your cronies don't have a thing to say?" Sosha inquired sarcastically.
    Sol laughed.
    "And we'll try to learn more about Babi Yar," Ivan added.
    It was agreed that while the Igonovichs were at Kiev, Sol would stay out of sight. He decided to hide himself exploring the woods around the farm. Sol departed for the woods and Ivan and Sosha left for Kiev. Sol had wanted to explore the woods for some time. He'd thought it would be wise for him to know his way around the area. Sol wasn't looking just for an escape route, but also an alternate hiding place. He thought he might even be able to build one taking the risk away from Ivan and Sosha. It was just a matter of time before he'd be discovered if he remained at the farm.
    The day was warm for autumn. This was the first time since his recovery that Sol had ventured away from the immediate surroundings of his hideaway. It was like a holiday. It had always relieved the drudgeries of the Podol when he had a chance to go out into the woods. It was much the same now. The few birds not yet migrated chirped and were answered by the chatter of squirrels. Sunlight trickled through the trees, making bright patches on the forest floor. Dry, fallen leaves rustled underfoot, releasing a strong scent of fall.
    He'd walked about a half-kilometer when he came across an old trail. In days past, trails led from village to village, but when the villages were deserted, victims of urbanization, trails fell into disuse. The layers of leaves on this trail were thick and undisturbed. "This path is obviously seldom used," Sol said to himself. "I doubt the Germans will ever know about it." It might lead to an abandoned building or village. Might be perfect for me...he thought. He decided to follow it to his left as far as it would go. North, he reckoned. The morning sun was to his right and a little to his back. It threw a long shadow of himself toward his left and a bit in front of him. It amused Sol to have the company. "Okay, if you want to lead the way, I'll follow."
    "They" walked about a kilometer and came upon a small stream. The ancient footbridge was in disrepair, the left railing gone and three-quarters of the planks missing or broken through. Solomon balanced his way across on a mostly exposed log that was the left support of the narrow span. A slight turn in the trail had put his shadow behind him. Looking around and seeing it Sol said, "Ah, on this rickety bridge you let me go first. Fine friend..."
    On the far side of the bridge, the trail took a sharp right and followed the stream. Shadow was