Michał Klepfisz (17.04.1913–20.04.1943)

During the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Klepfisz was in charge of the production of explosives. Through him, the Home Army transferred weapons to the ghetto. He died on the second day of the uprising in the so-called brushmakers’ raccoon, covering a German machine gun with his body and thus saving his companions. He was buried, most likely the next day, where he was found, in the yard at 32 Świętojerska Street or at the back of number 34. It was the first known and certified death on the Jewish side.

For his heroism, he was posthumously decorated by the Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Kazimierz Sosnkowski with the Silver Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari. His symbolic grave is located in the Bund quarters of the Jewish cemetery on Okopowa Street in Warsaw. It is also commemorated by the stone block of the Jewish Martyrdom and Struggle Memorial Route.

translated by Adam Grossman