Hero of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, commander of one of the combat groups.
Zahariasz Artsztajn was born on March 27, 1923, in Pruszków, in a house at 9 Kościuszki Street. He was the seventh child of Icek Wulf Artsztajn, a worker, and Zysla Rozencwajg. His family was involved in the Zionist movement – five of his siblings emigrated to Palestine before the outbreak of World War II, and he himself was also waiting to leave Poland. After graduating, he studied at a Jewish teachers' seminary in Warsaw. He also became involved in the Frajhajt organization (Jidisze Socjalistisze Arbeter Jungt "Frajhajt" – Jewish Socialist Worker Youth "Freedom").
He most likely arrived in the Warsaw Ghetto in January 1941, when the German authorities in Pruszków decided to liquidate the ghetto and deport the Jewish community to the capital. In 1943, he participated in the first armed action, the so-called January Action, which was aimed against the Germans entering the ghetto. Zahariasz Artsztajn, together with Henoch Gutman, were the first to attack the Germans. In February 1943, Artsztajn participated in the liquidation of Gestapo agent Alfred Nossig. He was the commander of a group called "Aial."
On April 19th, Artsztajn commanded a group of 30 armed fighters. The unit took up position at the corner of Nalewki and Gęsia Streets and was the first to greet the Germans entering the ghetto with fire. Zachariasz did not leave the ghetto. His colleagues did not find his group in the ruins. It is known that Zachariasz Artsztajn remained with Icchak Blausztajn, Josek Farber, and others. They defended themselves in bunkers at Nalewki Streets 34, 37, and 38. He was cut off from the groups that left the ghetto on May 8th. He unsuccessfully attempted to break through to the so-called Aryan side. The circumstances of his death are unknown.
