Yiddish Theater in the Vilna Ghetto

“Yisrolik,” created by writer Leyb Rozental and composer Misha Veksler, reflects the resilient spirit of the Jews of Vilna. Though most of the Vilna Jews were murdered in the horrific Ponary massacre, the survivors continued to aspire to live a dignified life, as is evident through their music and theater. Chayela Rozenthal sings this version of “Yisrolik” [03:17] in Paris with the Orchestre Ben-Horris, ca. 1948.