The World Jewish Congress mourns the passing of Simcha “Kozik” Rotem, one of the last surviving organizers of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising against the Nazis, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 94.
“The passing of Simcha ‘Kazik’ Rotem marks the end of an era,” said WJC President Ronald S. Lauder. “Kazik was one of the last surviving heroes who fought against the Nazis - who were determined to annihilate Polish Jewry - during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. With no regard for his own life, Kazik fought with courage and dignity - the likes of which will never be seen again - and his bare hands to save his fellow Jews.”
“Kazik’s memoir, that documents his unimaginable struggle, will ensure that his legacy lives on and that he will continue to inspire future generations to stand up and fight against the evil known as anti-Semitism. May his memory be a blessing,” Lauder said.
Rotem was born in Warsaw in 1924 and moved to Israel in 1946 after World War II ended. He is survived by two children and five grandchildren.