Before this could happen, however, between January 18-22, the Nazis began the second Aktion. Even though the Underground was not prepared, it managed to fight and the Nazis were taken aback. The Underground tried two different tactics:
After January the Underground regrouped. They had learnt much from the Aktion and now began preparing for the inevitable final assault. Jews in the Ghetto no longer retained any illusions about the Nazis' purpose and the Underground became the real leadership. Almost everyone contributed in some way, mainly by preparing hiding places and donating supplies. The Polish Underground was so surprised that the Jews had actually resisted, that they donated a further small amount of arms. Despite, or perhaps because of the hopelessness of the situation, the Underground and the Ghetto were prepared to die fighting. |