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In the Zelinkowski family there were
four daughters and two sons. Sara was the oldest and than came Regina
and Leah. Joseph's sister Mania and his brother Gershon, were younger
than he was. The children attended public school but a teacher-Rabbi,
as part of the school curriculum, taught the religious subjects.
Upon completion of his public school Joseph enrolled in a trade
school. From the age of 12 Joseph joined the Hashomer Hatzaeer organization.
The group activity appealed to him and within a short time he was
nominated as a group leader. About two years later when this movement
started to adopt anti-religious policies Joseph sought a different
social affiliation.
The Zelinkowski family in Jaroslaw.
Sitting left to right: The father Reuven,
Gershon, The mother Drayzel. Standing: Leah, Regina, Manja and Joseph.
The oldest sister Sara was already married and Gershon is holding
her photograph.
Young Joseph was very energetic and defiant person. He engaged
in sports and soccer was his favorite game. In spite of the fact
that he was not tall and strong he managed to score against bigger
and older players. As I mentioned before, his father Reuven had
escaped Russia 27 years earlier to avoid serving in the Czar's
army. He lived in constant fear of the possibility of the Russian
army invading Poland and arresting him for his desertion. He knew
that his punishment would be extremely harsh.
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