Set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, "If Not Now, When?" follows Mendel, a Jewish watchmaker, as he navigates the perilous landscape of Eastern Europe with fellow survivors. His journey from straggler to partisan fighter underscores themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of a future amid chaos. Alongside companions like Leonid, Dov, and the charismatic Gedaleh, Mendel becomes part of a determined resistance fighting for survival and a new beginning.

Encounter Behind Enemy Lines

Mendel, having become separated from the Red Army, finds himself a fugitive in enemy territory. Here, he meets Leonid, a fellow Jewish soldier, and together they evade capture by hiding from both German forces and suspicious locals. During their flight, they hear whispers of Jewish partisans hiding in the woods, offering a semblance of hope and companionship. Longing for a sense of purpose, Mendel resolves to find these hidden fighters and joins them in their covert community nestled deep within the Polessia marshes.

A Fragile Sanctuary

Upon reaching the village of Novoselki, Mendel discovers a sanctuary for Jews escaping the ghettos and labor camps. Despite its precarious nature, the settlement offers a rare sense of safety in a world rife with danger. Led by the seasoned Dov, Novoselki's inhabitants struggle to survive, warding off threats while participating in acts of resistance. Here, Mendel encounters Line, a fervent Zionist, and Pavel, a resourceful former actor, both of whom play pivotal roles in the camp's fragile ecosystem.

Joining a Larger Cause

As winter tightens its grip, Dov, who trusts Mendel as his second-in-command, receives an invitation from the renowned Jewish partisan leader, Gedaleh. Despite the risks, they agree to collaborate on a mission aimed at displaying Jewish defiance to the Germans. Unfortunately, the venture ends in tragedy, as the Novoselki group suffers devastating losses against the might of German reprisals. Undeterred, the remaining members, including Mendel and his close allies, press on to find Ulybin, Gedaleh's chief.

In the Company of Partisans

The journey leads them to Ulybin's well-organized camp, where Mendel learns more about Gedaleh's remarkable survival story—his violin once saved him by deflecting a bullet. There, tensions surface regarding the inclusion of Jews in the band, reflecting broader conflicts within the resistance. As they bide their time, Mendel and his companions are plagued by hunger and a deep sense of loss for their annihilated homes and loved ones. For the Jewish fighters, the war is not just against the Germans but against despair itself.

A Glimmer of Hope

When Dov is evacuated to Russia due to an old injury, the group remains in limbo until Gedaleh reappears, bringing news of the German retreat. This shift in the war's tides allows them to move westward toward Poland, marking a rare period of respite. During this time, Gedaleh's music underscores the anthem of perseverance and self-reliance that binds them together: "If I'm not for myself, who will be for me? If not this way, how? If not now, when?"

Renewed Vigor and Resolve

As the partisans hijack a freight train, they learn of the crumbling German fronts and the advancing Allies. With renewed vigor, they leave the marshes to confront and disrupt the German war machine in Poland, aiming to liberate Jewish prisoners and resist oppression. The devastation they find in Poland underscores the harsh realities of war, yet it also strengthens their resolve to continue fighting until victory.

Rescue Mission and Loss

The discovery of a small labor camp presents an opportunity to save lives. Their raid on the camp results in the freeing of Jewish prisoners, though the cost is high as Leonid...