Yisrolik

Written by Leyb Rozental and composed by Misha Veksler, 'Yisrolik' was created for a theatre production in the Vilna ghetto in early 1942. It was most famously performed in the ghetto by Rozental's sister Khayele. The song tells of the orphan boy Yisrolik, who peddles cigarettes and greets his harsh fate in the ghetto with an optimistic 'whistle and a song'.

Two versions of this song can be listened to from the Jewish Music Archive at SaveTheMusic.com

For an archive recording accompanied by translation to English words visit the USHMM article on this song.