Warsasw 1939: Jakub Gold, a silent and undemonstrative jewish boy prepares to study at university. On his very first day he accidently join a meeting of a studet`s duelling corps who humiliate him. In an attempt to defend himself he unintentionally kills one of them. Jakub is snetenced to ten years. In winter 1939 all prisoners are released because of the German invasion. After he flees the ghetto, Jakub seeks refuge at various places. He wants to return in order to help his people. But the ghetto is already destroyed, resistance fighters hide him in an illegal printing plant which is soon to be discovered by the Germans.

in the face of prejudice. Now he stands up for his right to survive, and in so doing represents the fighting spirit that culminated in the 1943 Warsaw Uprising.