|
20,000
inhabitants of the Pinsk Ghetto were rounded up and murdered on
October 29 through November 1. To spare the ghetto population from
collective punishment, the Jewish underground in the ghetto decided,
instead of fleeing into the forest, to set the ghetto afire shortly
before the projected liquidation. To this end, it stockpiled
flammable substances. However, on October 28, as rumors of the
impending liquidation proliferated, the Judenrat released soothing
statements in the Germans’ name and frustrated the plans. Just the
same, many dozens fled or went into hiding. A "small
ghetto" was established, and its initial population of 143
skilled artisans was boosted when people in hiding joined them. On
December 23, the "small ghetto" was liquidated and its
inhabitants murdered. |
