Nazi Germany wanted to create the impression that the initiative for the liquidation of the Jews came from the local populations. Some Byelorussian political leaders supported the elimination of Jews, and yet collaboration was not characteristic to Byelorussians as a group. During the first months of occupation the German reports to Berlin noted a lack of participation of locals in the anti-Jewish measures. In this respect they differed from the Baltic countries and the Ukrainians. One report stated that the population approved of the ghettos, forced labor and the repressive measures against the Jews, but they did not take any initiatives in this respect.

Hiding and helping Jews was highly dangerous. The orders, like in other parts of Eastern Europe, were not only to kill anyone found sheltering a Jew, but to murder his family. In addition, those who betrayed Jews were paid.