Bidspirit auction | Eight photographs of Jews wearing

Eight photographs of Jews wearing armbands in the ghettos of Poland - Eight photographs of Jews wearing armbands marked with a Star of David in the ghettos of Poland, early 1940s. Photographs depict: Jews with armbands near shops, a Jewish shop marked with a Star of David, Jewish girls, and more. According to the descriptions on the reverse, the photos were taken in the towns of Końskie and Siedlce (eastern Poland) in the years 1940–1941. In 1940, a ghetto was established in Końskie, where Jews from nearby villages were also concentrated. The conditions were harsh—hunger, overcrowding, and disease. In October 1942, the ghetto was liquidated: approximately 6,000 Jews were deported to Treblinka, some were murdered on the spot. A few hid in the forests or found shelter with Poles. Before the war, about 15,000 Jews lived in Siedlce, making up approximately 50% of the population. With the German invasion in 1939, the persecution began: forced labor roundups, looting, and the burning of synagogues. In 1941, a closed ghetto was established, housing tens of thousands of Jews, including deportees from other areas. In August 1942, a major Aktion began: thousands were deported to Treblinka, and many were murdered within the city itself. The ghetto was liquidated in October 1942. About 1,000 Jews were shot in mass graves. Very few survived. Both communities were almost completely destroyed. They were part of the broader tragedy of Polish Jewry.  Average size: 9×7 cm. Very good condition.