Beshankovichy (; ; ) is an urban-type settlement in Vitebsk Region, Belarus. The town had a synagogue, many houses of prayer, three benevolent societies, and numerous religious schools.

Under Soviet power, Beshankovichy became an urban settlement and was the center of the raion for several years. It later became part of Vitebsk Region.

World War II

thumb|left|War destruction in 1941

In 1939, 1,119 Jews lived in the town, making up 26.3% of the total population. During the Second World War, Beshankovichy was under German military occupation from 6 July 1941 until 25 June 1944, and was almost entirely destroyed. 10,276 persons from Beshankovichy and the raion were massacred, including the entire Jewish population. A resident at the time of the German occupation recalled, "One Jewish family that had not been taken to the ghetto was still living on my street. When the Jews were being gathered for the shooting, the Germans came to get this family. A little Jewish boy was hiding in the fireplace. The Germans found him and shot him right there, in the house."

According to an Einsatzgruppe report, 855 Jews were killed in the town on 11 February 1942, while the inscription on the monument erected on the site of the murders says that 1,068 citizens were killed that day. A Nazi prison was operated in the town. The town was recaptured on 25 June 1944 by the 1st Baltic Front.

References

Sources

  • Beshankovichy. Jewish Cemeteries
  • Photos at Radzima.org
  • The history of the town
  • Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee - Information about the Beshenkovichy district
  • Belarus Guide - Some historical photographs of Beshenkovichy
  • Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee
  • The Road to Beshincovichi - Dr. David L. Frey's search for the Jewish cemetery of Beshenkovichy
  • The murder of the Jews of Beshankovichy during World War II, at Yad Vashem website.