The location of this ghetto has been misidentified over the years as Łódź. On a sign seen in the film appears the name"Loewenstad" (the German name of Brzeziny). The hanging in Brzeziny took place behind the ruined synagogue. Comparing the synagogue seen in the film with a photo of the synagogue at its glory (Photo Archive 12231) indicates that it is, indeed, Brzeziny. Betacam SP copy includes burn-in time codes. For a much improved, longer version, see Story 4913 on Film ID 2910 (a 2010 joint preservation project). See also Story 4656, Film ID 2848 for another copy of this footage from the original source: The Ghetto Fighters House (Lohamei Hagetaot) in Israel, or Story 3820, Film ID 2324 for duplicate footage from NCJF.
Jews in Brzeziny ghetto
Located near Lodz, the town of Brzeziny had a Jewish majority - 6,850 of 13,000 inhabitants as late as 1939. During the Nazi occupation, a ghetto was established (Feb. 1940) which held nearly 6,000 people and was liquidated on May 19-20, 1942. Elderly Jews were sent to Chelmno and the rest to the Lodz ghetto.
Brzeziny ghetto. Jews working in snow, digging, posing for the camera, CUs, etc. Empty streets. Sled with goods dragged in the snow from one house to another. Women and men move about. CU, child with Jude star.