Chernevka

Chernevka was known as a Jewish town.

In 1918 a pogrom took place there, during which one Jew was killed. The local Jews made their living mainly from storekeeping and crafts, but some dozens of Jewish families engaged in agriculture. Later a Jewish kolkhoz was established in the vicinity. During the interwar period a large number of young people left the town for the big cities.

The Germans occupied Chernevka on July 14, 1941.

During the first weeks after Germany invaded the USSR on June 22, 1941 many Jews from different towns of the Mogilev District who were not able to escape hid in the local forests. Some of them probably remained in the countryside. At the beginning of the autumn posters that were hung in villages in the vicinity of Chernevka read: “The town of Chernevka – this is a place for Jews. Come in peace. Live in peace. Register with Chernevka's mayor. You will get documents and food.” Some Jews did come to the town, the majority being either elderly or children. All those who came were registered; they received documents and permission to live with the locals or in deserted houses. Approximately 800 Jews from Chernevka and nearby villages were killed in two murder operations in October 1941.

Chernevka was liberated by the Red Army in June 29, 1944.