Vorzel

Jews lived in Vorzel since the 19th century, if not earlier. On the eve of World War I Jews figured prominently in the town’s economic life, owning many shops and warehouses. During the early Soviet period many Vorzel Jews found employment in the local resort industry. In 1939 Vorzels's 174 Jews comprised 5.2 percent of the total population. Apparently the majority of Vorzel's Jews succeeded in leaving before the town was occupied by German forces on August 23, 1941. The few Jews who remained were immediately registered and shot to death soon afterward close to the town. Vorzel was liberated by the Red Army on November 6, 1943.