Barashi

The first Jewish settlement in Barashi apparently dated to the early 16th century. While in 1789 there were only 6 Jews living in the village, by 1897 the Jewish population had risen to 338, which amountd to 16 percent of the total population. By 1914 the Jewsof Barashi predominated in local trade: they owned the majority of the shops and a lumber store, and managed a mill and a china factory. In 1939 Barashi's 320 Jews constituted 10 percent of the village population. Barashi was occupied by German troops on July 12, 1941. The Jews of Barashi, as well as from other places in the county, that had not succeeded in leaving were held in a building that was used as a prison during the occupation. The building was surrounded by barbed wire. There the Jews suffered from hunger and were abused. In October 1941 the Jews were shot in the vicinity of the village of Simony. Barashi was liberated by the Rea Army on January 1, 1944.