Maloryta

Jews began to settle in Małoryta in the 19th Century, following the construction of a railway line in the area. In 1897, the town was home to 227 Jews, who made up about 15 percent of the total population. In the interwar period, there were some 750 Jews in Małoryta, comprising about 40 percent of the town's population. Many of them were petty merchants and artisans, who used the financial services of a free loan society. The Zionist movement was active in the town. Małoryta was occupied by German troops on June 22, 1941. Apparently, the town had an open ghetto, which also accommodated Jews from other settlements. Thus, according to Soviet reports, 339 Jews from the village of Żabinka were brought to Małoryta, and were later murdered along with the local Jews. In the first half of 1942, the number of Jews in the town grew to 883. They were liquidated in the vicinity of Małorita in mid-summer 1942. The town was liberated by the Red Army and partisan units on July 20, 1944.