Mizocz Ghetto

The Mizocz Ghetto was a part of the town of Mizoch (Mizocz), which was located in an area once part of eastern Poland but which is now part of western Ukraine. The nearest major city is Rivne.

Uprising and Killings
On or about October 12, 1942, the ghetto of about 1700 people was surrounded by Ukrainian auxiliaries and German policemen in preparation for the liquidation of its Jewish occupants. The Jews fought back in a defense which may have lasted as long as two days. About half the residents were able to flee or hide during the confusion before the uprising was finally put down. On October 14, the captured survivors were taken to a ravine and shot.

Photographs
The shootings were photographed. The photographs were published and have become well known. Frequently the photographs are said to depict other shootings. Historians have commented upon the brutality shown in the Mizocz shooting photographs:

Further, two of the photographs show the "Aktion" in progress. The photographs give clear evidence of the execution practice, common in Ukraine, of bringing the victims to the killing site in small groups of around five or so individuals, and having them lie down among the prior victims, to be shot in the back of the neck or head with a single bullet.

Mizocz photographs have been used ostensibly as evidence of crimes against humanity committed at Treblinka extermination camp.