In May 1940, the Germans established a forced labour camp in Bełżec, near the border with the Soviet occupation zone. Prisoners were forced to dig an anti-tank ditch running towards Stary Dzików. By the autumn of 1940, more than 11,000 people, mostly Jews, had passed through the camp and its subcamps.
Among the first prisoners were Sinti, who were brought to Bełżec from the Third Reich on 25 May 1940. Roma detained in occupied Poland were also sent to the camp. Whole families were imprisoned, including women and children. Poor sanitary conditions, hunger and the spread of disease led to many deaths, especially among children. In July, some of the prisoners were transferred to other camps, including Krychów near Chełm.
The fate of the Roma and Sinti imprisoned in Bełżec is commemorated by a monument on Lipowa Street, erected at the site of their burial. On the 86th anniversary of these events, we invite you to a meeting dedicated to the memory of the victims.
